Who goes to therapy?
Anyone who is interested in working through an issue: individual women and men, partners of all sexual and gender orientations, children and whole families.
Who do you work with?
I work with women, ages 25 and over, as well as couples, also ages 25 and over.
What issues do you work with?
- Stress, anxiety and/or worry
- Adjustment to change
- Codependency
- Women’s issues
- Grief, loss and transition
- Partner connection
- Lack of intimacy
- Poor communication
- Low sexual desire
- Poor sexual communication
- Sex and Aging
- Premarital Counseling
If your concern is not listed, please call 856.208.6443 to discuss your specific needs.
What if my spouse doesn’t want to come to therapy?
It is not uncommon for one partner to be more reluctant than another to come to therapy. While I encourage you to start together if possible, I can also work with you individually to help you work through the problems you experience. When even one partner works on themselves, it can shift the dynamics of the whole relationship.
How long will therapy take?
On average, it’s possible to experience change between 10 – 20 sessions, with consistent attendance.
Do couples split up after therapy?
Therapy is not a guaranteed cure for what ails your relationship. I have supported many couples successfully but not all couple’s relationships stay together with therapy. Experience has taught me that often this occurs when one partner “goes through the motions” of coming into therapy with their partner but no longer loves their partner or wants to make the relationship work. Therapy is a great clarifier for many who feel ambivalent or uncertain of their future.
What type of therapy do you use?
I draw from an eclectic range of therapy models, all of which aim to strengthen your relationship with yourself, with your partner/family, and with your larger community. Some of these modalities include Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Mindfulness-Based Relationship Enhancement, Gestalt Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Polyvagal Theory for Therapy, the Gottman Method, Intersystemic Sex Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, to name a few. At times, I also lean into non-verbal work to access parts of the brain that hold information that may not otherwise present itself through conversation.
You’ll also receive opportunities for home practice to help you integrate experiences from therapy sessions into your everyday life.
What is the difference between couples and sex therapy?
Couples Therapy is a specialized form of therapy that focuses on a couple’s relational issues. Sex therapy is a specialized area of psychotherapy that specifically addresses sexual issues. Unfortunately, the educational system seems to keep these specializations apart from each other, while I believe that these inherently belong together.
I use evidence-based research including a present-centered Intersystemic Approach, along with the Pleasure-Oriented Model that allows us to address both your couple’s relational problems and any sexual issues that you may experience. Through an initial four-phase assessment, we begin to unpack various areas of your relationship, including your sex life.
I maintain a non-judgmental and confidential environment that allows for full exploration of sexual concerns.
Do you accept insurance?
I am an out-of-network provider. This means that your insurance may cover a portion of the therapy cost if you have out-of-network benefits. You will pay the full cost upfront and receive receipts to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. If your insurance covers this service, they will send you a reimbursement check directly. I find that clients often receive 50-80% back from their insurance companies after meeting their deductible.
What should I ask my insurance company?
Three simple questions:
· Do I have out-of-network benefits for behavioral health?
· Do I have to meet a deductible before getting reimbursed?
· What is the percentage of reimbursement that I will receive for individual or family therapy?
Why do you not accept insurance?
Insurance companies often limit what therapists you can see, how long you can see them for, and the reasons that you can see them. I also have clients who would prefer to keep their information completely confidential and not submit diagnostic codes to insurance companies. If I contracted with insurance companies, I would be bound by their rules and required to submit documentation with your confidential information on it. I want you to be able to make your own mental health choices. If you choose to see me, I want you to be able to decide when you want to see me, for how long and to be able to exercise your right to keep your information confidential. My out-of-network status puts you in the driver’s seat, not your insurance company.
Does health insurance cover marriage/couples counseling?
Health insurance does not cover marriage/couples counseling, however, sometimes, one or both partners may have a diagnosis that is treated within the couples therapy dyad and that insurance would cover. I can determine this after your initial appointment and/or after your four-session assessment.
What is a ‘Good Faith Estimate'?
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.
• You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
• Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day, when feasible, before your medical service or item. You can also ask your healthcare provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
• If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
• Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 856.208.6443.
