What is counseling (or therapy) like?

It is important to remember that psychotherapy is not something that is done to you: in fact, therapy often calls for a very active effort on your part. My role as therapist is to skillfully ask questions that will lead you to gain a greater understanding of the thoughts, beliefs, and rules that may be underlying your suffering. Therapy is most often successful when you take an active role not only in the session but also between appointments. For instance, you may be asked to work on things we have talked about during our sessions, write in a journal, or to practice skills that you have been asked to learn.

How do I know that you are the right therapist for me?

There are several general qualities to consider when shopping for a therapist, including the following:

·       professional experience and years in practice

·       specialization in your problem area

·       therapeutic style

However, the best way to find out if I am the right therapist for you is to sit down for a session and try it out for size. At the end of that time, you will have a sense whether or not you have experienced a warm and caring, but at the same time professional, environment. Hopefully, you will have felt safe, listened to, and understood. At the end of my first session with new clients, I ask for some feedback and whether you think we would be “a good fit.”  At that time, if you do not feel that we would work well together, I can refer you to another mental health professional.

How long does therapy last?

Without meeting someone and finding out about your history, the problems that bring you into therapy, and your goals and expectations, it is impossible to give a definite answer. Initially, I prefer to see clients on a weekly basis.  As our work together proceeds, we will continually assess the progress you have made in achieving the goals you have set for yourself. We then can come to a mutual decision regarding the future course of therapy in order to ensure a successful outcome.

do you take insurance?

I currently accept Highmark, Medicare, and Medicare supplemental plans. I do not accept payment from any other insurance carriers (including Medicare Advantage plans) and do not submit bills to any provider other than Highmark and Medicare. If you would like to be reimbursed by your insurance carrier for my services as an out of network provider, I will be happy to supply a monthly summary of payments (a superbill) that you can submit to your insurance company. If you do choose to seek reimbursement through your insurance, be aware that providers require a diagnosis and frequently a brief description of treatment. This reduces your privacy in that information provided may be maintained in their databases and shared with others without your knowledge (e.g. potential employers, law enforcement agencies, and other insurance companies).