Counseling for Individuals
Throughout different periods of time we all find ourselves struggling with stressors that occur in life. Sometimes we have difficulty adapting to these stressful events and often times get stuck. It is during these times that working with a psychologist can help one gain insight and adapt to change in healthy ways. By doing this we discover new ways of making meaning in the world and living a more fulfilled life.
Therapists have various types of training and philosophies about treatment.
I have extensive experience working mainly with adults to address the following concerns:
· Depression
· Anxiety
· BipolarI/II
· Recovery from Narcissistic or Emotional Abusive Relationships
· Treatment for Personality Disorders
· Phase of Life Problems-Life Transitions
· Bereavement-Grief
· Anger/Emotional Regulation Difficulties
· Partner Relational Problems- Couples Issues
· Occupational Problems-Work and Career issues
· Religious or Spiritual Problems
· Stress Management
· Psychological Evaluations, Assessment, and Testing
**Spanish speaking therapy services
**Supervision opportunities available upon request
Risks and Benefits
Psychotherapy is a process in which you and I may discuss a myriad of issues, events, experiences and memories for the purpose of creating positive change so you can experience your life more fully.
It provides an opportunity to better, and more deeply understand yourself, as well as, any problems or difficulties you may be experiencing. Psychotherapy is a joint effort between you and me. Progress and success may vary depending upon the particular problems or issues being addressed, as well as many other factors.
Participating in psychotherapy may result in a number of benefits to you, including, but not limited to, reduced stress and anxiety, a decrease in negative thoughts and self-sabotaging behaviors, improved interpersonal relationships, increased comfort in social, work, and family settings, increased capacity for intimacy, and increased self-confidence. Such benefits may also require substantial effort on your part, including an active participation in the therapeutic process, honesty, and a willingness to change feelings, thoughts and behaviors. There is no guarantee that psychotherapy will yield any or all of the benefits listed above.
Participating in psychotherapy may also involve some discomfort, including remembering and discussing unpleasant events, feelings and experiences. The process may evoke strong feelings of sadness, anger, fear, etc. There may be times in which I will challenge your perceptions and assumptions, and other different perspectives. The issues you present may result in unintended outcomes, including changes in personal relationships. You should be aware that any decision on the status of your personal relationships is your responsibility.
During the therapeutic process, many patients find that they feel worse before they feel better. This is generally a normal course of events. Personal growth and change may be easy and swift at times, but may also be slow and frustrating. You should address any concerns you have regarding your progress in therapy with me.
Telehealth Appointments
Appointments are arranged virtually so that we can share a consistent, ongoing weekly or biweekly scheduled time together if at all possible. If your appointment must be cancelled, a minimum of 24 hours prior notice is expected to avoid being charged for that hour (50 minute hour). This will allow enough time to schedule someone from my waiting list into your time slot. You will also be charged if you “no show” for your scheduled hour. Be aware that if a pattern of frequent cancellations should develop, the therapeutic relationship may need to be terminated.
Telehealth Counseling Platform
I currently offer Telehealth counseling through a HIPPA secure platform, called doxy.me or WhatsApp. I will send you an email invitation from doxy.me prior to the time of our scheduled appointment or call you if using WhatsApp. Simply click on the link and we should then be able to see and hear each other during the appointment. Close other computer applications and make sure your speaker and camera are on prior to the session. If for some reason we lose the Internet connection during the appointment, I will call you on the telephone.
Some of the benefits include:
Flexibility for individuals that work excessive hours and experience trouble meeting traditional business hours. 2. Accessibility for those that have barriers such as disabilities, transportation and childcare. 3. Increase in choice for those residing in rural areas. 4. Increased comfort for people experiencing social anxiety or Agoraphobia. Elimination of visibility entering/leaving a counseling office. 6. Telehealth appointments are an excellent adjunct to persons residing in two locations. Therapy can continue uninterrupted, even when the clients is in their alternative location. 7. Telehealth is also a method of continuing treatment during public health threats.
Some limitations include:
Telehealth may not be available for those with a history of severe mental health issues and/or suicidal/homicidal ideations/attempts. 2. There may be potential confidentiality limitations although we work carefully to minimize such risks. 3. Not all insurance providers may reimburse Telehealth Counseling (contact your provider). 4. There is a potential for connections to be disrupted or disconnected. 5. There is a possibility of miscommunication due to limit body language and/or misinterpretation of tone of voice. Please let me know if any of the above is a problem for you.Internet Based Sessions
Payment and Fees
For session payments, I will send you a PayPal request for session charges. Please let me know if this is not okay and you need a different payment arrangement. Another option is to send me a check prior to your scheduled appointment. Please give me a 24-hour cancellation notice; otherwise I will charge for the missed session unless it is an emergency.
Fees:
50-minute individual therapy session - $155.00
Fees are due at the start of each session.
"There is a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in." Leonard Cohen