How long is a therapy session?
Typically, a session is 50 minutes long. This allows time between sessions for returning phone calls, making notes on the session and attending to personal needs. Occasionally, a situation will arise where it is beneficial or necessary to have a "double" session.
How long should therapy take?
The duration of therapy varies widely depending on factors such as: a) the issues addressed, b) the ease of addressing them, c) the willingness of involved individuals to join the therapy (e.g., spouse's participation when there are relationship difficulties) and d) the undistracted attention that can be brought to problem resolution. Ordinarily, it takes about four sessions to get a good feel for how long the therapy might take. Typically, successful therapy requires between eight and twenty sessions.
What is the cost of therapy?
Although I am flexible in my fee schedule, I normally charge $90.00 per session for individual, couple or family therapy. I will do my best to work with you and your health insurance company to acquire the benefits you deserve. My policy is to request payment at the end of each session.
Will my insurance cover the cost of therapy?
Coverage of my fees depends on whether your insurance company identifies me as an approved provider. Several insurances reimburse a significant portion of my fees. I suggest you contact your insurer to inquire about their willingness to reimburse.
I am having trouble in my marriage but my spouse doesn't want to see a therapist.
What can I do?
Although it is not the ideal situation, an individual spouse can do a lot to lay the groundwork for improving a marriage. Therapy offers a safe and helpful place to vent emotions that would otherwise be damaging to the marriage. In addition, it offers an opportunity to develop a new perspective on the marriage that might provide genuine avenues for growth and change. Finally, therapy can be a supportive place to address one's own contributions to the marital difficulties. Making personal changes can generate significant change in a marriage.
I had a difficult childhood. Do I need to go into all the details of my past in order for my life to be better?
Although the traditional image of psychotherapy is of long hours wading through childhood events, recent research suggests that paying attention to the present may be more beneficial. The kind of therapy I practice focuses on the individual's experience in the present. The past is usually a part of that experience so it needs to be recognized and respected but it isn't where we go to bring about change. So, a better life can be had without spending a lot of time paying direct attention to the past.
What about confidentiality?
A critical dimension of psychotherapy is developing a trusting relationship between therapist and client. Such trust requires, of course, the privacy and confidentiality of all information you share with me. Be assured that I will do my utmost to respect, protect, and guard the confidential nature of our conversations. This means, for example, I will make every effort to safeguard your records and that I will disclose confidential information only with your written consent. For more information on confidentiality, please see the "New Patients" section of this site.