FAQ’s

A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. 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

I offer a complimentary 20-minute consultation by phone. During this first discussion we can talk about the issues you’re seeking help with and get a sense for how we might work together.

To make an appointment, please contact me at 808-264-1234. When leaving or sending a message, please let me know your full name and phone number, and which days and times you might be available to meet.

Yes, everything we discuss will remain confidential. The law requires me to disclose information if I learn of the abuse of a child or a serious risk of suicide or harm to others. If you use insurance to pay for your therapy, certain information may be required by the insurance company as a condition of coverage. This might include information about symptoms and diagnosis, and the extent of their impact on your well-being.

Since 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).

At the start of therapy, we will meet at least once weekly. In some cases more frequent sessions may be indicated, such as when a greater level of support is needed or when we are addressing painful emotional states or troubling patterns. Many people find that more frequent sessions allow for deeper work and a more enriching experience. Less frequent sessions (i.e. every other week) may be a useful option toward the end of therapy.

The issues we will address most likely developed over the course of a lifetime. It can take time for real change to come about. At some points in your therapy, change may occur quickly, but at other points it may be more gradual. There is no formula for determining ahead of time how long a course of therapy will last, but consistency and regularity help.

I maintain a portion of my practice for those who require a reduced fee. If you would like to discuss this possibility, please let me know this prior to setting up your first appointment, as these slots are subject to availability. We’ll discuss your situation as it relates to the fee when we meet for consultation.

I work with a number of insurance companies. Please let me know when making an appointment if you intend to use a particular insurance. 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?

Payment
Cash, check and all major credit cards accepted for payment.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Therapy works best when sessions are attended regularly and consistently, so it is to your benefit to keep appointments as they are scheduled. That said, some situations are unavoidable. If you need to cancel a session, please contact me as soon as possible. I will make every effort to reschedule your appointment within the week within my available hours.

Schedule Online
Request a therapy appointment online here.

Contact
Questions? Please contact me for further information.