Frequently Asked Questions...
What is a Marriage and Family Therapist?
Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) are relationship specialists who treat persons involved in interpersonal relationships. They are trained to assess, diagnose and treat individuals, couples, families and groups to achieve more adequate, satisfying and productive marriage, family and social adjustment. The practice also includes premarital counseling, child counseling, divorce or separation counseling and other relationship counseling. Requirements for licensure include a related doctoral or master's degree, passage of a comprehensive written and oral examination and at least 1,500 hours of supervised experience.
How do I know when it is time to see a therapist?
The very fact that you are reading this creates a likelihood that the time is near. Here are three questions for you to contemplate: Are you able to love and be loved in the ways you desire? Are you able to dream or set goals and pursue your dreams and goals? Do you know your self worth? Most problems that people bring to therapy are related to one or more of these questions. If you get a "no" on any of these questions, you are probably struggling in your life and could benefit from good therapy.
And here are some other questions that can help you clarify your need for therapy: Is there a persistent problem, condition, and way of feeling or upset that has been bothering you for a while? Is there something that you want to change in yourself or your life? Are you tired of having the same conversation about something over and over in your head or with your friends, yet nothing seems to change? Does the issue feel too big to tackle by yourself? Are you tired of feeling the way you have been feeling? Are you finally ready to do something about it? Has that quiet, intuitive little voice inside of you been nudging you to get some outside, professional help with something...and it keeps nudging in spite of your attempts to ignore or shhhh it away? If the answer is "yes" to any of these questions...it's time.
Why do I need a therapist? Why can’t I just talk to a friend or a family member?
A friend or family member is not professionally trained to help you grow, heal and change. It's likely that your friends and family have been giving you their best advice for some time now, and if it were sufficient, you probably wouldn't be reading this. But here is why your friend's advice is different from a therapist. Your friends want to maintain your friendship so they will probably tell you what they want to hear. Also, they will give advice that is based on their life’s experience. A trained therapist is interested in helping you find your own answers by helping you connect with what is true and right for you.
How will I know if you are the right therapist for me?
You really need to meet me face-to-face in order to get a good idea of what I’m like as a person and as a professional. At our first meeting you should keep these questions in mind:
How do I get the most out of therapy?
1. Look at the money you spend on therapy as an investment in your future. The benefits you experience will justify the expense.
2. Be an active participant to your fullest capacity. Your therapy will take work - on your part and on mine. If you don't put honest effort forward you won't feel as if you are getting your money's worth and you will likely resent the cost.
How long are the sessions?
Sessions are generally 55 minutes.
Do you take insurance?
I'm currently in network with Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Cross Blue Shield North Carolina State Health Plan : More about Payment
Note: In some cases insurance will cover services and in some cases they will not, further understanding and assessment might be required before it can be determined that insurance will pay for services. Typically insurance does not pay for "couples or marital therapy"
How do I get started?
Click here to be directed to my contact page.
Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) are relationship specialists who treat persons involved in interpersonal relationships. They are trained to assess, diagnose and treat individuals, couples, families and groups to achieve more adequate, satisfying and productive marriage, family and social adjustment. The practice also includes premarital counseling, child counseling, divorce or separation counseling and other relationship counseling. Requirements for licensure include a related doctoral or master's degree, passage of a comprehensive written and oral examination and at least 1,500 hours of supervised experience.
How do I know when it is time to see a therapist?
The very fact that you are reading this creates a likelihood that the time is near. Here are three questions for you to contemplate: Are you able to love and be loved in the ways you desire? Are you able to dream or set goals and pursue your dreams and goals? Do you know your self worth? Most problems that people bring to therapy are related to one or more of these questions. If you get a "no" on any of these questions, you are probably struggling in your life and could benefit from good therapy.
And here are some other questions that can help you clarify your need for therapy: Is there a persistent problem, condition, and way of feeling or upset that has been bothering you for a while? Is there something that you want to change in yourself or your life? Are you tired of having the same conversation about something over and over in your head or with your friends, yet nothing seems to change? Does the issue feel too big to tackle by yourself? Are you tired of feeling the way you have been feeling? Are you finally ready to do something about it? Has that quiet, intuitive little voice inside of you been nudging you to get some outside, professional help with something...and it keeps nudging in spite of your attempts to ignore or shhhh it away? If the answer is "yes" to any of these questions...it's time.
Why do I need a therapist? Why can’t I just talk to a friend or a family member?
A friend or family member is not professionally trained to help you grow, heal and change. It's likely that your friends and family have been giving you their best advice for some time now, and if it were sufficient, you probably wouldn't be reading this. But here is why your friend's advice is different from a therapist. Your friends want to maintain your friendship so they will probably tell you what they want to hear. Also, they will give advice that is based on their life’s experience. A trained therapist is interested in helping you find your own answers by helping you connect with what is true and right for you.
How will I know if you are the right therapist for me?
You really need to meet me face-to-face in order to get a good idea of what I’m like as a person and as a professional. At our first meeting you should keep these questions in mind:
- How easy is it to talk to him?
- Does he seem like somebody I could trust?
- Is he really listening to me?
- Does he seem to know what he is doing?
- Does he seem confident and competent?
- Do I feel comfortable with him?
- Could I ever show this person the deepest, ugliest parts of myself?
- Does he seem to have the capacity to handle me
- And most importantly, "Do I like him?"
How do I get the most out of therapy?
1. Look at the money you spend on therapy as an investment in your future. The benefits you experience will justify the expense.
2. Be an active participant to your fullest capacity. Your therapy will take work - on your part and on mine. If you don't put honest effort forward you won't feel as if you are getting your money's worth and you will likely resent the cost.
How long are the sessions?
Sessions are generally 55 minutes.
Do you take insurance?
I'm currently in network with Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Cross Blue Shield North Carolina State Health Plan : More about Payment
Note: In some cases insurance will cover services and in some cases they will not, further understanding and assessment might be required before it can be determined that insurance will pay for services. Typically insurance does not pay for "couples or marital therapy"
How do I get started?
Click here to be directed to my contact page.
