1. Does insurance cover online counseling?
As of March 26, 2020 and in response to the coronavirus, some insurance companies such as Aetna and some Horizon plans are covering online counseling for a limited time to make it easier for their members to receive counseling. Some are even waiving member co-pays.
2. Who do you work with?
I work with individuals, couples and families. Sometimes I also work with individual partners short-term.
3. When you work with couples do you always see both partners together?
I sometimes do short-term individual work with one or both partners to focus on specific issues that are affecting their relationship. I don’t consider this individual therapy which can be more long-term and where I would keep what we discuss individually confidential. When I work with couples all communications between myself and either partner are always available for me to bring up during our couples sessions. My preference is always to help the partner share the information.
4. How long will it take to get better?
As long as you decide it’s going to take. Individuals and couples who are open to learning about themselves and others, are willing to take personal responsibility for their feelings, thoughts and behavior, truly value and take care of themselves consistently, set loving boundaries and not take other’s behavior personally are more likely to achieve their goals in a shorter amount of time. I can help you learn these loving behaviors and qualities.
5. Does insurance cover couples/marriage counseling?
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, my services may be reimbursable if your insurance covers couples/marriage therapy.
6. What if my partner doesn’t want to join me in counseling?
When one partner changes the relationship changes. By taking better care of yourself you role model the joyful possibilities for your partner. You never know how your partner will respond to your positive changes.
7. Can you ‘fix’ our relationship?
Only you and your partner can ‘fix’ your relationship. I can provide you with tools, feedback and guidance. It is up to the two of you to decide how committed you are to doing whatever it takes to create a joyful, intimate and passionate relationship based on trust.
8. What is the first session like?
During the first session I’ll do a very brief assessment and have you identify what you want to accomplish with counseling and your intention for our first session together. The rest of the time you’ll experience what it looks like to work with me. At the end of the session we will review what you learned and discuss what your next steps are. If, at that time, you feel more hopeful and believe that I can help you, we will schedule your next session.
9. How soon will I know if working with you will be helpful?
You will know by the end of our first session together whether I’m the right person to work with you. Does my style, technique and philosophy resonate with you? Does it feel like I ‘get’ you? Do you feel the skills you learned about and experienced will help you achieve your goals? Most importantly do you feel more hopeful? Trust your intuition.
10. Do I need to complete any paperwork?
Yes. I will send you the HIPAA Notice of Privacy, my Informed Consent/Office Policies and your Initial Intake form. You will sign these and send them back to me.