Questions

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Yes, If you are planning to use insurance to cover your counseling sessions, it is important to note that a DSM-V mental health diagnosis is required and the treatment plan must address the DSM diagnosis. Couples counseling presents a challenge in this regard as the DSM  as it's designed to focus on individual diagnoses, rather than relational problems. Consequently, for insurance to be utilized, one person must have a mental health diagnosis. In the absence of a mental health diagnosis for either person, private pay will be used for the sessions, I recognize that my fees are lower than most therapists, but I can give resources to more affordable state-funded or nonprofit agencies. 

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Differences in private pay and insurance

One individual is designated as the identified patient and must meet the medically necessary criteria for treatment, with the goal of reducing the identified symptom.  I eagerly await the day when the medical model recognizes the importance of relational dynamics not only in promoting couples' well-being but also in understanding how couples functioning increases individuals' mental health.

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I am aware that private pay fees can be a barrier for some clients seeking therapy, and thus, insurance coverage is often necessary even with all its barriers. I am pleased to announce that I will be accepting insurance plans from several major companies  Optum/United Health Care/UMR/Oscar, Aetna, HealthChoice, and Cigna BCBSOK.  To streamline the billing process for clients, I will be partnering with Alma and Headway, a company that will offer assistance with client billing and portal access.

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Information on insurance costs

Yes, my expertise encompasses a range of modalities within the field of psychology, it is essential to recognize that each individual's experiences and challenges are unique. My specialized knowledge lies in the areas of family-of-origin therapy,  couples dynamics, strength-based theories, attachment theory, internal family systems, mind-body modalities and assisting clients in establishing connections between their past experiences and present circumstances.

Based on my professional experience, addressing anxiety within a couple's system can significantly benefit the family unit. Individual and couples anxiety support are both options. My approach to addressing anxiety involves taking a mind-body-relationship perspective, acknowledging that bodily states can heavily influence anxiety levels. For example, factors such as chronic stress, overwork, inadequate sleep, and poor nutrition, particularly among new parents, can exacerbate anxiety. To mitigate anxiety, it is critical to understand the nervous system's impact on mental health and to learn techniques that promote mindfulness and regulate the nervous system. It is also essential to consider lifestyle factors and the quality of relationships with oneself and others. The approach to addressing anxiety may vary depending on the unique circumstances of each individual.

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Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a transformative form of psychotherapy that recognizes and addresses the diverse sub-personalities or "parts" within each individual. In IFS, anxiety is often seen as a product of internal conflicts between these parts. Through IFS therapy, we work collaboratively to identify, understand, and harmonize these parts, leading to reduced anxiety and increased self-awareness. Complementing this, the holistic mind-body approach addresses anxiety by treating the individual as an integrated whole. This approach underscores the profound connection between mental and physical health, utilizing techniques like mindfulness, meditation, and yoga to foster relaxation and emotional regulation. Each treatment plan is highly personalized, aiming not just at symptom reduction, but at enhancing overall well-being and life quality. 

In my counseling sessions, I offer a combination of teaching and coaching techniques to help my clients manage stress and anxiety effectively. Through a mind-body-relationship perspective, I provide guidance on regulating the nervous system and mindfulness techniques to address the body's state of overdrive. For those interested, I also offer structured sessions to impart knowledge and set weekly goals based on their individual needs. I believe in asking insightful questions that require action, which enables clients to engage in their own insightful thinking and facilitates forward-moving progress.

Additionally, I encourage my clients to listen to their own intuition and practice self-healing techniques throughout the week. However, I understand that some clients prefer a more reflective and empathic approach without teaching or practice sessions, and I respect that. Lastly, I also work with clients who are interested in exploring deeper core work related to existential, spiritual, and philosophical concepts that can contribute to their personal growth and self-awareness.

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5 What populations do you work with?

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I provide individual counseling services aimed at addressing a range of concerns, including but not limited to, reducing stress and anxiety, postpartum, attachment parenting,  managing feelings of being overwhelmed, reducing critical thoughts, improving self-esteem, addressing body image concerns, and managing emotions that contribute to disordered eating patterns. In addition, I also offer mindfulness coaching via health coaching for individuals seeking support with mild to moderate issues related to their eating cycle and overall wellness.

I provide psychoeducational sessions aimed at enhancing premarital couples' counseling experiences. These sessions are specifically geared towards newly committed.  Furthermore, I provide instruction on how to manage anxiety in couples and offer health coaching for couples, as supporting one another in achieving a healthy lifestyle can be beneficial for the couple as a unit.  

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 I offer counseling services to fellow professionals in the counseling industry with a focus on promoting the significance of self-care. Through these sessions, counselors are provided with a safe and supportive space where they can freely address their concerns and attend to their personal needs. 

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My practice is founded on inclusivity and affirmation, with a strong commitment to serving as an ally for the LGBTQ+ community.

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6. Tell me about couples counseling.

I only provide premarital counseling. If you are seeking traditional couples counseling www.psychologytoday.com is a great resource as is https://zencare.co

 I provide a preventive psychoeducational approach that focuses on teaching important relationship skills for couples at the beginning of their journey. For example, in the beginning stages of a couple's journey, this approach can potentially prevent deeper-seated contempt from slowly seeping into a relationship over time and also heal current interactions.  My educational and preventive approach is not meant to replace traditional couples counseling. 

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While the acquisition of skills alone does not guarantee a healthy relationship, the practical application of acquired knowledge and skills can prove to be a valuable catalyst for positive change.

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This education-based approach is structured with specific objectives and lessons for each session. It requires conscious effort and is not intended to be a substitute for therapy.

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This approach is particularly beneficial for couples seeking to enhance the overall health of their relationship rather than solely addressing specific concerns. It establishes a sturdy foundation by addressing overall relationship issues, such as building trust, enhancing friendship and connection, and managing conflict, before delving into particular problems.  

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Maybe you have a motivated partner who is not ready for "therapy" but is open to a less intimidating approach of educational-themed sessions.  Couples can continue to address other issues or concerns after the class has ended if they wish to do so.

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 7.  How do you know if a counselor is a good fit?

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Yes, finding a compatible counselor is an essential component of effective therapy. It is not uncommon for clients to work with a counselor for a few sessions before determining if the fit is suitable. If the fit is not ideal, a responsible counselor should encourage the client to seek out a more compatible practitioner. A successful match comprises the counselor's expertise, methods, and personality aligning with the client's needs.

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As for my approach, I have a flexible, intuitive, and approachable style, characterized as easygoing. I am authentic in my style and real in my relations with others. Although I incorporate a healthy sense of humor, I take my clients' emotions seriously and provide a safe space for processing intense feelings. My therapeutic style is open-minded and inclusive, and I continually strive to expand my knowledge and understanding.

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Yes,
I maintain an open-minded approach, and for those in search of a spiritual counselor, I provide that perspective. Just as there are Christian counselors, there are spiritual counselors well-suited for those embarking on an inner spiritual journey who wish to integrate evidence-based psychological practices to tackle mental health issues. I incorporate a blend of Internal Family Systems, cognitive mindfulness therapy, expressive arts, and somatic-based psychological therapies. As a systems-based therapist, I emphasize the principle that our upbringing significantly influences our individual traits.

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Couples work can be emotionally intense, and I introduce techniques to maintain a respectful and calming atmosphere to avoid overwhelming clients' nervous systems. Managing the emotional energy in the room is critical because high levels of defensiveness can hinder progress. However, it should be emphasized that humor is not used to avoid or humiliate one another. Instead, it fosters a compassionate, flexible mindset that promotes growth and exploration of oneself.

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As a coach/counselor, I believe that asking the right questions is integral to the therapeutic process. However, I acknowledge the importance of respecting my clients' boundaries and not pushing them to discuss topics they are not comfortable addressing. I am a proponent of a client-centered approach and strive to make clients feel safe while simultaneously encouraging positive growth.

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Ultimately, my goal is to help clients trust their intuition and foster a sense of self-awareness and emotional regulation.

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8. How many sessions will I need?

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The frequency and duration of sessions vary depending on the client's individual needs. Typically, I recommend weekly or bi-weekly sessions for a period of 6-12 months to establish a consistent and effective therapeutic relationship - then as needed. 

From there, sessions may be spaced out monthly or as needed. In some cases, clients may return for additional sessions after a period, especially during significant life changes or challenges.

For couples, the recommended duration of therapy is typically 6-12 months, with additional sessions during transition periods. I encourage clients to discuss their specific goals and needs during our sessions to ensure we address them effectively.

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9. How do you ensure a productive and safe counseling space?

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I am committed to creating a professional and empathic counseling space as a therapist. To achieve this, I continually pursue training in diverse therapeutic techniques, emphasizing empathy and curiosity. I prioritize self-awareness and reflection to maintain a genuine, non-judgmental presence. Creating a safe, supportive environment is paramount, where active listening and sensitivity to individual needs and boundaries are practiced. I employ an integrative approach, combining various methods tailored to each client's unique circumstances, including emotional regulation and mindfulness exercises. Committed to ongoing professional development and supervision, I stay informed about the latest research and ethical standards, ensuring my practice evolves and maintains the highest quality. Regular client feedback is crucial, allowing me to adapt and refine my approach, ensuring it remains aligned with their healing journey.  I understand therapy can be a very emotional and vulnerable process, so regular communication about how you are doing is an important part of the process. Communicating with me about your feelings about our process is invited and vital.