What are therapy sessions like?

Sessions are usually 50 minutes long. After getting to know each other, I’ll keep in mind the concerns and goals we’ve clarified. You may want to focus on something immediate. We can do that, from the perspective of your goals. Or you may not feel urgency, and we’ll explore desired change. I might ask you to think about how you reflect on various aspects of yourself. It's possible to incorporate creative work or role playing as well. I might suggest trying something that you don’t like, and it’s always your choice.

Privacy and confidentiality?

Confidentiality is not only the law, it’s the right thing to do. We wouldn’t get very far if we didn’t have that agreement right from the start. So yes, everything we discuss in session, and even the fact that we know one another is kept confidential. You can discuss our work with whomever you choose. But my obligation is to protect your privacy.

How often will we meet?  

Lasting change only works with consistency. When you schedule a regular time, I am committed to be there for you every week. Without consistency, we’d spend a certain amount of our time repeating discussions or recreating earlier efforts. There may be days that you don't want to come, which may be the most important days to come. You may want therapy to always feel good, and yet it won’t always feel good. These moments are every bit as important as more enjoyable times. It's important that you’re not only physically there, but that you bring your curiosity as well. Stay curious about not wanting to come, and we’ll see what’s on the other side. By riding out the ups and downs of regular sessions, you'll have the best possible chance of getting what you want out of therapy.

Is work required between sessions?

That will depend on you, your goals, and how you choose to use your process. For some, referrals to group activities are appropriate. For others, keeping a journal or a log may be helpful. And for others, just getting to our meetings is all they have room for. Therapy happens in noticing how our work impacts your life between sessions. Our work together can often involve looking at how your thoughts, emotions, or other experiences evolve around a given facet of your daily life.

Does therapy mean I can’t handle my own problems?

You’ve handled your own problems for most of your life. Surely you have life skills that are well worth honoring as earned wisdom. And real life is about facing challenges as opportunities for growth and change. Seeking therapy means that you’re open to new ideas. It demonstrates that you’re not stuck. You reach out into the world for growth. You're NOT attempting the same fixes that you've already tried and that didn't work. You're ready to try something new. Our work together uses what you already know, and builds on it.

How will I know that it’s time to end?

Throughout our work we will be assessing that question. The question of ending therapy can arise during difficult periods of change. Of course it’s natural to want to move away from what’s uncomfortable. And yet, discomfort is why you came to therapy in the first place. So it’s important to discuss the question of whether this is an opportunity to face a challenge differently, or if you have actually come to the end of the therapeutic work you came to do.

What’s the cost?

Call for an initial free 15 minute consultation. My fee for continuing is $190 per session. Each session is 50 minutes in length. Thus, a double session would be one hour and forty minutes for $380. I do offer a limited number of appointment times at a sliding scale rate. If you’re interested in a sliding scale rate, let me know when we talk on the phone prior to our first meeting. I'll let you know if I have any openings at the lower rates. 

Is there a cancellation policy?

Please provide as much advance notice as possible of planned cancellations, and I'll do the same. Payment is required for cancelled sessions with less than 48 hours notice. If you are seeing me under your insurance plan please be aware that insurance will not reimburse payment for missed sessions, and you will be responsible for payment. If there is no way to avoid canceling within that 48 hour period, we can attempt to reschedule for another time that works for both of us, and apply your fee to that rescheduled meeting. This is only an option when we are both able to accommodate an alternate appointment time within a reasonable time frame.  

Is insurance accepted?

I am in-network as a provider with Health Net and Tricare West. Otherwise, I am happy to provide the superbill you’ll need for completing an insurance claim for an out-of-network with your insurance. If you have established a Flexible Spending Health Care Account, my superbill  can also be used for reimbursement from your account. If you belong to an HMO or plan to use Medicare, you will not be covered for out-of-network services. Those programs will only cover professionals on their list of service providers.