There are many different reasons to go to therapy, each of them very personal. Some individuals seek out therapy to address a long-term psychological issue, such as depression, anxiety, or a trauma. Others need help navigating through a life transition such as a job loss, divorce, or life after college. At times, there are individuals who have learned to push through their problems and are looking for new tools or techniques they can use to help deal with their day-to-day stressors. Regardless of what someone is struggling with, therapy provides a safe space in which an individual can grow in their own understanding, learn new ways of addressing their problems, and create change in their own life.
Because everyone comes in with their own unique set of concerns, each therapy session may look different from others. The session is tailored to the individual’s needs. However, there are some things that are consistent in the beginning. I generally spend the first few sessions exploring the circumstances and concerns that have brought an individual into therapy. We seek to explore various approaches and techniques that have been utilized in the past and create gola for our sessions moving forward. I work to create a safe space in which the individual feels comfortable and confident opening up about the struggles they may be experiencing. It is very important to me that the individual that I am working with feels a sense of ownership with their therapy. Because of that, I seek to create goals with my clients in order to address their specific needs.
Medication can be helpful with some individuals, but not everyone needs it. Medication helps manage symptoms associated with various problems, however, it may not solve the problem itself. Through therapy, I help individuals better understand the underlying issue as well as learn new behaviors to help reduce the accompanying symptoms. I work in conjunction with an individual’s psychiatrist or medical doctor in order to make sure we are taking a comprehensive approach to treatment.
I typically prefer to have an initial 15 minute consultation with an individual before scheduling a first appointment. This allows us to first determine whether or not I would be an appropriate fit. If we are both comfortable, we can set up a good time for an initial session, or the individual can request an appointment through my website. Prior to the first meeting, I will provide a link to my online portal. Through the portal, the client will complete the paperwork before our first session.
In all honesty, online therapy is not for everyone. Some people feel very comfortable utilizing technology to connect, while others feel best in a face-to-face meeting.I determine whether or not online therapy is appropriate on a person-to-person basis. As with in-person therapy, it can take a few sessions to decide whether or not it is the most comfortable or effective way to meet.
Unfortunately I do not accept insurance. While I understand the desire to file with insurance, I have several reasons why it does not work for me. In order for an individual to receive reimbursement, I am required to provide a diagnosis to the insurance company. I am cautious with supplying diagnoses because many people do not meet the criteria for a severe mental illness. Secondly, insurance companies closely follow and assess a person’s progress in therapy. I believe that therapy is most effective when the individual and I are able to create goals and monitor progress ourselves in order to meet their specific needs.
While I do not have a contract with any insurance panels, I am able to provide each individual with documentation to apply towards their out-of-network benefits.