Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect from counseling?
Counseling involves mindful change. Change in your mental health, your actions and the way you view the world. It involves talking to an expert in the mental health field about one’s problems, desires and wishes for change. It not only teaches people strategies and tools to deal with stress and unhealthy thoughts and behaviors, it also helps patients identify and explore how their unconscious emotions and motivations can influence their behavior. Psychotherapy helps patients manage their symptoms better and improve their everyday functioning. It helps people get ‘unstuck’ and ‘feel better.’
What can I expect from my therapist?
I consider myself a very compassionate and caring individual that wants to help you feel better, while exploring your current thoughts and how your past has affected these. My goal is to help you move through this difficult time in your life and come out the other side with a more positive outlook and tools, that you will be able to use for the rest of your life.
Is therapy right for me?
There are many different reasons of why people seek the help of a therapist. some people that believe that everyone can benefit from a little therapy. I personally believe that it depends how open you are to the possibilities therapy can bring you. In my experience therapy helps those that are truly ready for a change and open to heal. My job is not to “fix” people; it is to lend support and assist you in your personal journey and help you get through whatever you are currently dealing with.
How many sessions to see results?
The counseling journey is a very personal one. Some want to just learn a few tools to get started and continue on their own, whilst others want to delve deeper into their unconscious thought processes and really learn to understand themselves better. Therapy is a gift you give to yourself, and it is something that you have complete control over. Ultimately, it is your decision whether you want to stop or continue with therapy. The most important thing is that you feel that the therapist is a good fit for you and that you feel comfortable and heard.
How often do you see clients?
My goal is to help you reach your own personal therapeutic goals as soon as possible, therefore I recommend that clients schedule appointments weekly so we can get traction with the problems and move quicker towards change. There are cases where every other week appointments will be enough, especially when client feels that they either make a big effort to work on themselves between one session and the other. Often times as therapy progresses we will reduce the frequency of sessions, until you feel you are ready.
Are my sessions confidential?
Confidentiality is not only an obligation in therapy, but also one of the main reasons why therapy is effective. Information, both written and verbal cannot be shared without written consent from the client. It is a legally protected relationship governed by the Healthcare Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) and a variety of other state laws and statues that therapists abide under, however, there are exceptions to this. In the state of Florida these include:
-When a client threatens serious body harm to another person, the therapist is required by law to report that threat to the police.
-If the therapist suspects abuse of a disabled, elderly or child, they are mandated reported and have to report this abuse to child or adult protective services.
-If the client intends to harm himself or herself, the therapist is required to report this threat.
Do You Offer Counseling Online?
Yes, I am an e-counseling provider. I offer sessions online. Please ask about special pricing. Online sessions are cheaper and more affordable.
Do you take insurance?
I am an out-of network provider for most of the insurance companies, which means that I do not bill them directly but they may be eligible for reimbursement. I can provide you with a detail receipt for your insurance company. If you want to know about the coverage of out-of-network providers, please call your insurance company directly and ask for details. Why do I not take insurance?
The advantage of paying privately is that, no diagnosis is required nor will it stay in your records (unlike when you use your insurance carrier) and you gain an extra level of confidentiality as your records will not be seen by insurance company employees.
What forms of payment do you accept?
I accept payments made over my appointment scheduler, checks, credit cards and cash in the exact amount due.
Do you offer video chat sessions?
I do! Although I urge client to come at least once into the office, I find that video sessions can be just as effective and they add that extra level of comfort, convenience and privacy
Sex therapy for individuals and children?
Sex is with us from the time we are born until the time we leave this world. It knows no borders, age, race, gender, sexual orientation, relationship status, ethnicity and culture. Whether you are the parent of a sexually abused child that needs help, have been sexually abused yourself, the parent of a child whose child is struggling with gender, or a parent trouble teaching a child about reproduction, a couple looking to spice up their relationship, an individual whose parents did not accept their sexual orientation, or a person that has had questions about their identity as a sexual being or their gender identity, sex therapy is an added level of training that I have to help both children and adults move through their current negative experiences to a place of joy and self-acceptance.
How are you different than others?
I have numerous degrees, qualifications, degrees and certifications that outnumber most other therapists, but I think the most important thing when it comes to counseling is feeling that you are heard, understood and seeing the progress you are making. Only then will you know that you have found the therapist that is perfect for you. The best thing is to start with a phone consultation and see what impression you get. The rest will follow.
What are your fees?
Individual sessions are $150-170 for a 50-minute session. All sessions are done online. These prices are the average price for a session with a therapist with such expertise. Click here to find out more.
Couples sessions are $220 for an online session and Each session is 60 minutes long. Zoom is a HIPPA compliant platform that will be used for an online session.
Please contact me for a free 15-minute phone consultation to discuss your options.
