How do I prepare for my first session?

I will prepare you ahead of time on the phone before you come in for your first appointment. It helps if you have a list of questions and prepare what you want to talk about.

Is there a difference between therapy and counseling?

From a client perspective, not really. We use these phrases interchangeably. 

How much does counseling cost?

A 50 minute session for an individual is $120, a 50 minute couples session is $150.

What if I can’t afford the full fee?

If you don’t have insurance and are having difficulty paying for services let me know. I offer a sliding scale, meaning the cost of my services can be adjusted based on your financial circumstances and ability to pay. This fee structure ensures that individuals without insurance or those facing financial difficulties can still access the therapy and support they need at a fee that is manageable for them.

Cancellation Policy: Up to 48 business hours in advance of your scheduled appointment to avoid paying the full price of the session. No notice or no show is considered a cancelled appointment and full fee is expected.

Telehealth Appointments?

I understand that it can be difficult to get to a physical office. Contact me about telehealth appointments (SC residents only).

Do I take insurance?

I don’t bill insurance outright but you can receive reimbursement from your insurance company by using a “superbill.” As an out-of-network provider, I will provide this bill to you and you can submit this to your insurance company for potential reimbursement.

When contacting your insurance company to inquire about your mental health coverage and potential reimbursement for out-of-network therapy, here are some important questions to ask:

• 1. Do I require a referral from my primary care doctor to see a mental health professional, or can I directly access mental health services?
• 2. What is the extent of my coverage for out-of-network providers? Specifically, how much money is the insurance company willing to pay per therapy session for out-of-network services?
• 3. Is there a yearly maximum benefit or a limit on the number of visits covered for mental health services? Additionally, please confirm if there is a deductible associated with my mental health coverage and whether I have already met this deductible for the current year.

This can be confusing at first, if you email me I can walk you through the process.

What is the success rate for couples counseling?

The Gottman Method for couples counseling is scientifically proven as an effective treatment for relationship improvement. I have had excellent success using this method in combination with Sue Johnson’s Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).

What kind of therapist is best for couples?

A therapist that has training and experience working with couples is a must, ask your therapist how often they treat couples and what methods they use.

What are disadvantages of individual or couples therapy?

Therapy can be challenging. It takes commitment and effort. You have to show up and do the work in and outside the session. Further, therapy can bring up old wounds, stir discomfort and uncomfortable emotions, and affect relationships. Things may get worse before they get better. However…

Therapy can be life changing for the better. According the American Psychological Association, the average person who engages in therapy is better off by the end of treatment than 80% of those who don’t seek treatment.

Should a husband and wife see the same therapist?

I prefer for couples to focus on couples counseling and put aside individual counseling, unless there is an addiction or other important reason for doing so. You want to focus your attention on your relationship, and you would be surprised how much you can work on yourself in a couples session.

Is it unethical for a therapist to see a couple separately?

It is problematic for a therapist to see a couple separately on an ongoing basis. There is a “no secrets” policy that therapists ask from each person, meaning in therapy you can’t tell the therapist things that you are hiding from your partner. I often have an occasional session with each partner during the course of treatment but it’s not meant to replace the couples counseling.

What type of therapy is best for infidelity or cheating?

Betrayal in a relationship requires a specific type of treatment. The Gottman Method uses a 3 phase therapy model for betrayal; atone, attune, attach. If you skip a step your relationship may not recover.

Is marriage worth it after infidelity?

Most people I work with agree that marriage is worth it after infidelity. The initial phase of recovery is so painful that it is difficult to imagine you will ever be able to get through this experience. If you are both willing, keeping the marriage intact is almost always worth it.

What percentages of marriages survive infidelity?

Committed couples who put in the effort can learn to forgive and save the marriage. According to Dr. Scott Haltzman, 4 of 10 marriages will involve an affair and more than half of these will stay together, 47% of couples stay together.

Does infidelity pain ever go away?

Cheating can have a lasting effect on your mental health/relationships yet it is possible to heal after infidelity. Whether you decide to stay or go, you can come to place of acceptance. I tell my clients that healing is like driving down a road and looking in the rear view mirror, you can see something right behind you when you start driving. But the longer you drive the farther behind this “thing” is and if you keep moving forward eventually you will only see remnants.