What can I expect in a therapy session? . . .
Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific goals. You lead the way and will discuss whatever is on your mind. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts 50 minutes. Many clients in this practice are interested in the most depth-oriented psychoanalytic modality and are seen 3-4 times per week, while others are seen 1-2 times weekly. In some situations therapy may be conducted in part by phone or "video chat". Therapy can be short-term, focusing on specific issues; or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. If you are looking for more directed and goal-specific work, a coaching relationship is established and it is not uncommon that a client, couple, family, or group be asked to take certain actions outside of sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors. Therapy and coaching are effective because you are an active participant, both during and between the sessions.
What is the difference between psychotherapy and psychoanalytic psychotherapy? . . .
Contemporary Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy is a type of Psychotherapy. All therapies may provide relief, and often focus on what the patient is conscious/aware of. Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy specifically explores not only what you know are your issues and concerns, but also helps you make contact with your unconscious where much of what troubles you and causes persistent pain remains hidden from view. Whether you opt for intensive Psychoanalytic Therapy, where patients come in 4-5 times a week, or you come 1, 2, or 3 times weekly , psychoanalytic treatment nurtures deep internal psychic work that fosters not only external improvement, but also profound character transformation.
What benefits can I expect from working with a therapist? . . .
Therapy can provide insight and will effect change. You will gain new perspectives into life's challenges and create solutions to difficult problems. Many people find that working with a therapist enhances personal development, improves relationships and family dynamics, and can ease the challenges of daily life. Sometimes, just having someone there to listen is helpful. Overall, people in therapy tend to have lower levels of anxiety and stress, decreased conflict, and improved quality of life. Often patients start treatment with the complaint that they feel like they have been surviving their lives, and with some psychoanalytic work find that they feel "alive" and "vibrant", eager to engage in life's ups and downs. Some of the specific benefits available from therapy include:
• Resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
• A clear understanding of yourself, your goals, and values
• Deepened satisfaction in relationships and being fully expressed in them, including toward yourself
• Success, freedom and ease in parenting
• Increased financial success
• Increased satisfaction with work
• Unhealthy behavior and unwanted patterns have been identified, understood, and worked out
• Increased confidence, peace, vitality, and well-being
• A positive context for the management of anger, depression, and anxiety are experienced
• New ways to resolve problems and be inventive and creative are discovered
• Navigating life’s obstacles more effectively and with greater resilience
• Improved listening and communication skills
• Enhanced overall quality of life
Do you accept insurnace? How does insurance work? . . .
Insurance is not directly accepted in this practice, but rather a statement is submitted at the end of each month to you, which may then be attached to your insurance form and sent in for your personal reimbursement. If you are enrolled in an HMO they will not reimburse you for therapy in this practice. You will need to see a therapist in your personal health network or, if you choose, you may opt to pay "out of pocket."
To determine if you have mental health coverage, the first thing you should do is check with your insurance carrier. Check your coverage carefully and find the answers to the following questions:
• Do I have mental health benefits?
• What is my deductible and has it been met?
• How many sessions per calendar year does my plan cover?
• How much does my plan cover for an out-of-network provider?
• What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
• Is approval required from my primary care physician?
Do I really need therapy? . . .
Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you are psychologically in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides support and long-lasting benefits, giving you the tools you need to recognize triggers, understand damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.
Is medication a substitute for therapy? . . .
In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. Working with your medical doctor and/or a psychiatrist, you can determine what's best for you. It is well established that the long-term solution to psychological and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Rather than only treating the symptom, therapy addresses the causes of distress and the psychological patterns that curb progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness.
Is therapy 100% confidential? . . .
In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a patient and psychotherapist. Information is never disclosed without prior written permission from the patient.
However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:
• Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse: the therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
• If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person: the therapist is required to notify the police.
• If a client intends to harm himself or herself: the therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety; however, if they are felt to be at risk, the relevant authorites will need to be contacted (i.e. psychiatric or medical emergency team, police.
