What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?
Good question. There is a big difference. The difference is between someone who is subjectively involved in your life, and a professional who has objectivity, training, expert knowledge, and experience. Family and friends have the potential to offer support, yet not in the same method or type.
Professionals can help you approach your situation in a new way:
- Listen without judgment or expectations
- Ensure confidentiality
- Provide helpful perspectives
- Offer genuine support and help
- Listen with no ulterior motives
- Teach new information or skills
What do I have to do during sessions?
In general, you can expect to discuss or learn about the current events happening in your life, history relevant to your issue, and talk about progress (or any new insights gained). I will provide feedback and guide you as we talk and explore. Suggestions may be provided for you to consider incorporating outside of our meetings, to support your progress.
How long will this take?
You are probably very busy, so we will work around your schedule to fit this in while keeping up a regular pace to maintain progress. Sessions are typically 50 minutes, once a week. This frame is necessary for building our relationship and keeping the momentum going so you can get the most out of therapy. Therapy works best when this weekly session is held as consistently as possible. Depending on your specific needs, counseling and learning can be short-term, for a specific issue, or longer-term, to address more ingrained patterns. We can discuss this further in person, as I hear more about your situation and concerns.
My partner and I are having problems. Should we be in individual counseling or come together?
Ideally, the couple would come together. If that is not possible, simply make an appointment individually. The most important step is to make the appointment, as an individual or couple, or there is lessened potential for increased satisfaction. If you are concerned about your relationship, this is normal. Most individuals wonder how healthy their relationship is and if it could be better. Society teaches us to focus on the fun of falling in love but not the tools to make relationships work well in the long-term.
What is your fee?
My regular fee is $150 per session. Depending on need and availability, I offer a sliding scale so please call to discuss fee. If you have PPO Health Insurance, a health savings account, or medical reimbursement account through your employer, I can provide you with a statement as needed.