FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
If you cannot find the answer to your question, please contact me by phone at 561-558-2875 or email and I will do my best to help.

How do I choose a therapist?

Choosing a therapist is not like choosing pair of shoes. Second to your personal resources and circumstances, the quality of the relationship between you and your therapist is a major predictor of your satisfaction with the ultimate outcome. Getting a recommendation from a trusted friend (who knows this therapist) or through a professional, such as a physician or attorney who has worked with the counselor on a professional level are probably the best ways to get started. Using services like the internet to find a therapist can also be very helpful in determining whether a counselor has the experience and way of thinking that would be right for you. Many therapists, including me, offer a complimentary, brief initial consultation to allow you to get a sense of whether you feel comfortable sitting in a room and discussing important matters with the counselor. 
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How long should I continue counseling?

That depends. Therapy is only useful as long as you see some general benefit from it over all. Some counselors are trained to address therapy as a long term process in which one uncovers more about themselves one layer at a time. Others, including myself, are trained in brief modalities of therapy, addressing the problems and issues the client brings to the process as they arise. Some problems are more complex than others. 

Much of the time you will feel better or relieved after a session, but at other times you may have brought up issues that are painful. Ideally, there would be enough time in a session to shed new light and hope on the circumstances. This is not always that case and you can leave a session feeling lousy. Sometimes when this happens, people are reluctant to return to therapy and drop it altogether. If this comes up for you during the therapeutic process, it is important to mention it to your counselor and continue therapy until the issue feels resolved or manageable. Problems don't go away by ignoring them. Therapy is an ideal place to address matters that you are reluctant to address in other situations. For your own benefit, you may consider continuing counseling until you see these difficult matters in a new light or have new ways to manage them.
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What sorts of problems are handled in therapy?

Just about anything. But, in general people bring issues to counseling that they have tried to resolve themselves without success. Having a neutral third party, often helps provide some perspective on the problem and allows for other potential solutions. Other times, you may need support while going through a difficult period of life and having someone to speak with confidentially will allow you to be truthful about your thoughts and feelings. While some therapists specialize in certain areas, most get general training allowing them to address whatever issue you bring up. If your problem is very specific or complex and the therapist does not have the training or expertise to address your specific issue, it would be wise to get a referral to a specialist. 
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How expensive is counseling?

Most therapists work on a per session basis. The fees are generally determined by the going rate in your geographical region. Therapy in California and the Northeast tends to be more expensive than other areas of the country. Many people utilize their health insurance to pay for psychotherapy. Others prefer to pay out of pocket in order to maintain complete confidentiality. Due to the lack of federal mental health parity laws, deductibles, co-pays, and number of allowable visits often differ from general medical services. 

If you intend to use your health insurance to pay for psychotherapy, it is best to contact them ahead of time and ask about how many sessions are covered, which mental health services are covered and which are not,  if the therapist of your choosing can be reimbursed directly or if they reimburse you, whether you can utilize the services of an out-of-network provider, and what happens if your network provider leaves the panel.

Research has indicated that patients who pay something toward their therapy also tend to be more satisfied with the results. Therapy is an investment, in yourself or in your relationship. Many counselors, including myself, are willing to work on a sliding scale if you are willing to invest the time and energy in to making positive change in your life, but do not have the resources to pay the full fee. If you are in financial need, ask your therapist if they are willing to adjust their fees.
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How does therapy work?

Well, to be fair therapy itself is not a discrete event that "cures" a problem. Therapy is a process by which you and your counselor collaborate to find the best way of developing positive change in your life. This is different for different people. Therapy has been described as a "talking cure," which is in part true. Counselors don't use medications, herbs, or physical touch to bring you symptom relief (although you may work in conjunction with other professionals who do provide such services). Therapists use theory and clinical experience to help you understand your concerns and shift your thoughts, feelings and behaviors in a way that creates positive change. Counselors may also provide support and direction during difficult, but "normal," transitions in life. 
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Call for a complimentary telephone consultation 561-558-2875 or click here to email request.