Why Don't You Take Insurance?

If you're wondering why I don’t work with insurance, here's the short answer: When you submit a claim to your insurance company, they will often determine the way we work together and the length of treatment. Insurance companies also require me to assign you a diagnosis in order to provide reimbursement.

Are There Any Benefits to Private Pay?

There are several benefits of entering therapy as a private pay client (paying for therapy services directly). Many insurance providers require a diagnosis for treatment and some clients prefer the benefit of privacy that comes with private pay as there are no requirements for diagnosis or reporting to a third party. Additionally, as a private pay client, you will not have your treatment length, frequency, and format determined by your insurance provider. Lastly, you have the power of choice in choosing the therapist who is the best fit for the work you hope to do in therapy and are not limited by the list of providers offered through insurance.

What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?

The difference is between someone who can do something, and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, therapy is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, if you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.

Is what I share in therapy kept private?

What you share in your therapy sessions is confidential, which means that the information stays between you and your therapist. The are a few exceptions to confidentiality where your information is mandated by law to be reported. First, in cases of child, elder, and disabled person abuse or neglect. Second, if you are at risk of seriously harming yourself or someone else. Last, if your therapist is subpoenaed to testify in court. Outside of these three exceptions, you must release in writing any information that you would like to be disclosed to someone outside of the relationship between yourself and your therapist.

How long will it take?

Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time therapy can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek therapy in the first place.

I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?

I am so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. To get the most out of counseling, I invite you to creating time to process our work through journaling, recording your dreams, talking with trusted loved ones, reading books, watching movies and videos, and listening to songs. You can reference some resources here. Incorporating movement, play and mindfulness can also help deepen therapy and increase your well-being.

I don't have the time or money for counseling. Can I wait?

If you don't take care of yourself, nothing you are doing in life is sustainable. The quality of your work begins to suffer. Your relationships become strained. Your health declines. Each of these examples are extremely costly. An hour a week, or every other week, investing in your mental and emotional health will produce far reaching results. The heavy weight you've been carrying around with you will lighten. You'll be able to focus and think clearly. Decisions that once seemed impossible begin to crystalize. Your heart will be open to yourself and your loved ones, improving your relationships. Only you can decide how valuable your wellbeing and peace of mind are to you. You deserve to live with peace in your heart, mind and soul.

What if I'm not ready to let go?

We are never ready for our loved ones to die, relationships to end, or illness to set in. It makes sense that you don't want to let go. You hear a lot of messages that you should "get over it," "move on," or "find closure." Usually, these messages given by people who care for you and find it hard to see you in pain. They mean well. But, that's not what grieving is about. I believe grief counseling allows you to embrace your feelings and honor what you have lost. Over time, however long it is, you will come to a place of integration where this transition is a part of you and your life experience.

Doesn't focusing on grief make it worse?

I hear you. Grief can tear you apart. Daily living seems so unimportant. You just want these painful feelings to go away. Right now. Unfortunately, when you deny your feelings they end up festering under the surface, draining your energy to function at your normal level. Often, your emotions resurface at inopportune times. Imagine trying to hold a beach ball under water. The moment your attention slips, the ball shoots into the air. Actively working with strong emotions won't make you crazy, nor will you be wallowing. Rather, you will feel more connected with yourself and lighter over time.

Won't people think I'm crazy if I look for help with my anxiety?

It may surprise you and others to know that anxiety is the number one reason why people get counseling. What's really crazy is the way society expects us to have our shit together all the time. We are human. We grow, stumble and pick ourselves us all the time. Sometimes we need help up. If you broke your leg, no one would think it's weird that you needed help getting to the hospital so the doctors could tend you. It hurts my heart and makes me mad that needing counseling isn't seen the same way. When it comes right down to it, everything that happens in therapy is confidential and no one else needs to know.