Common Questions
Is teletherapy the same as in-person therapy?
no, but it can be as effective.
Teletherapy is different, of course, from in-person therapy. Studies have shown, however, that tele-therapy (therapy over video) can be as effective for most clients. For some clients, however, in-person therapy may be the best choice for them.
IN THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES I AM OFFERING ONLY TELE-THERAPY TO CLIENTS, DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. I AM ABLE TO SEE PEOPLE IN CALIFORNIA, NEW YORK, AND NEW JERSEY, AS I AM LICENSED IN THESE STATES.
Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.
EVERYONE GOES THROUGH CHALLENGING SITUATIONS IN LIFE ...
While you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you're at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.
How can therapy help me?
A number of benefits are available from participating in psychotherapy.
Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:
• Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
• Developing skills for improving your relationships
• Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
• Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
• Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
• Improving communications and listening skills
• Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
• Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
• Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
• Compassion, respect and understanding
• Perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and negative feelings
• Real strategies for enacting positive change
• Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance
What is therapy like?
Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific goals.
It is standard for therapists to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions. It is common to schedule weekly sessions, where each session lasts forty-five minutes. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or practicing breathing or meditation exercises that we practiced in session. It is important to process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life between sessions. For therapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions. People seeking psychotherapy are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in their lives.
Is therapy right for me?
Seeking out therapy is an individual choice.
There are many reasons why people come to therapy. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing psychological issues, or problems with anxiety or depression. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one's life such as a divorce or work transition. Many seek the advice of counsel as they pursue their own personal exploration and growth. Working with a therapist can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Therapy can help address many types of issues including depression, anxiety, conflict, grief, stress management, body-image issues, and general life transitions. Therapy is right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards change in their lives.
How much does therapy cost?
therapy cost depends on a few factors
Currently, I am in-network with one insurnace company, Cigna. If you have Cigna insurance, you can use your insurance to see me and will cost your office co-pay.
using your out of network insurance:
As a licensed psychologist, all insurance companies will cover my services, provided if you have out of network beneifts. If you want to use your insurance, please check with your insurance company and find out:
Can you see an out-of-network provider?
What is your deductible?
What, if any, are the limitations on number of sessions and/or dollar amount per calendar year.
What percentage of the fee will they cover? What is their "reasonable and customary fee" for the service you are seeking (individual, family, group therapy)?
The answers to these questions can help you to get a handle on what your out-of-pocket expenses will be.
I will provide you with a “superbill,” after each session, so you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement of services.
out of pocket/fee for service:
My fee is $260 per session, which is due at the end of each session via credit card. I also ask clients for a credit card to put on file for recurring charges, including missed or no-show appointments.
I also provide a sliding scale on a limited basis.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations are inevitable
Let’s face it: life comes up and you may have to cancel or miss a session within my 48-hour cancellation period. It is to be expected that something will arise in your life that would lead to a cancellation, especially when these reasons can be out of your control (i.e., your child is sick, you have to work late, etc). My cancellation policy is not meant to be punitive, but when a session is cancelled or missed last minute, that time cannot be used by anyone else.
What is integrated therapy?
Integrated therapy combines traditional talk therapy with holistic interventions to treat the whole body and mind.
My training background includes not only psychology, but various forms of mindfulness and yoga. Therefore, an integrated session will combine traditional psychotherapy, mindfulness, and techniques found in yoga (which is not just exercise!).
In an integrated therapy session may combine the following elements, as each session to individualized to each person’s needs:
• Intention setting to set the mood of the session
• Guided imagery based on the intention of the session
• Talk therapy to clairify your needs, find resolution and support your goals.
• Breath work to calm, energize, and help bring balance to your body and mood.
• Meditation to guide the mind towards working on concentration and mindfulness (presence) skills.
• Sounds (Mantra) to support your session intention.
• Hand gestures (Mudhras) to stimulate different parts of your body or to seal energy.
• Yoga niidra, which is an element of yoga that supports deep relaxation and is good for sleep issues.
• Music to support the mood of the session.
• Aromatherapy is used to help energize or relax your body and mood.
Do I have to wear yoga clothes in an integrated session? Do I have to bring a yoga mat?
No and No!
I currently am not offering sessions with movement. Therefore, you may wear your regular clothes to session.
Is an integrated session fee different from a traditional session?
Yes.
Because an integrated session is generally a longer session (60-75 minutes), and insurance does not cover these offerings, an integrated session with incur an additional cost.
I am interested in an Integrated therapy session, but am unsure if I want to do this kind of work.
Not a problem. I invite you to contact me and we can start with a traditional talk therapy assessment session.
Even if we decide to work in a traditional way, we can always incorporate some (like breathing or meditation) of these holistic techniques in your sessions. Based on each client’s changing needs, we can incorporate both kinds of session in the work that we do together.