The Process
After you have decided that you may want therapy, starting therapy can still be a difficult decision. It’s not unusual to feel embarrassed about needing help, afraid of the unknown, or uncertain about whether therapy would be useful for you. Coming in for an evaluation period of one to three sessions can help you determine if psychotherapy makes sense for you and if I as a psychotherapist feel like a good fit for you. The following is a sense of the process:
Initial Phone Call: When we talk on the phone, we will most likely just schedule a time for you to come into the office. We may also talk a little about what you are looking for.
Initial Consultation: The first three appointments are a time for us to figure out if we are a good match for working together. You will tell me why you are seeking help at this time and also have an opportunity to ask me questions about the fee, the process and my particular approach.
Ongoing Sessions: Once we decide to work together, we will continue to explore what is bringing you in. If you're not sure where to start, we can work together to figure out what we will focus on. You don't have to talk about anything you don't want to, but over time you will become more comfortable sharing what is happening for you. Sometimes I am interactive and will ask questions and make observations, other times I may just sit back and listen. At first it might feel weird to have so much attention on you, but this is really your space. In our conversations you'll have a chance to hear yourself think. You'll start to clarify and deepen your understanding of yourself. You'll see the connections between your thoughts, feelings and actions. This will allow you to make choices more consciously, instead of falling into old patterns.
Ending Point: Therapy is something you can end at anytime. You'll know when the time is right. You'll find you have internalized the therapy process so that it's become part of how you think, how you take care of your needs. There is no set length of time. It will evolve naturally as we work together.
Fees and Payment: As my rates are occasionally adjusted, please call me to discuss my current fee. If I cannot accommodate your financial situation, I will try my best to assist you in finding appropriate referrals. If you are seeking intensive treatment (2 or more times a week), a reduced fee may be possible based on income and ability to pay. Along with many other qualified mental health professionals, I have elected not to join any health insurance panels. Some of the reasons include wanting to maintain your right to privacy and to remain as free as possible from outside restrictions that may limit or interfere with our work. If your health insurance carrier allows you to choose an out-of-network provider (generally a PPO or POS plan), I can provide you with a statement of services so that you can seek reimbursement. You may want to check with your carrier to verify coverage for out-of-network providers and for rates of reimbursement.
Initial Phone Call: When we talk on the phone, we will most likely just schedule a time for you to come into the office. We may also talk a little about what you are looking for.
Initial Consultation: The first three appointments are a time for us to figure out if we are a good match for working together. You will tell me why you are seeking help at this time and also have an opportunity to ask me questions about the fee, the process and my particular approach.
Ongoing Sessions: Once we decide to work together, we will continue to explore what is bringing you in. If you're not sure where to start, we can work together to figure out what we will focus on. You don't have to talk about anything you don't want to, but over time you will become more comfortable sharing what is happening for you. Sometimes I am interactive and will ask questions and make observations, other times I may just sit back and listen. At first it might feel weird to have so much attention on you, but this is really your space. In our conversations you'll have a chance to hear yourself think. You'll start to clarify and deepen your understanding of yourself. You'll see the connections between your thoughts, feelings and actions. This will allow you to make choices more consciously, instead of falling into old patterns.
Ending Point: Therapy is something you can end at anytime. You'll know when the time is right. You'll find you have internalized the therapy process so that it's become part of how you think, how you take care of your needs. There is no set length of time. It will evolve naturally as we work together.
Fees and Payment: As my rates are occasionally adjusted, please call me to discuss my current fee. If I cannot accommodate your financial situation, I will try my best to assist you in finding appropriate referrals. If you are seeking intensive treatment (2 or more times a week), a reduced fee may be possible based on income and ability to pay. Along with many other qualified mental health professionals, I have elected not to join any health insurance panels. Some of the reasons include wanting to maintain your right to privacy and to remain as free as possible from outside restrictions that may limit or interfere with our work. If your health insurance carrier allows you to choose an out-of-network provider (generally a PPO or POS plan), I can provide you with a statement of services so that you can seek reimbursement. You may want to check with your carrier to verify coverage for out-of-network providers and for rates of reimbursement.