Questions about therapy, couples counseling Transformative Therapy

FAQs

Have some questions about therapy, couples counseling, or counseling for cancer patients? Here are some answers that might help.

How long will I be in therapy?

The length of therapy depends on your needs and goals. Many of my clients see me for a few months; others work with me for years; some for just several weeks. Your goals determine our time together, and we will work collaboratively to find the best ways to achieve your goals as efficiently as possible. You don’t have to sign any contract and you can end therapy at any time.

What should I expect from therapy?

Making the decision to come to therapy is courageous, and auspicious. It means you have decided to take steps to make positive changes in your life and start feeling better. During the first session, you will probably do most of the talking as you share your history and therapy goals with me. If you aren’t sure what those goals are, we will talk about the possibilities. I will explain a little about the different techniques we might use, and we will decide together what seems the best way forward. We will reevaluate your goals and evaluate your progress toward them as we go along. It is your process, and I work for you.

What should we expect from couples counseling?

Sometimes couples are nervous about coming to therapy, because they perceive that the therapist is going to hear all their dirty laundry, and take the other’s side. I do not believe in taking sides; I believe in helping you take each others’ sides. There are communication skills that happy couples use, and the rest of us need to learn. I can teach you. Couples therapy includes more than just conflict resolution; it is a forum to know each other well, to reconnect, and even to have fun!

How can I get the most out of it?

Therapy is a significant investment of your time and resources, so it’s good to think about how to maximize it. I often assign “homework” to do between sessions. Sometimes it’s to practice a short simple mindful technique we do together in session; sometimes I may suggest you write a letter, do some journaling, or do some dreaming about your future.

Is there insurance?

I am in network with Aetna, United Healthcare, and Optum, and their subsidiary companies, in Maryland and New Jersey. I am not in network with any insurance in Pennsylvania, nor with any of the Blue Cross affiliated programs. However, I can provide superbills that you may present for out of network coverage. You might want to learn more about the benefits of Paying for Therapy Out of Your Pocket.

Unite for HER

I am a proud provider for Unite for Her, a nonprofit that serves people who have been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer. You can learn how to join by visiting the website, or talking with your oncologist, nurse navigator, or oncology social worker.