Counseling Services

Individual & Family
Play Therapy
Parenting Support
Depression & Anxiety
Stress Management

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Common Questions

How can therapy help my child?

You and your child can receive a number of benefits from participating in therapy. Through play therapy I provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies to help your child overcome challenges such as behavioral and emotional problems, transition, loss, trauma, depression, and anxiety. I also provide support for parents to help you cope with the stress of parenting and give you tools to respond to your child in the most helpful way possible. The benefits you and your child obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits include:

  • Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
  • Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
  • Improving communication and listening skills
  • Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
  • Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family
  • Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
Do we really need therapy? My child really is a good kid.

Every family faces challenges, even good families. Sometimes these challenges can be overwhelming, even for good kids who have successfully navigated through difficulties in the past. If you find yourself thinking you just don't know what to do or how to help your child then it may be time to ask for help. This is a big step but it takes a village to raise a healthy child and sometimes the village includes a professional counselor.

What is play therapy?

Play therapy is a widely accepted and very effective approach to helping children with behavioral and emotional difficulties. Children have limited ability to communicate with words but they communicate volumes through their play. This way of communicating is natural and comfortable for children. Play therapists use play to help children explore and cope with difficult feelings and work through their struggles.

What about confidentiality?

Confidentiality is one of the most important components of the therapy relationship. Even children need a place where they can share their thoughts and feelings without others knowing. I do not tell anyone else what you or your child talk about in sessions or that you or your child attends therapy. As a parent you have a right to information about your child's treatment so I will give you general updates on your child's progress. I will also work with you on helpful ways to respond to your child and I may ask you to help your child practice at home things s/he learns in therapy. Sometimes you may want me to share information or give an update to someone else such as a doctor, teacher or insurance carrier, but I cannot release any information without your written permission.

State law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:

* Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders.
* If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threated to harm another person.
* If the therapist is ordered by a judge to release information.

What about medication?

As a counselor, I believe that therapy is helpful for children, adults and families. I believe therapy is the best place to start in addressing behavioral and emotional issues, especially in chidlren. In many cases, therapy is very effective and no further treatment is needed. However, there are times when therapy alone is not sufficient. In these cases, adding medication to the treatment plan can be very helpful. Most modern medications are safe (even for children), effective and have minimal side effects.

How much do you charge?

My regular fee is $150 for a 45-50 minute session. The fee varies for longer sessions or other type sessions such as family sessions. I do offer a sliding scale for those with limited income.

Do you take insurance?

I do not accept insurance but I will be happy to file with your insurance company to help you obtain reimbursement (at your plan's out of network rate) for fees you have paid. I can also give you receipts to submit to get reimbursed through your FSA or HSA.

Do you provide LPC supervision?

Yes! I have 20 years experience supervising counseling students and LPC interns/associates. Call or contact me today to discuss options.

Are you available to speak to my church, school or community organization?

Yes! I love talking to groups of all types and sizes about a wide range of counseling related topics including parenting issues, stress management and improving the emotional well-being of you and your children.