Here may be a few questions you might have about the individual counseling or couples counseling services I offer. If your question isn’t answered here, please contact me, I will be happy to answer any question you might have!
How do I know if I need therapy?
If you’ve come this far in researching therapy and therapists, you might have a concern or a problem that you’ve been wrestling with that you can’t find a solution to. One of the biggest misconceptions about therapy is that you need to be “crazy” to seek therapy. This is not the case. Many people come in for consultation and questions. Many others come in to get a deeper understanding of who they are and what makes them “tick.” In short, if you are experiencing something that is bothering you, and you don’t know how to resolve it on your own, then coming to someone who is willing to listen to you and help you explore what is troubling you can be beneficial.
How do I know if you’re the right therapist for me?
This is a tough question, and the answer depends on many variables. The most important variable, in my opinion, is your level of comfort with me. Therapy is about you (and your partner). You absolutely need to feel comfortable with the professional you are entrusting with your thoughts and feelings. I will do my best to provide you with a safe environment, and I always encourage my clients to give me feedback about what they feel works or doesn’t work for them in therapy.
One of the reasons I offer a free 30-minute consultation is for you to be able to meet me and determine for yourself whether I am the therapist for you. If I’m not, for whatever reason, I’ll do my best to refer you to someone who will better fit your needs. Your health and happiness is what is most important, and if I am not the one to help you, I would like to help you find the right therapist.
What is the difference between a male therapist and a female therapist?
Honestly? Not much. It’s a matter of personal preference. Some people feel more comfortable opening up to a female therapist, while others feel more comfortable with a male therapist. Speaking for couple’s counseling however, many men might feel more comfortable seeing a male therapist, particularly if they’re resistant to therapy. Seeing a male therapist might make it easier to feel understood and heard, whereas seeing a female therapist, men might feel “ganged up on.”
How long will therapy last?
Good therapy should not take years. EFT, in particular, tends to be a briefer therapy (10-20 weekly sessions, on average). The one thing I want to emphasize is that you are in control of your therapy. You can choose to make therapy as long (or as short) of a process that you need. My goal is to get you back on your feet and moving forward as quickly as possible. One of the greatest joys in my career is that moment when clients tell me that they feel well enough to “go it alone.”
What is confidentiality and how does it work?
Confidentiality is essential in therapy. Often we have problems that we can’t talk about with friends, family, or spouses out of fear of them not understanding, or maybe being too judgmental. I will be there to listen and to explore your experience without being critical or judgmental.
Everything you share in session with me will be kept strictly confidential, with a few legal exceptions (for example, if you told me about the abuse of a child or intending to harm yourself or someone else).
How much do you charge?
My rate is $200 per 50-minute session, which is the standard fee for therapists who are certified in EFT in San Diego. I understand that not everyone who needs therapy can afford this fee. If you are seeking help and cannot afford this rate, please contact me – I have slots open in my schedule for those who cannot afford the full fee. In these cases, fees will be determined on a sliding scale based on your income.
Do you take insurance?
I currently do not take insurance, for many reasons. If I were to bill your insurance, I would have to share with them the problems you are facing, and continually update them on your progress. Additionally, many insurance companies strictly limit the number of sessions without regard to the client’s needs. Furthermore, insurance companies require a psychiatric diagnosis to justify treatment, and this is not always appropriate; these psychiatric diagnoses can become permanently attached to your medical records, which can affect employment eligibility or your ability to get life insurance.
I am happy to provide you with a receipt to provide your insurance company so that you can get reimbursed according to your insurance plan’s terms.
What is your cancellation policy?
As is customary, 24 hours advance notice of cancellation (or by the previous Friday for Monday appointments) is required. It is important to note that insurance companies do not provide reimbursement for “no shows” or cancelled sessions, in which case you would be responsible for the full fee.
How can I pay?
You can pay by cash, check, or credit card. Unfortunately, I cannot accept insurance ‘flex spend’ cards at this time. Payment is due at the end of the session, unless we have made other arrangements.