FAQs

How do I know if therapy is right for me/my child?

Most people benefit from going to therapy to work through current difficulties or to process past difficulties. Finding a therapist who will be a good fit is the most important part in starting counseling – this will be different for everyone. It all depends on what your specific concerns are, what your goals are, and how you connect with your therapist. I offer free 15 minute consultations so that you can get a feel for whether or not I might be the best fit for you and your family.

What do I need to prepare for my first appointment?

It is important that you read carefully through all consent forms and fill out all corresponding paperwork prior to your first appointment. Life is so busy and time used in session will be better utilized if paperwork is completed ahead of time. It is also important that if you are going to use your insurance, you check to make sure you have mental health services covered as a part of your plan.

How should I prepare my child for the first appointment?

Many parents are unsure of what to say to their child prior to the first appointment. For many children, knowing what to expect can lessen the anxiety when the appointment arrives. Using language that your child can understand, letting them know who they will be seeing and why is important. Let them know that going to therapy can help them solve their problem or feel better by talking and playing games or with toys. It is important to reinforce that therapy is for a lot of kids who need help and not because there is something wrong with them or that they are in trouble.

Do you only see children?

As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, I am trained to work with a variety of populations and needs, including children, adolescents, and adults. I do primarily see children, teenagers, and their parents as this is the area where I have focused the majority of my post-graduate education experience.

Do you only use play therapy?

I use a variety of approaches with clients depending on their presenting issue and treatment goals. Play therapy is an incredibly flexible treatment modality and can be utilized in many cases for children who are dealing with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, and many others. Play therapy can be incredibly powerful in assisting therapeutic change and is one of my most utilized approaches but it is not the only approach that I may use with you or your child. Visit a4pt.org for more information on play therapy.

What do parent consultation sessions look like?

It depends! Some parents are very motivated to grow their parenting skills and choose to meet more frequently than others. Some consultation sessions are to discuss their child’s progress only while other sessions may be focused more on psychoeducation for a variety of topics like their child’s diagnosis, relationship skills, self-regulation and co-regulation skills, etc. Depending on your specific needs and goals, we can create a plan to involve parents in a way to support their child’s growth. I prefer to offer parent consultations to connect on presenting concerns for your child rather than taking time up in their session – this way we can ensure that both your child and you are getting your needs met and not sacrificing therapeutic contact.

Do you provide psychological testing?

While I may use some self-report and parent-report rating scales or questionnaires at times, I do not do psychological testing. Some rating scales may be utilized as screening devices or to help guide treatment planning or to measure progress in therapy. If you are looking for a professional to do a psychological evaluation or test for specific diagnoses, a psychologist may be better suited for those needs.

Do you accept insurance?

Currently, I accept BCBS PPO/Blue Choice and self-pay clients.

Do you have to give my child/me a diagnosis?

Insurance providers require a diagnosis in order for services to be reimbursed. If you choose to use insurance, I must provide a diagnosis. For this reason, many parents will choose to pay out of pocket rather than use insurance. There are some insurance plans that will not cover certain diagnoses, such as those pertaining to adjustment or relationship issues. Insurance companies may also limit the number of sessions a client can use based on of their diagnosis or pay for only certain types of treatment, influencing the overall treatment process without a client’s best interest in mind.

How will teletherapy differ from in-person sessions?

Like many other questions, it will depend on the person and their needs. The biggest differences will be surrounding the environment, use of technology, and structure of sessions. Making sure you have access to a quiet, private room with a strong WiFi connection is important. Wearing headphone may ensure more privacy in your home. If your child has a teletherapy appointment, make sure you are available to help solve technological issues if needed and that your child is ready to go for the appointment. If we are utilizing teleplay therapy, it will be helpful to have common supplies nearby like paper, pencils, markers, and other basic art supplies or other play materials. This will be communicated to you ahead of time so that you can help your child be prepared for their session.

What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?

The difference is between someone who can do something, and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, counseling is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, and you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.

Why shouldn’t I just take medication?

Medication can be effective but it alone cannot solve all issues. Sometimes medication is needed in conjunction with counseling. Our work together is designed to explore and unpack the problems you are experiencing and expand on your strengths that can help you accomplish your personal goals.

How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?

Because each person has different issues and goals for counseling, it will be different depending on the individual. I tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific needs.

I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?

I am so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication will be crucial to your success.

Have other questions that aren’t answered here? Email your questions to [email protected].