Why should I choose you as my therapist?
That’s easy, because I’m awesome!
Oh, you want more… Well, let me start off with the fact that I acknowledge that not every therapist is a good fit for every client and vice-versa. The client must feel comfortable with the therapist and the therapist needs to have the professional experience to be able to treat the client. Research indicates that the professional relationship formed between the client and therapist is one of the strongest indicators that therapy will be effective. My style, my personality, and my boundaries may not be what you need…or I could be exactly what you need. There are times when it may take a few sessions for the client to make a decision as to if the therapeutic relationship is a good fit or for the therapist to recognize that their specialties are not exactly what the client needs and will make a referral for another therapist who can provide better services to meet the client’s needs.
In a few situations, there may be a “conflict of interest” that arises. A conflict of interest occurs when an individual’s ability to exercise judgment, or act in a role, is or could be impaired or otherwise influenced by his or her involvement in another role or relationship. If a conflict is recognized by the therapist, then the therapist has an ethical duty to terminate the therapeutic relationship and provide the client with a list of potential therapists from whom the client can seek services.
ADHD moment…sorry…let’s get back to why you would want me as your therapist. You may or you may not. If you want someone who is experienced with loss and grief due to bereavement, is familiar with the law enforcement and medical communities, has personal and professional experience with addiction and recovery, and is an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community then place a check next to those boxes on your list.
There are times when I’m compassionate and other times I may challenge you to face what is holding you back. I’m never judgmental and I provide a safe place for you to explore emotions and find yourself.
I believe that the use of appropriate self-disclosure can also strengthen the bond between the client and therapist. I mean, If I’m asking you to share your emotions, experiences, values, and desires with me, it’s only fair that you understand that I, too, have struggled and stumbled through life. I am at the point where I embrace the fact that I’m a total…hmm…so many words to choose from! Regardless, I accept myself fully today. I love my mischievous inner child, my inner adolescent who possesses a dark sense of humor, and the adult who still, at times, can be a handful. I’m actually quite hilarious and laugh at myself often. I am proud of how far I’ve come. There were days when I wasn’t sure I could “keep on keepin on”…but here I am doing what I just KNEW I could never do…enjoying life to its fullest. I’m here to help you recognize YOUR OWN STRENGTH. I will assist you in recognizing that “You Got This!” even when you don’t think that you do. I will be right beside you every step of the way.
I utilize a number of treatment approaches and theories in my practice. One of my favorites is Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) which provides a quick release of emotions and physical sensations to restore you to a more balanced place. There may be times when a good ART session or two is all you need and there may be other times when the ART session helps to get things “unstuck” so that you can continue to process whatever it is you are facing. ART isn’t appropriate for every person or every situation; therefore, I utilize a number of different approaches, including but not limited to: Gestalt, Psychodynamic, Reality Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
If you are still reading this, then I’m thinking that we could be a good fit!
Who is your ideal client?
I like this question…a lot. I like it because when we are a good match, you see and feel progress much more quickly.
My ideal client is one who recognizes that, although this is my source of income, ultimately therapy is an INVESTMENT IN YOURSELF. I love the ones who show up consistently and who aren’t afraid to put in the hard work that it takes to reach their goals. The ones who are truly ready to feel and actually “be” better than when they first came through the door. The ones who know that the benefits of therapy last far beyond the time that they actually spend in therapy. My ideal client is open to recognizing that therapy provides mental and physical wellness, improved relationships (with self and others), and increased productivity in life. My ideal client may initially crawl through the door already exhausted from this thing called life…but they still showed up.
I also appreciate those who recognize that providing therapy is my business, and that, as much as I love my job, I also have to earn a living. That means that I stick to my policies (fees and late cancellations specifically). I mean, just think about it…what kind of therapist would I be if I encouraged clients to set goals, determine boundaries, and maintain self-care but then not practice or expect the same of myself?! And NO client wants or deserves an exhausted, burned out, and emotionally unavailable therapist!
You are investing in yourself, and you deserve better than that! You are also investing in my services, and I owe you better than that!
What can I expect to happen during a therapy session?
Your guess is as good as mine! Just as every person and situation is unique, so are sessions. You are the boss and get to decide what is addressed and what you want to take from the session. There may be days where you talk, some days we both talk, and other days we may play games (with a therapeutic twist, of course!) Also, some people are appropriate for Accelerated Resolution Therapy so those sessions are very structured.
While I can’t say for certainty what WILL happen during a session, I can say what WILL NOT happen during a session. I will not ridicule, judge, or belittle you. I will not force my personal beliefs, values, or opinions upon you. I will not force you to do anything or address anything that you don’t wish to do.
What is Accelerated Resolution Therapy?
Accelerated Resolution Therapy is an evidence based treatment modality that utilizes rapid eye movements and memory visualization and reconsolidation. It has been proven to be effective in treating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression, Grief, Phobias, Anxiety, and Addiction.
Additional information can be found at: www.acceleratedresolutiontherapy.com
Do you accept insurance?
While I understand that there are perks for using insurance benefits to cover the cost of mental health counseling, there are also many drawbacks with accepting insurance coverage. I have weighed the pros and cons of accepting insurance (for both you as the client and myself as the clinician) and have decided, at this time, to not accept insurance.
Insurance companies mandate that a client be diagnosed with a mental illness (clinical diagnosis) to obtain treatment services. By not accepting insurance, we get to work together with or without an “official” mental health diagnosis. I mean, sometimes all that is needed is a little help to figure out a better way to deal with stress, obtain additional support, or problem solve, which insurance companies do not recognize.
Also, as a private pay client, your protected health information (PHI) remains confidential rather than being audited/reviewed by the insurance company (yes, they have the ability to access your diagnosis, progress notes, and other personal information).
Being a private pay provider allows me to offer more individualized and flexible sessions to you and enables me to provide you with a customized treatment plan tailored to your individual needs rather than a “cookie cutter” insurance-driven treatment plan. I have the ability to be more available for my clients (especially those who need multiple sessions per week) because I’m not spending extra time on submitting billing or completing other insurance paperwork. It also allows me to be more emotionally available because I haven’t spent my emotional energy having to explain to the insurance company why you DESERVE to receive appropriate mental health services without limitations.
In addition, I get to enjoy having the freedom and autonomy to utilize whatever treatment approach is most appropriate for each client, see clients without limits on sessions, and not be bound by insurance “rules.” Insurance limits the amount of time we get to spend together. Sometimes you may need more than a typical 50-55 minute session and now you have the freedom to enjoy such if YOU choose to do so!
Keep in mind that seeking a therapist that accepts your insurance may require that you see someone who is less experienced or specialized.
However, just because I don’t accept insurance, that does not mean that you cannot utilize your insurance coverage for your services. I am considered an Out-Of-Network (OON) provider and there is the POTENTIAL for your insurance company to reimburse you for some or all of the cost of services. This varies between insurance plans; therefore, I encourage you to find out if your insurance plan will cover OON mental health services in an outpatient setting.
When speaking with your insurance company, you may also want to ask if there is a deductible, if there is a limit to the number of sessions that you can attend, and if pre-authorization is required. The typical CPT codes utilized for insurance are 90791, 90834, and 90837 (this specifies the type and length of session). Although I do not interact directly with insurance companies (I do provide you with a superbill that you can submit to your insurance company), using your insurance means that I will need to provide a clinical diagnosis and adhere to their standardized treatment plans, modalities, and you may have a limited number of sessions allowed.
Keep in mind that any time you use your insurance, the medical information disclosed becomes part of your permanent medical record. Therefore, the insurance company can still audit your file and have access to your medical/mental health information. In addition, having certain mental health diagnoses can interfere with your ability to obtain or can increase the cost of disability and/or life insurance coverage, limit certain employment options, and have other negative impacts. We can discuss this further if necessary.
What payment methods do you accept?
Cash, Credit Card, Health Spending Account (HSA), and Flex Spending Account (FSA). A credit card is required to be kept on file for the duration of services; however, you can choose to utilize whichever form of payment at the time of service.
Where can I find additional assistance?
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)
Text TALK to 741741
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) and press 1
Veterans Crisis Text: 838255
www.veteranscrisisline.net
COPLINE: 1-800-267-5463
Fire and EMS: 1-888-731-3473 (FIRE)
National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) call or text: 800-950-6264 or, if in CRISIS, call or text: 9-8-8
Teen and Youth Crisis Line: 1-877-968-8491
Text teen2teen to 839863
National Institute on Drug Abuse Hotline: 1-800-662-4357
National Helpline for Substance Abuse: 1-800-262-2463
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
The LGBT National Hotline: 1-888-843-4564
The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386
Trevor Text: Text TREVOR to 1-202-304-1200
www.thetrevorproject.org
Where can I find additional resources?
Kinder mourn is an agency that assists in the grieving process for parents who have lost children or children who are grieving the death of a loved one. They offer support groups and counseling services. 704-376-2580 www.kindermourn.org
Healing and Understanding of Grief from Suicide (H.U.G.S) is a support group specifically for those who have lost a loved one to suicide. 704-541-9011 www.hugscharlotte.com
Compassionate Friends is a network to support parents who are grieving the loss of a child. www.compassionatefriends.org
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has a wealth of information regarding suicide, suicide awareness, and suicide prevention. www.afsp.org
The American Association of Suicidology also provides a wealth of information regarding the understanding and prevention of suicide. www.suicidology.org
Mothers of Murdered Offspring (MOM-O) is a support for both mothers and fathers who have lost children to murder. 704-334-5056 www.comomcares.org
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital treats children with cancer and researches possible treatments and cures for childhood cancer. www.stjude.org
American Cancer Society assists in providing research and information for those battling cancer. www.cancer.org
Schedule your appointment today!
First Responders (Police, Fire, Medic, Dispatch, Probation/Parole-State and Federal) and Military personnel (Active and Retired) are eligible to receive 10% off the full rate of any service when not requesting reimbursement from insurance.