Following are some FAQ’s about therapy. Click on any question to see my answer.
First, think about why you are considering therapy or counseling and what you expect to get out of it. Then, you’ll just need to provide basic information about yourself (name, address, contact info), insurance coverage (if applicable), and some background information. It can be helpful to fill out a Client Information Form ahead of time (downloadable from this website) and bring it with you. Please call me if you have any other questions: 201-784-0312.
Call me at 201-784-0312 to schedule an appointment or to ask any questions you may have.
Yes. I participate in a number of insurance networks, and also see people with out-of-network benefits or those who do not use their insurance. Please call me to discuss fees or any insurance questions.
Your privacy and confidentiality is very important to me. All patient information is kept confidential and is released only through procedures consistent with the law and professional ethics. (Also see Privacy & Confidentiality.)
How often do I need to have a session in order for the treatment to be worthwhile and helpful to me?
This, as well as the length of treatment, will vary based on the needs and goals of each individual. On average, most people who seek therapy find that attending at least one session every week with their therapist provides the most benefit in treatment.
When it comes to dealing with emotional, relationship, or other psychological issues, there are many different types of qualified professionals who can provide help. A licensed professional with a doctorate in clinical psychology has completed years of study and intensive training, plus has done a rigorous clinical internship working in a supervised setting, and at least one year of post-doctoral supervised experience before they begin to practice on their own. And people who seek therapy are generally not sick or crazy. People come to therapy for many reasons but basically it’s to improve their capacity to achieve fulfillment and satisfaction in their personal and/or professional relationships, their personal and career goals, and, importantly, feelings about themselves.
Everyone approaches these decisions differently. For those who like to research details and understand theories about psychology, emotions, health, and the mind, it is an important consideration. For others, a more intuitive sense of how the therapist will communicate and work with them is more relevant. Decide what balance is right for you and, if it is an important question for you, discuss it with the therapist during your initial call or at your first session. As far as training and education goes, most professionals who have studied in and completed a graduate level education program at an accredited university will have the theoretical knowledge, technical skills and ability to work with people seeking help for a range of problems and conditions. At the same time, practical and real life experience is also very important in how a therapist works with his or her clients. As with any important endeavor in life, another notable qualification is for the therapist to be involved in continuing education and be learning about human social, psychological, emotional, and physiological developments all the time, not just when attending school to receive a degree.
Research on the effectiveness of therapy has consistently shown that psychotherapy is helpful for most people. Research also shows that the factor most responsible for therapy being helpful is the relationship between the therapist and client. So in selecting a therapist, consider your level of comfort and ease with the person.