How can therapy help me?

A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. When we understand that we are communicating and trying to meet our needs in every moment, we can then use compassionate NVC communication to get our needs met in a healthy way. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:

• Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values

• Developing skills for improving your relationships

• Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy

• Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety

• Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures

• Improving communications and listening skills

• Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones

• Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage

• Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

• Discovering how to approach life from a holistic point of view

What are The Fees?

FEES

COUNSELING Initial Intake Session $200

COUNSELING SESSIONS   $175/ Hr $87.50/30min

FAMILY MEDIATION SERVICES       $250/ Hr 

Life coaching $100/ Hr

SUPERVISION: LICENSURE

MHC, MFT, SCW   $170/ HR $85/Group

Accepts: Credit Cards, Venmo, PayPal, Apple Pay

Sliding Scale: Yes

Accepts Insurance: AETNA/ UNITED/ CIGNA/ OXFORD/ OSCAR HEALTH/ HORIZON BCBS of NJ, BCBS of MA

Initial phone consultation 813-240-3237

Do I really need therapy?  I can usually handle my problems. 

Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you are in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face. 

Why do people go to therapy and how do I know if it is right for me?

People have many different motivations for coming to therapy. Communication is one of the root skills that creates opportunities to make life more wonderful. Some may be going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, new job, etc.), or are not handling stressful circumstances well.  Some people need assistance managing a range of other issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, spiritual conflicts and creative blocks.  Therapy can help provide some much needed encouragement and help with skills to get them through these periods.  Others may be at a point where they are ready to learn more about themselves or want to be more effective with their goals in life.   In short, people seeking psychotherapy are ready to meet the challenges in their lives and ready to make changes in their lives. 

What is therapy like?

Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual.  In general, you can expect to discuss the current events happening in your life, your personal history relevant to your issue, and report progress (or any new insights gained) from the previous therapy session.  Depending on your specific needs, therapy can be short-term, for a specific issue, or longer-term, to deal with more difficult patterns or your desire for more personal development.  Either way, it is most common to schedule regular sessions with your therapist (usually weekly).

It is important to understand that you will get more results from therapy if you actively participate in the process.  The ultimate purpose of therapy is to help you bring what you learn in session back into your life. Therefore, beyond the work you do in therapy sessions, your therapist may suggest some things you can do outside of therapy to support your process - such as reading a pertinent book, journaling on specific topics, noting particular behaviors or taking action on your goals. People seeking psychotherapy are ready to make positive changes in their lives, are open to new perspectives and take responsibility for their lives.   

Does what we talk about in therapy remain confidential?

Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and psychotherapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist's office.   Every therapist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone. This is called “Informed Consent”.  Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your Physician, Naturopath, Attorney), but by law your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.

However, state law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:

 * Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.

* If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threatened to harm another person.

I WANT TO COME TO COUPLES THERAPY BUT MY PARTNER WOULD NEVER AGREE. DOES MY SPOUSE OR PARTNER NEED TO ATTEND?

In an ideal world, in order for couples therapy to work, both people should attend every session. Nevertheless, individual therapy can be very helpful in building and strengthening relationships. Give me a call and we can strategize about the best therapy for your needs.

DO YOU TREAT ISSUES AROUND INFIDELITY?

Yes, I frequently work with issues of infidelity. Whether there are issues of trust, or if there have been physical or emotional affairs, it is never too late to seek therapy.

DO YOU SEE SAME SEX COUPLES?

Yes. I am comfortable seeing any couple regardless of gender or sexual orientation.

DO YOU SEE COUPLES WHO ARE DIVORCED?

Yes. Often people who are divorced still need to communicate with each other. I can help make this easier.

DO YOU DO PREMARITAL THERAPY?

Yes, I do. Often conflict can arise in relationships before marriage. Therapy is the best place to work on these issues before making the commitment to marriage.

DO YOU OFFER A RELATIONSHIP CHECK-UP?

Absolutely. Any time when you aren’t feeling good about your relationship is a great time to seek help.

ARE YOU A SEX THERAPIST? DO YOU PROVIDE SEX THERAPY? DO YOU DEAL WITH ISSUES AROUND SEX?

While I am not a certified sex therapist, I am an expert in intimacy. Issues about sex and sexuality are common, and I am comfortable working with you about them.

DO YOU COUNSEL COUPLES WHO ARE SEPARATED?

Yes. Separation can be a difficult time when the future of a relationship hangs in the balance. It is best to do this with the guidance of a qualified couples therapist.

DO YOU TAKE INSURANCE FOR Individual psychotherapy, MARRIAGE COUNSELING OR COUPLES THERAPY?

Yes, United Healthcare. However, a paid invoice submitted with a reimbursement claim form for all other insurance companies (which may be easily downloaded from your insurance company provider's website) is a simple solution. Then, your insurance company may send you a reimbursement check directly to you, depending on your plan.