1.Q. How does Psychotherapy work?
A. Therapy helps one master troublesome feelings through putting those feelings to words. Additionally, therapy helps one become aware of patterns and behaviors which can inhibit growth and development. Therapy provides a safe place to gain insight into how ones past experiences effect their present and explore areas of ones life that have been previously hard to talk about. All of this leads to resolving symptoms or conflicts that get in the way of leading a richer, more fulfilling life.
2. Q. Why does it work?
A. Because without the structure which talking within a therapeutic relationship provides, feelings can operate in the background and unconscious causing various forms of distress within ones self and in relationships. When difficult feelings are expressed through words, they lose their power to impair your freedom or get transformed into physical and mental symptoms.
3. Q. How is therapy different than talking to a good friend?
A. Therapists are trained to listen and focus in ways which are different from how a friend will hear you. A therapist's function is to simply to understand what the client is stating in comparison to a friend who's motivations are often more complex and personal. The therapeutic relationship has boundaries which have allow a deeper exploration of meanings and feelings to take place. Knowing a session will end and begin at certain times, that all material is held strictly confidential, and that the therapist's interests are only are only in the therapeutic process allow for a unique setting.
4. Q. How much does it cost?
A. If you do not have insurance which covers psychotherapy, we will negotiate a sliding scale fee. Each therapist will do this individually depending on your financial circumstances. In general, we arrive at a fee based on income, number of dependents and any special circumstances.
5. Q. Can I use my insurance?
A. It depends. In general we are able to work with most fee for service plans and PPOs and those HMOs which allow out of Network providers. Some of our therapists may be willing to apply to become panel providers of your HMO-discuss this with your individual therapist. Depending on your insurance program, you may be asked to pay upfront and then seek reimbursement from your insurance company.
6. Q. What role do you believe medication plays in the treatment of various emotional and psychiatric conditions?
A. In general psychiatric medcications do not offer cures for the underlying causes of ones symptoms however, depending on the codition, they may offer relief from some of the symptoms and make it easier to work through underlying issues in therapy.