Common Questions

What is Your Approach to Therapy?
Integrative Psychotherapy recognizes the fundamental value of each person and brings together the emotional, behavioral, mental, physiological and spiritual dimensions of life. To that end, I use a variety of approaches, as needed. Some of these approaches are listed below:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely used therapies and is the treatment of choice for anxiety, depression and panic disorder. CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented approach that addresses how thoughts, feelings and behaviors are related. CBT helps us see the connection between how we think, how we interpret events, our emotions and the actions that follow. Learning to recognize and change maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors improve how feelings and worries are handled and breaks the cycle of unhealthy habitual behaviors.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches new skills to deal with painful emotions and to decrease conflict in relationships. The term dialectical comes from the idea that bringing together the opposite concepts of acceptance and change can bring better results than either one alone. DBT teaches skills in four specific areas: 1). Mindfulness focuses on improving our ability to accept and be present in the current moment. 2). Distress Tolerance increases our tolerance of negative emotions rather than trying to escape them. 3). Emotion Regulation offers strategies to manage and change intense emotions that are causing difficulty in life. 4). Interpersonal Effectiveness emphasizes communication that is assertive, maintains self-respect and strengthens relationships.

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) uses acceptance and mindfulness practices with commitment and behavior change strategies to increase psychological flexibility. ACT is a mindfulness-based therapy and looks at character traits and behaviors to assist in reducing avoidant coping styles. ACT focuses on three areas: 1). Accepting our reactions and being present. 2). Choosing a valued direction and 3). Taking action.

Positive Psychology Where some psychological approaches focus on dysfunction, Positive Psychology examines how ordinary people can become happier and more fulfilled. This includes the biological, personal, relational, institutional, cultural and global dimensions of life.

Interpersonal Therapy Focuses on behavior and actions with family and friends. Goals include improving communication and enhancing self-esteem.

Pastoral Counseling There is a growing body of research demonstrating the efficacy of spiritually integrated mental health care. Pastoral Counseling integrates an individual’s own philosophical and/or spiritual beliefs and practices with sound techniques from psychology, social work and the behavioral sciences. Pastoral Counselors see clients of any (or no) religious affiliation.

Psychodynamic-Informed Psychotherapy Treatment is interactive and works to identify unconscious connections with childhood emotional experiences; identifying unconscious motivation for dysfunctional behaviors; recognizing emotional wounds; identifying dysfunctional thought patterns; stress management; relaxation and anger management .

Client-Centered Therapy was developed in the 1940’s and 1950’s in response to the less personal and clinical type of treatment. Client Centered Therapy is a non-directive approach allowing the client to lead the conversation. The therapist does not steer the conversation in any way. Client-Centered Therapy has 3 core qualities: 1). Unconditional Positive Regard where the therapist fully accepts the client, whoever and wherever the client is. 2). Genuineness and 3). Empathic Understanding, which helps form a positive therapeutic relationship and reflects back the client’s thoughts and feelings leading to increased self-awareness. In this approach, client and therapist are seen as a team or equal partners.

Do you accept insurance?
Yes, I am a preferred provider with multiple insurance plans. If I am not listed as a preferred provider on your health plan, my services may still be covered as an “out-of-network” provider. Check with your insurance carrier.

How does insurance work?
To determine if you have behavioral health coverage, check with your insurance carrier. Their telephone number and website address should be on the back of your medical card. Check your coverage carefully and ask the following questions:

  • What are my behavioral health benefits?
  • Does my insurance company cover my behavioral health benefits or are they "carved out" to another company?
  • What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
  • Do I have a yearly deductible?
  • Do I have a co-pay per visit?
  • How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?
  • How much does my insurance pay for an “in-network” and “out-of-network” provider?
  • Is approval required from my primary care physician?

Is therapy confidential?
In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and psychotherapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client. There are, however, some exceptions required by law to this rule. Those exceptions include:

  • Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
  • If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person, the therapist is required to notify the police and inform the intended victim.
  • If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure his/her safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, further measures may be taken, without the client's permission, that are provided to the therapist by law.





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