Services 

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're at 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.

People have many different motivations for coming to psychotherapy. 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.

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 well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness. Working with your medical doctor you can determine what's best for you, and in some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action.

To determine if you have mental health coverage through your insurance carrier, the first thing you should do is call them. Check your coverage carefully and make sure you understand their answers. Some helpful questions you can ask them: What are my mental health benefits? What is the coverage amount per therapy session? How many therapy sessions does my plan cover? How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider? Is approval required from my primary care physician?

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 currently accept Anthem, Fidelis, Excellus, Empire Blue Cross and Blue Shield , Aetna, MVP, Tricare, and United Healthcare insurances. Services may be covered in full or in part by your health insurance or employee benefit plan. Please check your coverage carefully by asking the following questions: Do I have mental health insurance benefits? What is my deductible and has it been met? How many sessions per year does my health insurance cover? What is the coverage amount per therapy session? Is approval required from my primary care physician?

Reduced fee services are available on a limited basis.

Currently I accept cash, check, debit and most major credit cards.

24 hour notification is required or client will be required to pay the full cost of the session. Insurances do not cover a no show fee and therefore you will be responsible to pay for the missed session.

The law protects the relationship between a client and a psychotherapist, and information cannot be disclosed without written permission. Exceptions include: Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse, for which I am required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately. If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s, I must notify the police and inform the intended victim. If a client intends to harm himself or herself, I will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, I will take further measures without their permission that are provided to me by law in order to ensure their safety.

Coaching can be distinguished from psychotherapy in several ways. To understand them, it’s important to start with definitions of each… The International Coach Federation (ICF) defines coaching as “partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.” The American Psychological Association (APA) defines psychotherapy as “the informed and intentional application of clinical methods and interpersonal stances derived from established psychological principles for the purpose of assisting people to modify their behaviors, cognitions, emotions, and/or other personal characteristics in directions that the participants deem desirable.”1 When comparing the outcomes achieved through coaching and psychotherapy, we find core differences in four key factors: focus, purpose, population, and who is leading the change.

Coaching can be distinguished from psychotherapy in several ways. To understand them, it’s important to start with definitions of each… The International Coach Federation (ICF) defines coaching as “partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.” The American Psychological Association (APA) defines psychotherapy as “the informed and intentional application of clinical methods and interpersonal stances derived from established psychological principles for the purpose of assisting people to modify their behaviors, cognitions, emotions, and/or other personal characteristics in directions that the participants deem desirable.”1 When comparing the outcomes achieved through coaching and psychotherapy, we find core differences in four key factors: focus, purpose, population, and who is leading the change. The Therapist A therapist primarily addresses clinically diagnosable problems associated with mental health and trauma for individuals dealing with some form of dysfunction or disorder. They work with their patients to identify challenges through a diagnostic structure, typically based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). By focusing on psychopathology, emotions, and the past, a therapist attempts to alleviate symptoms through counseling and, at times, prescription medications. The desired outcome is a shift in behavior or result – as defined by the therapist – frequently addressing physical or emotional pain, dysfunction, and conflict within the individual or a relationship they hold. To achieve this goal, the therapist focuses on past issues to improve their client’s capacity in the present. The Coach A coach – and specifically a Whole Person Coach – does not rely on a pre-defined definition of normalcy. As the client, you inform the process and lead the way holistically. The coach uses powerful questioning to help you recognize and leverage your strengths and resources then self-create your desired outcomes. Client-stated goals often address aspects of personal or professional development and improvement. Unlike the therapist, upon whom patients often remain dependent for extended periods of time, a coach builds your capacity to be your own changemaker – exponentially, in every aspect of your life. A coach focuses on visioning and success in the present to move you into the future. Coaching relationships are shown to produce desired outcomes among well-functioning clients and do not involve the diagnosis or treatment of mental disorders as defined by the American Psychiatric Association. Nor is coaching a substitute for counseling, psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, mental health care, or substance abuse treatment.

You may benefit from the support of a professionally certified coach if… You feel lost or confused about your purpose or next steps in life. You are afraid to try something new (even though it’s something you’re genuinely interested in). You feel constant stress, self-doubt and succumb to the “you shoulds” imposed by family and friends. Your happiness and forward momentum are constantly derailed by limiting beliefs, old patterns, and self-sabotage. You have a goal or vision but lack the focus, organization, and clarity necessary to form an action plan. You want to make changes to your personal or professional life such as improvements to health and wellness, personal relationships, spirituality, career, time management, or work/life balance. You procrastinate or have difficulty completing tasks from start to finish. You are facing or currently going through a major life transition. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), you may want to consider speaking with a licensed therapist or counselor if… You feel an overwhelming, prolonged sense of helplessness and sadness. Your problems fail to resolve or improve despite your efforts and help from family and friends. You find it difficult to concentrate on work assignments or conduct everyday activities. You worry excessively, expect the worst, or remain constantly on edge. Your actions, such as drinking too much alcohol, using drugs, or being aggressive, harm yourself or others.2 Sources 1. https://coachfederation.org/app/uploads/2018/06/Whitepaper-Client-Referral-June-2018.pdf 2. https://www.apa.org/topics/understanding-psychotherapy