Commonly Asked Questions

How long do I have to attend therapy?

Many people elect to commit to at least 5 sessions in order to reach a more informed decision about the helpfulness of therapy. Many individuals elect to continue with on a more long term basis. The number of sessions depends on client preferences and also on clinical issues brought to therapy. You and I will work to determine what may or not be helpful in terms of length and frequency of sessions.

What if I am not happy with the experience of therapy?

Sometimes clients who are new to therapy are not quite sure what to expect and are surprised when things seem to evolve unexpectedly, such as a shift in relational dynamics. It is normal for clinical issues to seem much more present during the course of therapy, but that may be because you are actively working towards resolution of the problem or symptom reduction.

Therapy is a voluntary service. If you experience any distress, please do not hesitate to let me know. This includes determining if I am helpful in the way you had hoped I would be. If therapy is not headed in a direction which you find helpful, please let me know. You are investing in yourself and therapy is a time commitment. Together we can discuss how to get your needs met. If I am not a good “fit” for you, I will help you explore referrals to another counselor who may be able to serve you more effectively. You are welcome to discontinue services at any time.

If I use insurance, what can I expect?

If you plan to use insurance, I must provide the insurance company with a diagnostic impression in order for services to be reimbursed. Insurance companies sometimes ask for additional information regarding session information, which often is a treatment plan (what you hope to achieve as a result of attending counseling sessions). Many clients prefer to use insurance as it allows services wanted and/or needed to be obtained at a reasonable cost. However, some clients do not wish to allow their insurance company this access as a means of achieving greater privacy regarding emotional health issues.