Frequently Asked Questions
Why seek out help from a therapist? How does therapy work?
Therapy is a process of change, moving from what has not been working to a place of what does work. As your therapist I help you explore and resolve unhealthy patterns of behaviors and interactions, which have leave you lost. Our therapeutic relationship, which is a different relationship than those you may have experienced with loved ones, is built on safety. Safety for you to be your whole self. To express and explore those vulnerable parts that you are afraid to show to others and keep you stuck. These parts that are less flattering and maybe even scary. This very process of self revealing and trust building is what promotes healing. At the end of your journey is the sense of calm and strength that you have been seeking.
How long does therapy last?
Therapy is a process of changing previous behaviors and interactions, which have been present for a long time which have been hiding you back, and engaging in new behaviors and interactions that move you forward to achieving your dreams and goals. In the beginning there is some resistance to this change, as change often makes us feel uncomfortable. We feel uncomfortable and anxious because we don’t know what we are getting ourselves into. What will the outcome be? This is why it is hard to say exactly how long therapy will last. On average I see clients, weekly, for about 9 months, but therapy can last any where from 3 months to many years. Each of us has our own pace and process and it’s ok if the process does not fit within this listed time frame, but please know that my ultimate goal is to graduate you out of therapy, with new found confidence and love for yourself that hasn't be present before.
Why does therapy cost so much? Why don't you accept insurance?
Therapy, like any expertise, comprises of experience and education, as well as time and materials. My rate is based on my clinical knowledge which includes my specialized skill set (Trauma) and brain mapping certification (NMT). I understand that the cost can feel like a burden, primarily with all of the other stressors and expenses going on in your life. The cost of participation in therapy is the cost of taking care of yourself and your family's needs. To help you feel more confident and empowered. Therapy can help you find calm and sanity as you juggle everything in your life.
I do not accept insurance but I can provide you with a super bill, which you can provide to your insurance company to try to get reimbursed for the services (this is a very common practice that I can help you with). A super bill is an invoice for the services that you have received which includes diagnosis, code for services, the therapists information, etc. (Click here to see an example of the super bill I provide). I also offer a reduced fee services for members of the Open Path Collective
One of the primary reasons I do not accept health insurance is because they follow the medical model, which basically means that I need to supply my client with a mental health diagnosis (following the DSM-V or ICD-10 Codes). These diagnosis remain a part of your permanent medical record information. They also have access to your therapy records which is a contract we sign with them at the start of services. The problem with this method is that I feel it limits my ability to treat clients with a wide variety of issues which may not necessarily fit a mental health diagnosis. Furthermore, as I work with children, I am resist to giving mental health diagnosis as their brains are still developing and I do not want children to be unnecessarily stigmatized. Now this is not to say that children I see every day do not have mental health disorders which negatively impact their day to day functioning, but for those who do not but may still benefit from therapy, I do not want this to be a barrier for them (and their families) to have therapy.