Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect from therapy with you?
You can expect my authentic self at all times. I truly believe that I am fulfilling my calling in life by offering a judgement-free environment to talk about absolutely anything. You can expect to have an unbiased reflection of the issues at hand and a genuine challenge of what is helpful in reaching your goals and what is less than helpful. Most importantly, you can expect my sincere personality, including a sense of humor, straightforwardness and trustworthiness.
Is therapy right for me?
Seeking therapy is a personal and brave choice. There are many reasons why people decide to come to therapy:
Dealing with family conflicts
Difficulty in your relationships
Coping with grief and loss
Experiencing frustrations with your child(ren)
Wanting more happiness out of life and/or relationships
The majority of people will seek counseling at least once in their lifetime. Everyone goes through challenging situations in life and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you’ve faced, seeking out extra support when you need it is a healthy approach. Enlisting the guidance of a professional can provide new perspectives and insights into your identified “problem”.
Do you accept insurance?
I operate a private pay practice. This is probably the question most therapists get asked. Many therapists do accept insurance and it is a cost effective way for you to see someone. Insurance companies often try to dictate how often you can see your therapist and for how long. Most therapists that accept insurance see a large volume of clients and they may not specialize in certain areas. And because of the number of clients they see, often times they cannot accommodate appointments in a timely manner. By using your insurance, you often decrease your ability to choose a therapist that is a good match for you. As a consumer you have to ask if seeing a specialist is the best option for you and your family.
As a private pay practice, I can offer clients appointments that best meet their needs. Some clients book two hour appointments on a consistent basis and some choose to come to see me weekly. I offer Relationship Intensives, which is an appointment where we block off several hours, or a weekend retreat, so as not to lose momentum. Regardless of what you choose, please interview the potential therapist as the therapeutic relationship is an important key to lasting success.
What do your Credentials mean?
I’m glad you asked. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) which means I have a Masters degree. My degree is from Nova Southeastern University and I have a Masters in Mental Health Counseling. I was under a clinical supervisor for 2,500 hours and I had to pass Florida’s licensing exam. I am a Level III Gottman Trained Therapist. The Gottman Method is clinically proven to improve relationships, heal traumas within the relationship, and is a highly effective treatment method that works. I am a Juvenile Sexual Offender Specialist. This distinction means that I am recognized by the state of Florida to facilitate evaluations, provide treatment and offer recommendations for juveniles with sexual behavior problems. My job is to teach juveniles how their behavior impacts others by helping them develop healthy boundaries educating them on the importance of empathy. I am a Qualified Supervisor for the state of Florida for Mental Health Counselor Interns. I help train and guide the great minds of tomorrow.
Is my therapy Confidential?
In a word, yes. I will not release any information or discuss our sessions with anyone without your express written consent. And if, at any time, you would like to revoke a consent you previously granted, just put it in writing and nothing more will be exchanged. I am a mandated reporter for the state of Florida which means that any expression of self-harm, harming someone else, suicide, elder abuse or neglect will be reported to the Florida Abuse Hotline.
How long does therapy usually take?
People seek therapy for a number of reasons and the length of time in therapy depends on several factors. Each client comes to counseling with a goal in mind and as treatment progresses, a client may decide they’d like to accomplish more goals. The length of time is also related to your commitment to change and your desire for personal development.
What is the Cancelation Policy?
I respectfully request a 48-hour notice if you are unable to attend your scheduled appointment. Giving ample notice allows others to come in for an earlier session. Without a 48-hour notice, you will be charged the full fee for the amount of scheduled time.