FAQs

Can Therapy Really Help me?

Perhaps you feel that something is missing, that no matter what you think about what is going on that troubles you –it doesn’t change, or maybe you feel stuck and that you are not growing, or you are in a rut,  if you feel any of these then the approach I am offering which includes all of you may be beneficial to you.

Or maybe you are hearing the midlife  call , “is that all there is?” or I have been using the same strategies over and over it is not satisfying, or I am not finding what I want, “I am not happy or fulfilled,”  even though everything in my life is working or I have achieved my goals or maybe you haven’t achieved your goals but the inner feeling is  something needs to change then the Total Being Therapy I am offerring may be beneficial to you.

Whatever is going on inside you, something inside you is is speaking to you about seeking therapy, which can create new openings and new possibilities for you, maybe it is time to follow your own best advise  and start a new chapter in your life, one filled with real hope,  with possibility of  finding that which is missing, with fulfilling your potentiality.   Perhaps things feel like they are not  working for you, you feel an inner pressure that doesn’t let up, or you are constantly on go and not feeling yourself really in your life, going through the motions of life, not really alive, living your life, what I can offer you is the possibility of opening to something new inside you, something that would not be possible to understand right now or even imagine right now . That is because the therapy I offer works through direct experience, meaning you get it with your body, with your bodysoul, with your being, not only just your mind, you get it, I call it Total Being Psychotherapy.

Do self help books leave you wondering why you aren’t changing?

Do you want more aha moments, moments which have an impact on your psyche, mind and body that simply shifts your consciousness in a way that opens up new vistas, new dimensions of experience and new ways of experiencing yourself. And it is not a matter of changing your behaviors or trying out new things, or trying to fix yourself,  it is something that simply happens inside you in a way that you don’t actually have to think about because it is now natural to who you are becoming.

Perhaps you have a spiritual practice and you find yourself still behaving the same way and not feeling that things are working in your life, or are optimally working in your life becasue something is not touched. The work I do can be highly beneficial you.

I will offer you  support, problem-solving skills if you need that, and work with issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties such as communication and including sexual issues and concerns, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues, trauma, difficulties expressing assertion and difficulties with anger and appropriate expression of anger, self esteem, creative blocks, and existential and spiritual issues and so much more. Other issues include, feeling held back, or feeling held in, difficulties making contact with others or have satisfying connecting relationships, feeling guarded and defended, difficulties with vulnerabilty and intimacy, and I will help you work with disengaging your inner critic. The integrative approach I work with includes working with  your body, breath and psyche, from a spiritual perspective ( not a religious perspective)  and is beneficial for many concerns and goals you may have.

The therapy I offer will help with the following conditions:

• Attaining a better understanding of yourself
• Developing skills for improving your relationships
• Stress reduction and anxiety work
• Appropriate expression of anger,
• Grief and Loss, depression, and other emotional pressures
• Separation and Divorce recovery
• Improving communications and listening skills
• Improving your self-esteem
• Spiritual Issues
• Enneagram Work
• Growth
• Midlife Concerns

Do I  need therapy?  I can usually deal with  my problems myself.

Because we all have an unconscious which essentially means we are not conscious of parts of ourselves, motivations, or actions which remain hidden from our awareness and our defenses  are organized to obscure from our discovery. It takes a therapist who is skilled and objective to point to and inquire into with kindness and compassion, behaviors, thought patterns or whatever in order to illuminate parts of you that have been hidden to you, but may be in plain site by everyone else. The awesomeness of this inquiry and discovery is that as you come in touch with aspects of yourself that have been hidden you can see it understandi it with acceptance and this leads to the realization of essential qualities and aspects that have been implicit but not realized until now. So as much as we may feel we work on ourselves, there remains parts that are outside our conscious awareness. Therapy can offer  illumination, releasing new life, aliveness, and new possibilites.  Therapy that I offer is an opportunity for growth no matter what your goals or situations that you want to work with.  Deciding to come into therapy means you are taking responsibility and making a commitment to yourself for yourself. Isn’t it about time?

Why Therapy  and how do I know if it is right for me?

Sometimes a crisis will bring someone into therapy, sometimes an inner urging to know yourself, sometimes suffering and lack of happiness and sometimes many other motivations bring someone into therapy. Life transitions, relationship problems will bring people in. It is an inner call to find something more to life, to yourself,  Some may be going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, new job, etc.), or are not handling stressful circumstances well.  Some people need assistance working with  a range of other issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, spiritual issues and creative blocks.

If you have been working on yourself and still find that things remain the same then therapy may be for you.
It is right for you when you feel it is right for you. You may have some reservations if it is right for you and if you feel that way talk to your therapist about your reservations.

What to expect in Therapy

Usually in a comfortable setting, your therapist will be welcoming you, no matter what you are facing. Your first session is a getting to know you session where I will ask you some questions about what it is you want to get out of therapy and other personal history questions. You will have an opportunity to ask questions as well.
The main thing about therapy is with sincerity you bring into each session something you are curious about for yourself, something that you want to understand better or is troubling to you.The important thing is you showing up and being as present as you can be. When you show up in this way, with what is on your mind, then things will naturally unfold from there and you will discover more and more each time and feel something inside you changing, something at first you may not be able to name but it will be a felt experience. You might feel some hope without naming it, maybe excitement, maybe even fear mixed with excitement, maybe confidence is rising in you, maybe you will feel happy that someone understands you. You will feel like something is moving inside you and this pleases you.

Medication and Psychotherapy

You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness.  I  encouage clients if they are so inclined to pursue a holistic approach. While therapy for some means that medication may not be necessary for others sometimes medication in combination with therapy is indicated. Medication is best taken in conjunction with therapy , medication alone is not considered as effective.  It is best to see a Psychiatrist for medication consultation if necessary. If you have some concerns please talk about that with me.  I encourage clients to exercise since it affects brain chemistry.

Insurance

I do take some insurance.  I have limited sessions for insurance clients so please check with me. Blue Cross PPO, accepts out of network providers.
Check out the following with your insurance carrier:

• How many sessions do you get in a year?
• When does the year start and end?
• Do you need prior authorization?
• If you need authorization, get the authorization number and bring to your 1st session.
• Ask the insurance provider to mail paperwork to me.
• Does your insurance provider pay out of network providers?
• What is your co-pay?

Is therapy confidential?

Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and psychotherapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist’s office.

However, state law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:

• * If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threated to harm another person.
• Some information may be required by your insurance company to complete billing
• I may be sopoened  in a lawsuit and may not be able to protect your confidentiality
• If I discover a threat to child or elder abuse then I am required to make a report to the appropriate authorities.

I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?

Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the ability to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then.You already have some strengths that you’ve used before, and for whatever reason, they aren’t working right now. Perhaps this problem feels overwhelming and is making it difficult to access your past strengths. In our work together, I’ll help you identify what those strengths are and how to implement them again in what is happening now.

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.

Why shouldn’t I just take medication?

Medication alone cannot solve all issues. What medication does is treat the symptoms. Our work together is designed to explore the root of the issue, dig deep into your behavior and teach strategies that can help you accomplish your personal and/or relational goals.

Medication can be effective and is sometimes needed in conjunction with therapy.

How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?

Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual. I tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific needs.

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. Your active participation and dedication is crucial to your success. After all, we only see each other for a session a week. It’s the work you do outside of our sessions that will really help you see your personal growth and development.

My partner and I are having problems. Should we be in individual counseling or come together?

If you are concerned about your relationship, and you would both like to work with me, I would initially work with both of you together. After this work, if one of you would like to continue in individual sessions, I could work with only one of you. It is not helpful to move from individual into couple’s work with the same therapist because of potential trust issues.