What services do you provide?
I offer individual psychotherapy and counseling, couples and marriage counseling, and family counseling.

Why do people seek therapy?
In all of the services that I provide, an often unspoken but very common goal is to find the Peace within to help you cope with the seemingly endless stressors in your world.

Outwardly, people come into therapy for many reasons. Some need to respond to unexpected changes in their lives, while others seek self-exploration and personal growth. When one is overwhelmed by guilt, doubt, anxiety, or despair, talking with an experienced, skilled counselor can be very helpful.

Sometimes just having an empathic person simply understanding you can start to lift some of the heaviness that causes people to seek out therapy.  Once you feel understood, you become more open to the possibility of greater self-awareness and change.

Is it really possible to find Peace within?
Yes! The Peace resides in all of us. It is inherent in being Human. What happens as we live our lives is that we become disconnected from that part of ourselves. Our outer world becomes so complicated, and our Mind creates turmoil which obscures our connection to Peace.

My goal with you will be to help you sort through the turmoil, deal with the things you can change, accept the things you can not, and see the Light that shines behind all that you do, all that you think, and all that you feel.

How does one choose a therapist?
There is no doubt, and research has proven, that the most important aspect of therapy is the relationship that forms between you and your therapist. It is essential, then, that you choose a therapist with whom you feel comfortable, with whom you feel you can open up and be honest, someone who both accepts you for who you are and challenges you to move beyond the limiting beliefs of who you think you are to discover who you truly are.

What kinds of people seek therapy?
I see all sorts of people in my practice, from people that are facing some very difficult emotional challenges, to people who simply feel blocked in some way in their lives and want help in creating more fulfillment and joy.

The myth in our culture that therapy is for people who are somehow severely damaged is simply not true. I often think it is the height of health to admit to ourselves that sometimes we need help in moving forward in our lives. My clients often inspire me with their courage and commitment to deepening their humanity and claiming their lives.

What can I expect in a therapy session?
During sessions we will talk about the primary concerns and issues in your life.   There is no “right” or “wrong” way for you to be a patient! However, it is most helpful if you are able to share with me all the thoughts and feelings you experience regarding the issues, as well as what you experience in the room with me. Often, your experience with me will parallel many of your significant relationships outside of the therapy room, and sharing these experiences can help you work through some of the problematic dynamics in your world.

During the time between sessions it is beneficial to think about and process what was discussed. Sometimes, that may mean simply observing any thoughts, feelings, experiences that may come up for you between sessions. For therapy to "work," you must be an active participant, both in and outside of the therapy sessions, even if the “action” is simply being observant.

How often should I expect to come in?
A session lasts 50 minutes, though sometimes with couples or families, double sessions may make more sense.

Generally we would begin working together with at least weekly sessions. Once a week visits tend to build up momentum for progress and also helps to create the kind of trusting relationship needed for the therapy to be effective. Then as the therapy progresses and things begin to improve we might decide that coming in less often will work.

Some people who are in crisis or extreme distress need more than one session per week, at least until the crisis passes, so that may be arranged as well.

What benefits can I expect from working with a therapist?
A number of benefits are available from participating in psychotherapy. Often it is helpful just to know that someone understands. Therapy can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution.

Many people find therapy to be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, and the hassles of daily life. 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 can include:
• Attaining a better understanding of yourself and your personal goals and values
• Developing skills for improving your relationships
• Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
• Find new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
• Managing anger, depression, and other emotional pressures
• Improving communications skills - learn how to listen to others, and have others listen to you
• Getting "unstuck" from unhealthy patterns - breaking old behaviors and develop new ones
• Discovering new ways to solve problems
• Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
• Discovering a more meaningful existence in your world
What if I don't know what my goals are for therapy?
If you aren't sure what your goals are for therapy, our first task is to figure that out. It may take several sessions before a direction is clarified. During the course of therapy your goals may change. You and I together will keep our eyes on your goals and maintain a direction for your therapy so you can get the most out of the experience.

How long does therapy take?
Some people stay in therapy on a regular basis for years because they obtain such benefits from regular self-reflection and exploration.

Some come in for a while, take what they learn with them into their world, and never look back!

And often I see clients, especially couples and families, who come in initially for one issue in particular, deal with that issue in a few months, and then call me periodically for “maintenance” appointments.

Obviously, there is no one answer to this question as different people move at different paces and rhythms on their healing journey. What is important is to get clear about what you want your life to look like as a result of your work in therapy and to periodically check in with yourself and with me to see if you are moving in that direction and if the therapy is helping you.

Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work?
I am a Preferred Provider with the following insurance carriers:
• Aetna through Beech Street (ppoNEXT Inc.) - A Viant Network, formerly Concentra Network Services
• First Health Network - A Coventry Health Care Company, formerly South Care/Healthcare Preferred
• Self Insured Programs
If you have insurance through any one of these carriers you should call the number on your insurance card to ascertain what your co-payment amount is with these companies. This amount will be all that you will pay out of your own pocket, as I will bill the insurance carrier directly for the balance.

Blue Cross Blue Shield.
My Provider Number with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida is Z076L. Depending upon your particular plan, my services may or may not be covered. When you call the number on your insurance card, give the representative my provider number, and ask what your Mental Health Benefits are.

Other Insurance Carriers.
If you are insured through another carrier, call the number on your insurance card and ask what your Mental Health Benefits are for an out of network provider.

Unfortunately, you probably know that dealing with Insurance Companies can be tricky! There is a confusing array of insurance arrangements. The first thing you should do is check with your insurance carrier. Check your coverage carefully and find the answers to the following questions:
• Do I have mental health benefits?
• What is my deductible and has it been met?
• How many sessions per calendar year does my plan cover?
• How much do they pay for an out-of-net provider?
• Is there a limitation on how much they will pay per session?
• Is primary care physician approval required?
Some insurance companies will provide reimbursement for an out of network provider, if you ask, so it is worth a call to check with your carrier.

Generally patients pay me at the time of the session, and at the end of the month I provide all my clients HCFA 1500 Claim Forms to submit to their insurance companies for reimbursement.

I cannot guarantee this reimbursement and the details will have to be negotiated with your insurance company.

Is therapy confidential?
In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and a psychotherapist. Information is not disclosed without written permission. However, there are number of exceptions to this rule. Exceptions include:
• Suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
• If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s. The therapist must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
• If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in insuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, further measures may be taken without their permission in order to ensure their safety.
• If you use insurance, your records are available to them as requested. If requested, I will inform you so you will know exactly what I would send with your permission.