Psychotherapy or Counseling means engaging in a helping relationship focused on change and problem solving designed to improve quality of life. The goal is to help people recognize their internal worth; unravel old behavior patterns and process painful or difficult emotions.
Sometimes counseling can be focused on practical changes such as building careers and day to day couple issues related to finances and parenting or even wedding stress.
In sum, counseling is a healing process in which individuals and couples are helped to:
- express themselves in a safe, supportive, collaborative, non-judgmental climate;
- identify and make sense from their past so as to avoid non-helpful patterns and negative thoughts
- learn communication and coping skills
- identify and achieve goals that are important to them.
How does therapy work?
It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts around fifty minutes. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors.
What are some common difficulties in counseling?
The most difficult step is the first one, making a decision to seek help. Once this decision has been made, the mechanics for change have been set in motion. It is also important to process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life between sessions. For therapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions
Do you offer a free phone consultation?
I normally offer a free initial phone consultation for prospective clients. I also can do structured telephone counseling on a regular basis when needed but there will be a charge for the time involved.
What about cancellations?
There is no fee when 24hour notice is given however there will be a session charge when no notice or same days notice given.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes I do accept Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida insurance and I am able to provide invoices which can be submitted to an other insurance company as an out of network provider. Insurance companies require a written diagnosis so many people decide to not use Insurance due to confidentiality issues
Is therapy confidential?
HIPAA law protects the confidentiality of all communications between clients and psychotherapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client.
However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. These include:
- Suspected child abuse or elder abuse.
- When a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person
- If a client intends to harm himself or herself.
