Counseling (in-person and virtual (worldwide) , workshops, retreats and more
Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQs)
What is counseling?
Counseling is a collaborative process where a trained mental health professional provides support and guidance to help individuals, couples, families or groups address personal challenges, develop coping skills, and work towards their goals. It assist with gaining insight and awareness and better identify your own "better" with a direction on how to get there.
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What happens during a session? During a counseling session, you'll have the opportunity to talk about your concerns in a safe environment. Everything discussed remains confidential between you and your therapist (there are some exceptions to this, when risks such as harm to self or others - this will be explained to you before your session.)
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What is an LCSW?
A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is a mental health professional who has completed a master's or doctoral degree in social work and has obtained a state license to practice clinical social work that requires a further 1000 supervision hours post-Master's degree,. LCSWs are trained to diagnose and treat various mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, depression, trauma-related disorders, substance abuse, and more in a wide range of clinical settings.
Other commonly asked questions
How long is it?
Sessions are typically 50-60 minutes each. The overall duration of counseling varies depending on individual needs and goals. Some people may benefit from just a few sessions, while others may engage in counseling for several months or longer.
What types of therapy are used?
Commonly used modalities include (but are not limited to):
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
(CBT): - CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to distress. It emphasizes the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches practical skills to manage symptoms.
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a form of psychotherapy that blends cognitive behavioral techniques with mindfulness and acceptance strategies. It is rooted in the theoretical framework of relational frame theory and contextual behavioral science. ACT aims to help individuals develop psychological flexibility, which involves being open to experiencing difficult thoughts and emotions while taking action aligned with one's values and goals.
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Humanistic Therapy: Humanistic therapies, such as person-centered therapy and Gestalt therapy, emphasize personal growth, self-acceptance, and self-actualization. They focus on the client's subjective experience and their capacity for self-direction and self-awareness.
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Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Mindfulness-based therapies, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), incorporate mindfulness practices to increase awareness, acceptance, and present-moment focus. These approaches are effective for managing stress, anxiety, and mood disorders.
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Solution-Focused Therapy: Solution-focused therapy is brief and goal-oriented, focusing on solutions rather than dwelling on problems. It helps clients identify their strengths, resources, and solutions to achieve their desired outcomes.
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Family Therapy: Family therapy explores the dynamics and interactions within families to address conflicts, improve communication, and strengthen relationships. It views individuals as part of a larger family system and seeks to create positive changes at the systemic level.
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Couples Therapy: Couples therapy, also known as marriage counseling, helps couples navigate conflicts, improve communication, and enhance intimacy and connection. It addresses relationship issues such as trust, conflict resolution, and relationship satisfaction.
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Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): IPT focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and communication skills to alleviate symptoms of depression and other mood disorders. It explores how relational patterns contribute to emotional distress and works to improve interpersonal functioning
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Trauma-Focused Therapy: Trauma-focused therapie help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences. They address symptoms of PTSD, including intrusive memories, flashbacks, avoidance, and hyperarousal.
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Group Therapy: Group therapy involves a small group of individuals meeting regularly with a trained therapist to explore shared concerns, provide mutual support, and learn from one another's experiences. It can be beneficial for various issues, including social skills, addiction recovery, and grief support.
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These are just a few examples of the many types of therapy available. Therapists often integrate elements from multiple approaches based on their clients' needs and preferences.
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How much will therapy cost, and do you accept insurance?
We accept multiple insurance, as well as self-pay. Rates for self-pay are $150/individual session, $180/couple session. We accept multiple forms of payment for these.
Using insurance for counseling can have both benefits and potential risks. Here are some risks associated with using insurance for counseling:
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Loss of Privacy: When you use insurance, your sessions are typically documented and submitted for reimbursement, which means that some information about your treatment may be shared with your insurance company. While therapists are bound by confidentiality laws, there is still a risk that your sensitive information could be accessed by others within the insurance system.
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Limited Choice of Providers: Insurance plans often have a network of preferred providers, and you may be limited to seeing therapists within this network. This can restrict your options and may result in you not being able to work with a therapist who specializes in your specific needs or preferences.
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Diagnosis and Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurance companies typically require a mental health diagnosis to approve coverage for therapy. This diagnosis becomes part of your medical record and could potentially impact future insurance coverage or employment opportunities.
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Limited Number of Sessions: Insurance plans often have limits on the number of sessions covered within a certain time frame. This can result in premature termination of therapy if you require more sessions than your insurance allows.
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Lack of Flexibility: Insurance companies may dictate the type and length of therapy sessions covered, which may not align with your individual needs or preferences. For example, they may only cover certain types of therapy or require pre-authorization for extended sessions.
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Potential Impact on Future Coverage: Seeking mental health treatment through insurance may impact your future coverage or premiums, especially if you receive a mental health diagnosis that could be considered a pre-existing condition.
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It's essential to weigh the benefits and risks of using insurance for counseling and consider alternative payment options if you have any of the above concerns.
Additionally, discussing these concerns with your therapist and insurance provider can help you make informed decisions about your mental health care.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a natural response to stress or perceived threats, characterized by feelings of apprehension, worry, nervousness, or fear. It is a normal part of the human experience and can be beneficial in certain situations, as it alerts us to potential dangers and motivates us to take action. However, when anxiety becomes excessive, persistent, or overwhelming, it can interfere with daily functioning and quality of life.
There are several types of anxiety disorders, including:
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Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): GAD is characterized by excessive worry and anxiety about various aspects of life, such as work, health, finances, or relationships. Individuals with GAD often struggle to control their worry and may experience physical symptoms such as muscle tension, restlessness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.
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Panic Disorder: Panic disorder involves recurrent, unexpected panic attacks, which are sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort accompanied by physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or sweating. Panic attacks can occur unexpectedly or in response to specific triggers.
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Social Anxiety Disorder: Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, involves intense fear or anxiety about social situations or performance situations, where individuals fear being scrutinized, judged, or embarrassed by others. This fear may lead to avoidance of social interactions, leading to social isolation and impairment in social or occupational functioning.
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Specific Phobias: Specific phobias are intense and irrational fears of specific objects or situations, such as heights, flying, spiders, or enclosed spaces. Exposure to the feared object or situation can trigger intense anxiety and may lead to avoidance behavior.
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): OCD is characterized by recurrent, intrusive thoughts or obsessions, and repetitive behaviors or compulsions performed in response to these obsessions. Individuals with OCD may engage in rituals or compulsive behaviors to reduce anxiety or prevent perceived harm.
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD can develop after exposure to a traumatic event and is characterized by symptoms such as intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, and emotional numbing.
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Anxiety disorders can have a significant impact on daily life, relationships, work, and overall well-being. Treatment for anxiety may involve therapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy), medication, lifestyle modifications, and stress management techniques. It's essential for individuals experiencing symptoms of anxiety to seek help from a mental health professional for assessment and appropriate treatment.