FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. WHAT IS MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY (MFT)?
Marriage therapy is helping couples develop effective coping and management strategies for resolving the unique differences and conflicts which occur in relationships. Sometimes therapy helps a couple to define more clearly the obstacles impeding the couple’s relational growth and happiness. At other times, marriage therapy provides a safe environment for a couple to separate in a respectful, equitable way. For pre-marital couples, therapy provides an assessment to gain insights into any serious potential difficulties and the tools to address and enhance their relationship.
Some of the problems addressed in marriage therapy are infidelity, alcohol abuse, sexual dysfunctions, general marital distress/unhappiness, pre-marital concerns and questions.
Family therapy helps the entire or certain members of a family address issues which have created distress and dysfunction or will create discord if left unresolved. Through exploration in a safe environment, problems come to the fore which have often been hidden or denied for long periods of time. Such denial of issues create tension, disengagement as family members, and at times severe behavioral problems in one or all family members.
Some of the problems addressed in family therapy are alcohol and drug disorders, divorce and separation, sexual and physical abuse, loss and grief, and mental disorders.
2. WHAT IS PSYCHOTHERAPY?
Psychotherapy is best described as a process of self-examination, becoming aware of one’s emotions, and evolving into a more whole person.
There are multiple forms or models of psychotherapy. One form I use extensively is cognitive therapy which helps clients become aware of and change their distorted thinking. Behavior therapy is another form that addresses a client’s ineffective behavior in order to solve problems with more successful methods. Yet another form is known as interpersonal therapy which essentially improves a client’s relationship skills.
Some of the problems addressed by psychotherapy are mood disorders like depression and anxiety, panic and phobias, grief and loss, identity crisis/life changes, stress/post traumatic stress disorder, sexual abuse/trauma.
3. WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT IN A THERAPY SESSION?
A therapy session consists of a 50-minute time period wherein you, the client, and the therapist establish a relationship that is both personal and respectful as we address the issue(s) you present for therapeutic intervention, support, information, and help. The very first session is comprised of an exchange of information about you, questions you may have of the therapist, establishing the parameters of therapy, the times, and fee schedule. Subsequent sessions will consist of establishing a treatment plan together by recording the issues and how to address them in therapy; giving homework assignments when necessary and reviewing, revising, and processing during sessions; and, giving empathic support, feedback, and exploring options when appropriate.
4. HOW LONG DOES THERAPY TAKE?
There are published averages, most studies suggest the average length is less than six months. However, it really depends upon how long the issue(s) has been submerged or significantly impacted a client as well as the length or depth of the relationship(s)/problem.
5. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
My fee schedule is graduated based upon a client’s total income available to them. Insurance may reimburse a client for therapy when there is a mental health diagnosis made.
6. HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN TO SEEK HELP?
The general answer is when the problem/issue is affecting your daily life in thoughts, words, or actions. Specifically, when you find you have no answer or solution to the problem and you’re tired of dealing with the limited options you come up with, that’s when it's time to address it with a professional.
1. WHAT IS MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY (MFT)?
Marriage therapy is helping couples develop effective coping and management strategies for resolving the unique differences and conflicts which occur in relationships. Sometimes therapy helps a couple to define more clearly the obstacles impeding the couple’s relational growth and happiness. At other times, marriage therapy provides a safe environment for a couple to separate in a respectful, equitable way. For pre-marital couples, therapy provides an assessment to gain insights into any serious potential difficulties and the tools to address and enhance their relationship.
Some of the problems addressed in marriage therapy are infidelity, alcohol abuse, sexual dysfunctions, general marital distress/unhappiness, pre-marital concerns and questions.
Family therapy helps the entire or certain members of a family address issues which have created distress and dysfunction or will create discord if left unresolved. Through exploration in a safe environment, problems come to the fore which have often been hidden or denied for long periods of time. Such denial of issues create tension, disengagement as family members, and at times severe behavioral problems in one or all family members.
Some of the problems addressed in family therapy are alcohol and drug disorders, divorce and separation, sexual and physical abuse, loss and grief, and mental disorders.
2. WHAT IS PSYCHOTHERAPY?
Psychotherapy is best described as a process of self-examination, becoming aware of one’s emotions, and evolving into a more whole person.
There are multiple forms or models of psychotherapy. One form I use extensively is cognitive therapy which helps clients become aware of and change their distorted thinking. Behavior therapy is another form that addresses a client’s ineffective behavior in order to solve problems with more successful methods. Yet another form is known as interpersonal therapy which essentially improves a client’s relationship skills.
Some of the problems addressed by psychotherapy are mood disorders like depression and anxiety, panic and phobias, grief and loss, identity crisis/life changes, stress/post traumatic stress disorder, sexual abuse/trauma.
3. WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT IN A THERAPY SESSION?
A therapy session consists of a 50-minute time period wherein you, the client, and the therapist establish a relationship that is both personal and respectful as we address the issue(s) you present for therapeutic intervention, support, information, and help. The very first session is comprised of an exchange of information about you, questions you may have of the therapist, establishing the parameters of therapy, the times, and fee schedule. Subsequent sessions will consist of establishing a treatment plan together by recording the issues and how to address them in therapy; giving homework assignments when necessary and reviewing, revising, and processing during sessions; and, giving empathic support, feedback, and exploring options when appropriate.
4. HOW LONG DOES THERAPY TAKE?
There are published averages, most studies suggest the average length is less than six months. However, it really depends upon how long the issue(s) has been submerged or significantly impacted a client as well as the length or depth of the relationship(s)/problem.
5. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
My fee schedule is graduated based upon a client’s total income available to them. Insurance may reimburse a client for therapy when there is a mental health diagnosis made.
6. HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN TO SEEK HELP?
The general answer is when the problem/issue is affecting your daily life in thoughts, words, or actions. Specifically, when you find you have no answer or solution to the problem and you’re tired of dealing with the limited options you come up with, that’s when it's time to address it with a professional.