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Common Questions

Is therapy right for me?

Seeking out therapy is an individual choice. There are many reasons why people come to therapy. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing psychological issues, or problems with anxiety or depression. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one's life such as a divorce or work transition. Many seek the advice of counsel as they pursue their own personal exploration and growth. Working with a therapist can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Therapy can help address many types of issues including depression, anxiety, conflict, grief, stress management, body-image issues, and general life transitions. Therapy is right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards change in their lives.


Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.

Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you're at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.


How can therapy help me?

A number of benefits are available from participating in psychotherapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn.


What is therapy like?

Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific goals. It is standard for therapists to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts around fifty minutes. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors. It is important to process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life between sessions. For therapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions. People seeking psychotherapy are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in their lives. Here are some things you can expect out of therapy:

  • Compassion, respect and understanding
  • Perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and negative feelings
  • Real strategies for enacting positive change
  • Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance

Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work?

I accept Blue Cross/ Blue Shield PPO Insurance if it is your primary carrier. I am approved to accept the PPO/POS coverage, but not HMO coverage. Not all PPO/POS plans cover mental heath benefits and not all plans cover services provided by an LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist). If you are not covered by this carrier but wish to investigate out of network coverage to see if any benefits would be paid by them, here are some questions you may wish to ask your network provider to determine how to move forward:

  • What are my mental health benefits?
  • What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
  • How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?
  • How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
  • Is approval required from my primary care physician?
  • Are services by an LMFT covered?

Is therapy confidential?

In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and psychotherapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client.

However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:

  • Suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
  • If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The therapist is required to notify the police.
  • If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.

When are you available for sessions?

I am available Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8am to 7pm.
I am available Tuesday and Friday from 8am to 2pm.
I am available on select Saturday mornings throughout the month.

Can I call you in an emergency?

I DO NOT provide emergency services and I am not a replacement for 911. If you are in an emergency situation, please call 911 or make arrangements to visit your nearest emergency room.


What is the Collaborative Law Divorce Process?

Collaborative Law is a divorce process whereby each party continues to use their own lawyer but other neutral professionals, usually a Mental Health Professional and a Financial Expert, are brought in to assist the couple in making decisions that are in their best interest regarding children, assets and any other issues faced by the couple. While costs can be lower than traditional court divorces, one of the main benefits of this process is that the couple maintains control of what they want to see happen, without turning that control over to the courts. This can allow for a more stream-lined process, allowing the couple to move on with their lives in a more timely manner. This process is not for everyone, as the parties involved need to be on somewhat amicable terms and willing to work with and communicate with each other throughout. The collaborative lawyers involved in the process are also specially trained.

How does pre-marital counseling help my future marriage?

There is so much time and effort spent on preparing for the "big day". Few take the time to prepare for "life after the big day". Pre-Marital counseling ensures that both of you have talked about all the big issues BEFORE you get married. We discuss finances, household responsibilities, personalities, goals, family-of-origin influences, conflict resolution and problem solving, communication skills, religion and special circumstances such as illness and relocation. We also discuss children and how that will affect the marriage and how to keep that "spark" even after the kids come along. The state supports this program and will give you a discount on your marriage license and waive the 72 hour waiting period if you complete the process. This program is endorsed by TwoGether In Texas. I believe you are worth the effort to discuss these matters before you get married. Do you?