FAQs

What can I expect at the first therapy session?

During our first session you will have the opportunity to share with me your issues and concerns that brought you to therapy.  You will sign all consents, releases and your rights as a client will be explained.  I will ask you questions about your background and will gain a brief history of your issues.  I will also ask for insurance information.  I will help you establish goals for treatment and recommend how many sessions you might need.  Additional appointments will be made and usually last 50 minutes long.

Why use a Marriage & Family Therapist?

In a recent study, consumers report that marriage and family therapists are the mental health professionals they would most likely recommend to friends. Over 98 percent of clients of marriage and family therapists report therapy services as good or excellent.

After receiving treatment, almost 90% of clients report an improvement in their emotional health, and nearly two-thirds report an improvement in their overall physical health, and over three-fourths of those receiving marital/couples or family therapy report an improvement in the couple relationship. When a child is the identified patient, parents report that their child's behavior improved in 73.7% of the cases, their ability to get along with other children significantly improved and there was improved performance in school. © 2002 American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

Can you prescribe medication?

LMFT’s have not been granted prescription privileges. However, I do work with medical professionals and psychiatrists whom I may refer you to if necessary.

How can you help my child?

I can help your child cope with divorce, family violence, abuse, grief, school problems, depression and anxiety?  I conduct play therapy with children using art, games, puppets and other media to help children learn how to express their feelings and learn new patterns of behavior.  I also utilize role-playing, use worksheets, and talk therapy.  Finally, I help them learn better ways of responding to their parents and I will recommend parenting strategies to caretakers if needed.

Do you provide Christian Counseling?

I can provide Christian Counseling at the client’s request.  I respect all faiths and do not discriminate based on faith, sex, values, background or orientation.

Is therapy confidential?

The law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and a therapist. Information is not disclosed without written permission. Confidentiality is broken only in cases in which the safety of a child is at risk or when the safety of a client may be in immediate jeopardy such as in the case of suicide.