FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSWhat should I expect from therapy?
The first few sessions will involve an intake process where I will gather information about your background, current concerns, and goals for therapy. We will explore your personal history, relationships, mental health symptoms, and any relevant life events. This will help me to understand your situation and collaborate with you to tailor the treatment. Together, we’ll decide on the goals of the therapy and our approach. My therapy approach is informed by IFS, EMDR, and mindfulness.
What is IFS (Internal Family Systems)?
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a therapeutic approach developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz in the 1980s. It is based on the premise that our minds are made up of different "parts" or subpersonalities, each with its own unique characteristics, beliefs, emotions, and roles. These parts can be in harmony or conflict with each other, influencing our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
The key concept in IFS is that every person has a core or true self, which is inherently compassionate, curious, and connected. The goal of IFS therapy is to help individuals establish a relationship with their true self and foster self-leadership, leading to internal harmony and healing.
What is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a therapeutic approach that was initially developed to address symptoms of trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, it has also been used effectively for a range of other mental health concerns.
EMDR therapy incorporates elements of cognitive therapy, exposure therapy, and bilateral stimulation. It is based on the idea that traumatic experiences can overwhelm the brain's natural processing abilities, leading to the persistence of distressing memories and associated symptoms. EMDR aims to facilitate the brain's natural healing process and promote the adaptive resolution of traumatic experiences.
During an EMDR session, the client focuses on a traumatic memory, distressing thought, or negative belief while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation. This stimulation can involve following the therapist's finger movements with their eyes, listening to alternating sounds, or experiencing tactile sensations such as bilateral tapping. The bilateral stimulation is believed to stimulate both sides of the brain, facilitating the processing and integration of distressing memories.
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is a quality of awareness that involves paying deliberate and non-judgmental attention to the present moment. It is the practice of intentionally directing one's attention to the present experience, including thoughts, emotions, bodily sensations, and the surrounding environment.
Do you accept insurance?
I accept Aetna and Optum (United, Oxford, and Oscar) Insurance Plans.
I am also an out-of-network provider. Many insurance plans offer out-of-network coverage, meaning you can receive reimbursement for a portion of the fee after meeting your deductible. Please contact your insurance provider to learn if you have out-of-network benefits and how they may be applied to psychotherapy services so that you can come into therapy knowing what rates you can afford.
What are your fees?
If you do not have Aetna or Optum (United, Oxford, and Oscar), the standard fee for a 60-minute individual or couple’s session is $200. The standard fee for a 90-minute session is $250. I also offer a sliding scale. Click here to learn more about how I conceptualize my sliding scale. Feel free to email me to explore this in more detail.
What is your cancellation policy?
My cancellation policy requires 24-hour notice of cancellation. Cancellation with less than 24 hours’ notice requires payment in full. If you are unable to attend your session by video, I am available by phone. This method can also be used as a plan for individuals with potential obstacles to attendance such as frequent travel, chronic health issues, COVID-related concerns, and more.