Question 1

Who needs therapy?

Accepted Answer

Anyone can benefit from therapy if they have a desire to learn about themselves and to develop emotionally. Some people however have highly stressful lives, suffer from past or current abuse, had poor role models for healthy relationships or using coping skills, or do not have friends and family they feel comfortable talking to or asking for help. That is where therapy can be helpful, in having assistance while navigating those hurdles in life. One of the best parts about life is there is always more to know and we are constantly changing and growing. Therapy is a catalyst for that process no matter what stage of growth you are in. You can also trust that everything we talk about will stay between us.

Question 2

How many months will therapy last?

Accepted Answer

Normally a client will start with weekly sessions, step-down to bi-weekly, and then monthly. Then have what I call “check ins” or sessions for when things may get a little hectic again. Some clients feel so successful with the work they have done that they do not need to come back.

With children and adolescents, counseling can take anywhere from months to years depending on their symptoms and goals. Typically, a child will attend for 4-6 months but that may need to be extended or they may need to return to counseling after a break if new concerns arise.  In addition, every child learns new skills at different speeds and in different ways.

*Research shows that having a good relationship with your therapist results in better clinical outcomes, so my goal is for you to feel comfortable opening up and sharing honestly with me so that we can work through difficult issues and gain new insight.

Question 3

What does a counseling session look like for my child and me?

Accepted Answer

After the initial intake session, your child and I will meet 2-3 times alone to build rapport, so that I can get to know them. To have the most success in therapy, children need to trust their therapist; therefore, they need to know that they can share things in confidence in a session. This is an important aspect of building the therapeutic alliance and will only benefit your child in the long run. Every 3rd or 4th session, we will all meet together to discuss progress and home implementation. It is also important for parents to receive their own counseling.

Question 4

I'm a Black woman or girl that can't afford counseling, what should I do?

Accepted Answer

The Loveland Therapy Fund offers vouchers for Black woman and girls to receive between 4-12 counseling sessions. Please click the link below to complete a form on their website to inquire about funding. 
Loveland Foundation

Question 5

What is the Open Path Collective?

Accepted Answer

Providing accessible and affordable mental health care is important to me. I offer a limited number of reduced fee spots on my schedule for people demonstrating financial need through Open Path Collective. If you're interested in a reduced fee, please click here to create an account on their website.

Question 6

What are your thoughts on medications?

Accepted Answer

Often, medication can mask the underlying cause. Therapy is the process whereby you can discover the root cause and work toward eliminating the problem and not just the symptom. However, medication can be helpful in dealing with depression and anxiety. Evidence has shown that the combination of medication and therapy prove the most effective in alleviating symptoms. It is your choice to find what works for you with the guidance of your physician or medical practitioner.

Question 7

Will I get better?

Accepted Answer

Data supports the idea that most people benefit from psychotherapy. We will work together to formulate your goals and treatment plan and check in on your perceived progress each session. Therapy isn’t meant to be some kind of ‘quick fix’ where you simply sit back and listen. It is a participatory experience. The more you involve yourself in the process, the better results you’re bound to see. It’s a practice in everyday living, in which you take what you learn from the session and apply it to your life. Therefore, it’s important to be mentally prepared to make those changes in your life, and desire new perspectives on things.
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Therapy is completely individually focused, which is why everyone can get something different out of it. Generally, your life, your history, and any relevant insights will be important to the specific discussions, but in a very personal and individualized manner. Sometimes therapy can be focused on a specific need, in which case it’s a ‘short term’ solution, while in other cases, many people go to therapy regularly, each week, to simply look for more personal growth.

Question 8

Can I contact you for help outside of session?

Accepted Answer

You may contact your therapist outside sessions for scheduling purposes. Due to the nature of therapy, and to respect your therapist’s boundaries, it is important that therapy takes place in person and during its regularly scheduled time. If it is an emergency, please call 911 or Pinellas Mobile Crisis Response Team at (727) 362-4424 or call or text the National Suicide Hotline at 988. If it is not an emergency, you are welcome to address the issue in your next session.

Question 9

Do you take insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes! I am in-network with a few insurance companies. Check my Rates page to see the list! I However, I do not accept EAP benefits for these insurances.
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When paying for therapy out-of-pocket, you and your therapist can determine the best treatment, length of appointments, and there is no diagnosis required. There is no third-party involvement and therefore your treatment remains private unless you choose to disclose that information. This means that we can focus on what is important, your healing and growing.

If you are not using your insurance, a Superbill can be e-mailed to you at the end of each month, and you can submit it to your insurance for possible reimbursement. This would require a formal diagnosis which we would discuss during our sessions. I have no say in whether or not insurance chooses to reimburse.

Question 10

What is confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and therapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist's office.
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State law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:
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* Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders requires therapists to report to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.
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* If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threatened to harm another person.

Frequently asked questions