Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.
What about medication vs. psychotherapy?
Do you take insurance, and how does that work?
How can therapy help me?
There are many benefits to therapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, and grief. People also find therapy to be a tremendous asset in managing daily life and facilitating personal growth. The benefits you get from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Finding the right therapist for you is important in getting the most benefit from services.
Therapy can also help in:
- Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
- Getting a fresh perspective on problems
- Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
- Improving communication and listening skills
- Changing or eliminating old behavior patterns and developing new ones
- Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.
Everyone goes through challenging situations in life. Most of the time we are able to navigate problems and maintain positive functioning. Therapy can help when facing problems beyond one's ability to cope or when established coping skills no longer work. It takes courage and strength to reach out when in need of outside help.
What is therapy like?
Therapy will be different for each person because we all have different challenges, goals for therapy, and different communication and personality styles. You can expect to discuss specifics of the situation that brought you into therapy, events currently happening in your life, your personal history as it relates to the therapy issue, and your needs and expectation from therapy. Techniques and interventions will be tailored to your individual needs. You can expect updates on your progress throughout the process.
Confidentiality is an important and necessary component of therapy. It is legally and ethically mandated. Most importantly, it facilitates trust between client and therapist which increases the likelihood of a successful therapy experience.
Therapy can be long-term or short-term. It can be in-person, virtual, or a combination of the two. People generally meet weekly at the beginning of therapy. Sessions spread out to twice a month as improvements are made and to monthly when the goal is to maintain treatment gains.
Ending therapy is a process within the therapy process. It is collaborative between the therapist and the client.
What about medication vs. psychotherapy?
Not everybody participating in therapy will need medication. For those who do, it is well-documented that the combination of medication and therapy provides the best outcomes. Decisions about medication are generally made through discussions between the client and the therapist. Therapists usually collaborate with the psychiatric provider throughout the therapy experience.
Do you take insurance, and how does that work?
I accept most major insurances including Anthem of Virginia, United Healthcare, Aetna, Cigna, and Medicare. I do not accept Medicaid products. I encourage clients to verify coverage with your insurance carrier prior to the first visit in order to verify benefits including client deductibles and copayments. I submit claims on my clients' behalf through a secure electronic health tool.