Do I have trauma and do I need a counselor?
Many of us understand trauma as experiencing a very scary and horrific event. Often we relate it to veterans coming back from war, being in a serious car accident, or victim of a crime or abuse. And this is true. EMDR counseling was developed specifically for those who have experienced trauma and is very effective. I would be happy to talk with you further if this is what you are wanting to address with a counselor.
What many of us don’t realize, however, is that trauma can include any situation that may have left you feeling scared, anxious, embarrassed, ashamed. A situation that keeps you up at night, have thoughts that you just can’t seem to shake off no matter how hard you try. Something that resulted from a relationship, a situation at work, a performance that did not go at all how you planned it and feel like you want to hide but can’t.
It can also be an underlying issue in some forms of depression, panic attacks, relationship issues, unhealthy habits, and more. If you have questions to determine if counseling would be right for you, please call for a free consult. It’s important that you have a plan that is going to be helpful for you and get you to where you want to be.
How can EMDR help?
EMDR uses specific questions to help you break down a situation(s) and how it may be impacting your thoughts, emotions, and physical reactions. It then takes you through specific steps to help reduce these unwanted reactions so that you can feel more like yourself again and get back to your life.
And this is true whether you have experienced one negative event or series of events throughout your life, often known as Complex Trauma or Complex PTSD.
I apply EMDR for many different areas of focus which would be too long to list here. If you are not sure how or if it may help you, I’d be happy to consult with you to determine if this would be the right therapy for you.
Do you use other therapies or types of counseling other than EMDR?
Yes. I find that Mindfulness Based Meditation techniques and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy go really well with EMDR and integrate them often. Other coping tools that will prepare you during and after therapy will also be of focus. These may include relaxation techniques, communication skills, assertiveness skills, and how to set healthy boundaries in relationships.
I also am able to integrate faith based counseling if that is something of importance to you.
Can my auto insurance cover my services if my anxiety or trauma symptoms are related to a recent car accident?
Possibly yes. It depends on your auto insurance plan and most auto insurance companies will require a complete copy of your therapy record to determine eligibility for coverage and reimbursement. This would include a copy of your initial assessment completed at your first session and includes your mental, medical, and family history. Some of my clients are okay with this, while others are not. It is really up to you and your comfort level. My clients have been successful getting reimbursed for therapy services as a result of a car accident. Often they are able to complete therapy within just a few sessions.
Who do you work with?
I find that I work best with adults in individual therapy. I sometimes have clients who may be in couples therapy with another therapist, while working with me individually focusing on any specific areas that may be impacting his or her relationship. Occasional family or couple sessions may be conducted as part of your plan for therapy.
How often would we meet?
Sessions are once a week for 45 to 60 minutes. I find weekly sessions are important for two reasons. The first is you will progress more quickly in therapy when we can check in weekly. We are able to find out what is working, not working, and adjust things as needed. The second, is specific for EDMR therapy. Processing can continue in-between sessions and therefore, it is important to see how you’re managing each week.
Occasionally, sessions may go over 60” but I do my best to let clients know ahead of time. I understand you have family, work, and other obligations. I want to respect that while also making sure you are given the time you need to be the best you when you leave here.
How long can I expect to be in therapy?
Again, this will vary for each person. On average, clients have about 20-30 sessions. Others may go longer.
Do you accept insurance?
I am an out-of-network provider and can provide a Superbill for you to send into your insurance for reimbursement. How much you are reimbursed depends on your plan. I also have a great resource, Reimbursify, that can help take care of this process for you in just a few steps.
What is your fee?
My fee is $150 for a 45-60 minute session. Sliding scale fee is currently being offered for the months of March through May to assist during this time of COVID-19 pandemic. Contact for more more information.
Do you offer a free consultation?
Yes, making sure we are a good fit for each other is going to benefit you most in therapy. I provide a 20-minute free consultation so that we can talk in more detail about what you would like to focus on in therapy, where you would like to be at the end of therapy and determine if the type of therapy I practice is right for you and your needs.