(205) 737-3682
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If your answer isn't here, feel free to send me a message!
HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED THERAPY?
Everyone can benefit from therapy! Whether you feel overwhelmed by life or simply want to have a place to vent and refocus, counseling can help. Even if you aren't sure, you can call and ask if your situation would benefit from therapy. Worst case scenario you get a connection in case things get rough in the future, start to understand yourself a little better, and can have more confidence about the way you are handling things!
IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COUNSELING, THERAPY, AND PSYCHOTHERAPY?
While they can mean different things in other contexts, the terms counseling, therapy, and psychotherapy are mostly referring to the same thing when it comes to mental health.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST AND OTHER MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS?
While other professionals (like counselors and social workers) have similar mental health training, marriage and family therapists focus on how each individual is connected to a greater whole (like their relationships, family, and even the larger society). This focus gives MFT's a solid background to work with couples and families, but also provides us an extra perspective to use when working with individuals.
HOW LONG ARE THERAPY SESSIONS?
Individual and family therapy sessions generally begin on the hour and last 50-60 minutes. That being said, timing can be flexible depending on what is most helpful for you; some people prefer longer sessions! Relational counseling is an example of this; I schedule those sessions for 80-90 minutes because that work can take a little more time.
As for how often we will meet, the standard is once a week, but that can also be adjusted according to what is best for you. Generally I will start with weekly sessions while we are getting to know each other (first 2-3 sessions), then we can work together to see if the timeline needs to change.
WHAT'S WITH THE PENGUINS?
Is it obvious? I'm a huge fan of penguins. Part of it is because they're adorable, but they also have played a large role in my own journey. You know how in most documentaries with penguins, there are crowds of them shuffling around on the edge of the water? They're afraid because there are predators in the water, but at the same time the water is where they thrive and get their food.
I could relate to that in my own struggles with anxiety. It kept me on the edge of the water, stopping me from diving in and doing what I felt like I was made for. So I took the example from my freezing feathered friends, and after my own journey I learned to push past my anxiety so that I could dive in and live the life I wanted to live.
HOW MUCH DO SESSIONS COST?
My therapy sessions cost $110/hour. I reserve some spots for alternative payment arrangements as needed, but these are limited. I accept cash, card, and check!
As for insurance, I am in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, and Uprise Health. Even if I am not in-network with your insurance provider, I am happy to provide whatever information you need for reimbursement!
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM A SESSION?
You can learn what to expect by clicking here.