FAQS
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HOW LONG DOES THERAPY LAST?
Duration of therapy is specific to the client and their unique needs. I typically recommend a commitment of 10-14 sessions. I often recommend that sessions early on are weekly or biweekly until comfortable gains have been made.
Couples therapy has a different structure than individual. There is an initial assessment that lasts approximately 3 sessions and more frequent sessions in the beginning that phase out as gains are made. A period of approximately one year of monthly maintenance sessions is recommended to maintain gains.
Each individual or couple's session is approximately 50 minutes. Groups are capped at a small number of members and are 60 minutes.
DO YOU ACCEPT INSURANCE?
I am considered an out of network provider. This means that I collect payment via credit card or HSA/FSA after each session and then you submit to your insurance for out of network reimbursement. Many of my clients submit for reimbursement from their insurance companies for the percentage of coverage that is covered under their plan.
Reimbursement amounts vary and is determined by your insurance company. Coverage can be checked in advance of scheduling with me by contacting your insurance company and asking what your out of network coverage is for behavioral health services.
Please note that insurance doesn't typically reimburse for couple's sessions as a stand alone service. If at least one of the one client presents with a mental health diagnosis than reimbursement may be possible but not guaranteed.
WHAT TYPES OF TECHNIQUES DO YOU USE?
My most frequently used techniques are CBT focused including becoming more aware of one's thought patterns and their impact on mood and behavior, exposure work to improve functioning and decrease anxiety. DBT and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy are both considered CBT. These methods help with regulating emotions in an optimal way, tolerate distress, and learn the concept of acceptance of our experiences rather than pushing them away.
Trauma informed practices include trauma narratives, interventions for common responses to trauma (such as freezing) including grounding techniques, and integrating the importance of recognizing and responding to dysregulation. These are all evidence based strategies common to treatment of trauma related concerns such as PTSD.
Mindfulness and self-compassion skills are very helpful with preoccupation with worries, fears, regrets, etc. Self-compassion teaches you how to respond in a more thoughtful way that incorporates self-kindness and common humanity.
For couples, the Gottman Institute is my primary resource for interventions and assessment tools. These strategies are also appropriate for many other types of relationships (communication, active listening). The Gottman Institute has been the leader in couple's work for several decades and is well recognized for their research driven interventions. I also have trainings in specialized areas of focus including codependency, affairs, forgiveness, and common sex problems in relationships.
