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Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. What should I do to prepare for our first appointment?
A. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early before your initial appointment in order to complete
paperwork so that we can make the most of our time together.
Q. What happens at our first appointment?
A. Our first appointment is an opportunity for you and me to meet each other, gather information and generally
get to know one another. My goal will be to get to know you and to learn about
your issues. I will be asking you a lot of questions (why are you seeking
counseling now? what are you hoping to change?) as well as answering whatever
questions you have. Your job will be to tell me your story as openly as you can
and to decide if I am a good fit for you. We’ll finish by discussing whether we
want to work together, and if so, how and when.
Q. What if you are not a good fit for me?
A. Fit is really important and studies show that when the fit is
good, the outcome of the therapy improves. Not every counselor-client
combination is right. If we’re not a good fit, I won’t take it personally, and
I’ll do everything I can to help you find a counselor who’s a better match for
you. The best therapeutic work is when both parties are comfortable with one
another.
Q. What’s special about your practice?
A. My strengths lie in helping individuals with mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and low
self-esteem). As a psychiatric nurse for over 30 years, I understand the value
of teaching coping skills to clients so they can get some relief from the
uncomfortable symptoms that bother them. I will take time to understand where
you have been, what has and hasn’t worked for you in the past, and how those
things affect you now. I believe that your history is important only to the
extent that it impacts your choices today. The focus of our therapy will be on
where you want to go and how we can get you there. It is about possibilities –
possibilities for healing, possibilities for growth, possibilities for change,
possibilities for learning, possibilities for insight and possibilities for
understanding.
Q. What happens at future appointments?
A. After the first appointment, we will both have a better understanding of what paths to go down,
so we will begin to have more focused conversations specifically addressing
those areas of most importance to you. We will set goals for therapy and focus
on the areas that will provide you with relief. I encourage clients to learn all
that they can about the areas that we are working on and will sometimes ask if
you are willing to do some work at home before our next session to help expedite
your journey towards health. Often I will recommend books, or articles to
support you in your learning.
Q. How often will I need to see you?
A. The answer is different for every client so we’ll decide together what makes sense for you.
We may meet every week, every other week, or once a month. And, we may meet for
a few months, a full year, or longer, depending upon your needs. Some clients
even schedule “tune ups” once a year just to stay focused on their progress.
Q. What are your fees?
A. There are a variety of options available based upon frequency of treatment and modality. My office will work with you to provide affordable treatment.
Q. Do you accept insurance?
A. I do not bill insurance companies directly or take responsibility for collecting from your
insurance carrier. However, I will provide you with receipts that you may submit
to your insurance company. Most insurance companies will pay something towards
psychotherapy. I encourage you to contact your insurance company for specific
details of your coverage.
Q. How do I get started?
A. The best way to get started is to call me today! I look forward to working with you!
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