Why do people seek therapy?
People come into therapy for many reasons. Some need to respond to unexpected changes in their lives, while others seek self-exploration and personal growth. When coping skills are overwhelmed by guilt, doubt, anxiety, or despair, therapy can help. Therapy can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping for issues such as depression, anxiety, lack of confidence, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, bereavement, spiritual conflicts, stress management, body image issues, and creative blocks. People seeking psychotherapy are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in their lives.
What can I expect in a therapy session?
During sessions you are expected to talk about the primary concerns and issues in your life. A session lasts 50 minutes, but some people request longer sessions. Usually weekly or bi-weekly sessions are best to start with. Some people who are in crisis or extreme distress need more than one session per week, at least until the crisis passes. During the time between sessions it is beneficial to think about and process what was discussed. At times, you may be asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records. For therapy to "work," you must be an active participant, both in and outside of the therapy sessions.
What benefits can I expect from working with a therapist?
A number of benefits are available from participating in psychotherapy. Often it is helpful just to know that someone understands. Therapy can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. Many people find therapy to be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, and the hassles of daily life. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:
- Attaining a better understanding of yourself and your personal goals and values
- Developing skills for improving your relationships
- Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
- Find new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
- Managing anger, depression, and other emotional pressures
- Improving communications skills - learn how to listen to others, and have others listen to you
- Getting "unstuck" from unhealthy patterns - breaking old behaviors and develop new ones
- Discovering new ways to solve problems
- Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
What if I don't know what my goals are for therapy?
If you aren't sure what your goals are for therapy, your first task is to figure that out. It may take several sessions before a direction is clarified. During the course of therapy your goals may change. However, establishing a direction for therapy will help you get the most out of the experience.
Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work?
If you have insurance which provides coverage for this treatment, we will be happy to assist you in completing your claim forms if you provide us with the appropriate form. You are responsible for mailing it to the insurance company and tracking your reimbursement. We do not accept assignment of benefits, nor do we participate in managed care insurance plans (HMOs and PPOs) or Medicare/Medicaid. We do not call to request authorizations. You are responsible for the full fee regardless of your insurance company’s reimbursement policies.
What is the process for starting couples counseling?
Generally speaking, I will meet with the couple together for the first session and then proceed with scheduling one individual session with each person one time. The couple is considered the "client," therefore, I do not simultaneously have an individual therapy relationship with couples. "Break out" sessions might occasionally be requested and warranted, but this is only within the context of the couple's best interest. Bottom line: I can't be both your couples therapist and your individual therapist. If you are also in need of individual therapy while I'm your couples therapist (or a couples therapist while I'm your individual therapist), I am glad to provide you with a list of referrals I trust.
**Please note**
If you are seeking marriage counseling, insurance companies typically do not pay for this (even if you find someone on your panel). Most insurance companies require a diagnosis of a mental disorder by one or both participants before marriage counseling will be covered. Regardless of where you go for your marriage counseling, you will most likely be required to pay out of pocket or your therapist will need to diagnose you with a mental disorder, which will stay with you when you go to seek future medical or mental health treatment, possibly even future employment. The average cost of services for LMFT's (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists) is $155 per session and as high as $200 per session. Family Matters makes every effort to keep our overhead costs to a minimum, allowing us to keep our fees well below the average.
Your regular fee will be charged for any additional professional services rendered by your provider at your request, such as phone contacts over five minutes, preparation of special forms, insurance reports, court time, consults with other professionals, etc.
What about EAP's?
We do not currently work with Employee Assistance Programs. If you wish to utilize your EAP services, we will be glad to discuss that option prior to scheduling an appointment.
Is therapy confidential?
In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and a psychotherapist. Information is not disclosed without written permission. However, there are number of exceptions to this rule. Exceptions include:
- Suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
- If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s. The therapist must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
- If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in insuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, further measures may be taken without their permission in order to ensure their safety.
How Long Will Therapy Take?
Typically, MFT's use brief therapy models that are shorter in duration than those used by other mental health care providers. If you attend therapy weekly, marriage counseling averages about 20 sessions or less. If there are more complicated issues, including individual mental disorders, counseling can take up to 2 years. Individual therapy tends to take longer than couple or family therapy. Many individuals/couples choose to continue therapy on an as-needed or maintenance basis every other week or once a month as a "check up."