Is It Normal To Be Nervous About Contacting A Psychotherapist?
Yes. Whatever you want to work on in psychotherapy is obviously important to you otherwise you would not consider investing your time, energy, and money.
Many people worry about being judged or misunderstood. Others worry that the therapist will not be able to help in any meaningful way. Frequently people find that their nervousness subsides during the initial session as the therapist treats their concerns with seriousness, respect, and compassion.
What Are Some Of The Ways Psychotherapy Can Help?
Psychotherapy may help you:
- Make well-informed decisions regarding your life; such as career, relationships, and other important life choices
- Manage stressful situations or life transitions
- Mourn the loss of a loved one or a significant relationship
- Increase and establish your capacity for intimacy and more fulfilling relationships
- Resolve long standing emotional roadblacks
- Foster awareness, compassion and forgiveness
- Learn to love yourself
- Overcome feelings of anxiety and depression
- Experience greater pleasure in your day-to-day life
- Make better use of your abilities
- Gain greater freedom in your choices and actions
What is an MFT and how does it differ from other mental health degrees?
MFT stands for Marriage and Family Therapist and those with this degree are more focused on the practice of therapy as as it relates to the individual's personal relationship with himself and the people in his or her life. Marriage and Family Therapists are mental health professionals with the extensive training in therapy, assessment, and diagnosis.
How long will I need to be in therapy?
I work efficiently and effectively to help resolve my clients challenges. Everyone's needs and personal situations are different, and the length of therapy depends on the complexity of the challenges for which you are seeking help.
Do I work with step/blended families and extended family members?
Yes, today's 'families' consist of various arrangements. For many blended families, there is a challenging period of adjustment to new roles and relationships. Family therapy can help each blended family member become clear of his or her role and how to communicate effectively within the new family.
Will My Health Insurance Pay For Psychotherapy?
Health insurance policies can be very confusing, especially when it comes to psychotherapy coverage. Most insurance policies have a group of psychotherapists, called in-network providers, who will charge you a co-payment for each visit.
In addition, many insurance plans will reimburse a percentage of a psychotherapist's fee as long as the psychotherapist is a licensed mental health professional (e.g., a licensed Psychologist, Marriage and Family Therapist, or psychiatrist).This allows you more flexibility so that you can find a psychotherapist who is right for you. I am a provider for Cigna, Aetna, and MHN, and Blue Shield., but can accept other PPO plans upon verification. I will work with you to figure out what you need to do if you have any insurance questions or if you're covered by other plans.
How do services intended for a child or adolescent differ from adult therapy?
Children and adolescents benefit from learning insights and coping skills that are presented by the therapist in an age-appropriate manner. In addition to working one-to-one with a child or adolescent, therapists may seek input from important adults, such as parents, caregivers and teachers. Most child/adolescent mental health professionals will coach parents on how best to address the needs of a child struggling with behavioral or emotional issues.