I’ve never been to a therapist, how can therapy help me?
Therapists can provide enlightenment, support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies that are different from talking to a friend or family member. They can provide a non-biased, educated perspective on a difficult problem you may have and assist you in the best way to approach a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how much you put into the process and practice what you learn. Some of the benefits of therapy include:
- Gaining a better understanding of yourself, your behaviors, your goals, and your perspective of the world around you.
- Developing skills to improve your relationships
- Resolving life long struggles by understanding patterns of thinking and behaviors that keep you locked in a cycle of self-defeat.
- Learning new ways to cope with stress, anxiety, anger, depression, and other emotional challenges.
- Improving social skills
- Finding more positive ways to view yourself and boosting your confidence.
- Gaining freedom through self-growth and knowledge.
Does what we talk about remain confidential?
YES! Confidentiality is a requirement for therapist and other health professionals to ensure that their client's information is private. Confidentiality includes not just what you say to a therapist, but also the fact that you are a client. Thus, if you are my client, I will not share the information you give me inside or outside of our session. If we happen to run into one another outside of therapy sessions, I will not identify as your therapist.
Confidentiality is protected by state laws and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA). The exceptions to confidential information include:
- when a client is a threat to self or others (please note, shared thoughts of harming others or suicidal feelings are not automatic grounds for breaking confidentiality. These thoughts have to be intentional with a plan to act on them)
- reports of child abuse
- reports of abuse of disabled or elderly person(s)
I will provide paperwork going into more detail about your right to privacy before our initial session and discuss any further questions upon our first meeting.
Can I see you if I live in a different state?
I’m licensed to practice therapy in Tennessee, which means until the laws evolve further, I can legally provide services only to clients who reside in this state.
Will my insurance cover the cost of sessions? How do I find out?
Most insurance companies will offer to cover a portion or all of the cost of therapy. I am in network with United HealthCare/Optum and UMR. For all other insurance carriers, I am an out-of-network provider and will provide clients a superbill for reimbursement through their insurance company. To find out your out-of-network benefits or exact copay, you must contact your insurance company directly.
How often does therapy last, and how often do I need to come?
The answers to these questions will vary on an individual basis and is influenced by the presenting concerns and your goals for therapy. I prefer to see clients on a weekly basis at the start of therapy so I can gain a clear understanding of who you are, what help you are seeking, and how I can develop an optimal plan to help you reach your goals. We will work together to decide when you feel progress is being made and you are ready to reduce the frequency of treatment to what you feel is right for you.
How can I tell if a therapist is a good match for me?
My best advice for assessing which therapist will be most helpful to you is by researching what they have to offer. I have attempted to outline my approaches and the clientele that will work best with me on my website and and I am also available for a free phone consultation if you have additional questions or concerns. While therapist are trained for many of life's circumstances and mental health concerns, I suggest you look for therapist who has experience and expertise in YOUR areas of concerns instead of seeking a therapist who claims to handle all concerns equally.
Will you provide me with medication?
My goal is to resolve issues and reduce presenting symptoms through a therapeutic process that does not involve medication prescriptions. If I feel that medication is needed to address concerns, I will guide you in the right direction to discuss medication options further.
What are your specialties?
I specialize in relationship issues, emotional wounds that have not been cared for, feelings of low self worth, anxiety and/or depression, and those who feel they have lost themselves in roles that no longer fulfill them. More specifically, I utilize evidenced-based approaches including cognitive-behavioral, narrative, emotionally focused, and internal family systems interventions. I adjust the interventions used to fit each individual client.
Why is therapy so expensive?
Therapy is an investment in yourself. Private practice therapists have many costs beyond what you see—office space, secure systems, insurance fees, billing fees, ongoing training, and years of costly education and experience—all to provide a safe, effective, and confidential experience.
Therapy is more than advice or self-help books; it’s personalized guidance to help you gain insight, heal old wounds, and build skills for stronger relationships, confidence, and emotional health. I understand financial stress, which is why I offer private-pay rates that I keep at the lowest rate possible to maintain the practice. I also provide a free Superbill to any client that I am not an in-network provider for if your policy provides out-of-network reimbursement.