
What is Therapy?
Therapy is a safe space for you to process your feelings and achieve your goals without judgment. That’s it! It’s that simple. Now let’s discuss three things therapy is not.
1.) Therapy is not a one size fits all. Therapists are like shoes- sometimes the ones that look the best just do not feel good. You should feel safe and accepted by your therapist first and foremost.
2.) Therapy is not a place where you go to get all your problems “fixed.” Therapists are not magicians. You will need to put forth effort, but a therapist should match you step by step.
3.) Lastly, therapy is not an idle process. Therapy should always be goal-oriented with the client and therapist working together to help the client see growth and progress. If you ever feel like nothing is happening when you are in therapy, it is time to change it up!
Do I have to lay on a couch?
Lay on the couch, sit on the floor, kick your shoes off and curl up in a chair- whatever makes you comfortable!
Wait- you’re a social worker?
Yes, but do not let that alarm you. Some people have a preconceived idea of what a social worker does from a past encounter or from TV/movies. Social work is a diverse profession that includes careers in schools, clinics, hospitals, social services, legislatures, and much more. I have a specific license, an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), that allows me to be able to do therapy with you in a private practice setting.
To become an LCSW, I had to complete two years of graduate school, two internships, 3,000 practice hours, and 100 clinical supervision hours. I’ve also had to take and pass two different exams. My clinical license is very similar to Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs). You can look up my clinical license (#64355) here: https://www.bhec.texas.gov/verify-a-license/index.html.
What kind of therapeutic modalities do you use?
I have training in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Solution-Focused Therapy. Personally, I am a Christian, and if desired, I will utilize a Christian Counseling approach during sessions. I also have a special heart for helping women adjust and cope in the postpartum period.
Do you take insurance? Why is therapy so expensive?
Yes. I accept Aetna, United Healthcare, BCBS, Oscar, and Oxford health plans. If you decide to use your insurance plan, your insurance company will typically require me to give you a formal diagnosis and can dictate the number and structure of our sessions. My private pay rates are $150 per 50 minute session. I understand the frustrations associated with the cost of therapy, and although it might not make it easier, I’d like to explain some of my reasons for charging my specific rates. Therapy is an investment, both in yourself and in me as your therapist. I have also made several investments in order to earn your trust as a client. These investments include my schooling, trainings, internships, continuing education, and license maintenance. They also include the space (both in person and virtual) that I create for each and every client to feel safe, secure, and inspired. My rates ensure that I am able to financially continue providing the level of clinical care needed while covering these investments. They also allow me to currently accept a small caseload of sliding scale clients. My hope is that mental health will continue to be increasingly valued and appropriately supported in the coming years. If you choose to begin services with me, you will receive what is called a Good Faith Estimate that will outline potential timing and costs.
How long does therapy take?
Therapy is a process, and like any process, it will be an investment of your finances, time, and energy. Growth is intentional which is why we will spend so much time discussing your goals. We can choose short-term goals or long-term goals based on the time you are able to devote to the process. It is my job to provide you with the distraction-free framework to achieve your goals, and it is your job to put forth effort, time, and work within the space provided. Research shows that when a therapist and client are both doing their respective jobs, growth and change will occur.
What is the purpose of the initial consultation phone call?
This allows us to determine where your needs will best be served before you begin spending your time, energy, and money on therapy. I will ask you a few brief questions about your goals and preferences, provide you time to ask questions, and ensure you understand my style of practicing therapy. At the end of the 15 minute call, I can help you get scheduled to begin with me, or I can provide you with referrals that match with your needs and preferences.
Do you see children?
I have past experience working with children and teens but I am currently focusing on adult women.
Why are there so many pictures of sunflowers on your website?
Oh, you noticed? Sunflowers are so unique. They take their time putting down deep, strong roots in order to grow tall and with purpose. They are not rushed by the speed of other plants growing next to them. They look to the sun and can even support other sunflowers if needed. Do you feel a metaphor coming on? This is my hope for each client- that they will be proud of their unique perspective and abilities, they will choose to face the voice of truth in their lives, and they will grow deep and strong in their own time and way.
I have another question.
I am a firm believer that you can never have too many questions! Go on ahead and give me a call and we’ll talk it over.