What are the benefits of therapy?

A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn.

How do I know if I need therapy?

Everyone goes through difficult situations in life. While individuals may have success in navigating through difficulties, there is always space for additional support. Therapy is for those who realize they need a helping hand. Whether short or long term, therapy provides support and tools to help you overcome whatever is challenging your growth as an individual.

What is therapy like?

The therapeutic experience is different depending on the individual. Therapy can be short-term, for a specific issue that needs to be resolved, or longer-term, to deal with more difficult underlying issues that’s hindering growth. It is most common to schedule regular weekly sessions.

Therapy is a process, and the ultimate goal of therapy is to help you bring the insight you gain from therapy into your life. Therapy may at times consist of tasks that you can do outside of therapy to support your process.

What about medication?

It is important to note that prescribing medication is NOT within the scope of practice for an LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) or LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker). If medication is something that you’re interested in, it is best to seek consultation from your Primary Care Physician for a referral to a Psychiatrist.

Do you take insurance, and how does that work?

At the moment, we are in-network with several insurance panels (please check service and fees section). We do cash payments and are able to provide you with a "superbill" if you have out-of-network benefits. We are in the process of registering to be on more insurance panels. We will update this information as insurance panels confirms our contract.

Does what we talk about in therapy remain confidential?

Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and psychotherapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist's office.   Every therapist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone.  This is called “Informed Consent”.  Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your Physician, Naturopath, Attorney), but by law your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.

However, state law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:

* Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.
* If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threatened to harm another person.