How Does Counseling Work?

My goal in the first session is to:

  • fully understand your concerns,

  • help you begin to experience clarity,

  • formulate a map of the solutions,

  • provide you with hope for your future,

  • begin giving feedback on how to make the changes you desire.

I will ask, “What brings you to counseling?”

We will discuss your problems and concerns. I’ll be listening to your history and how it relates to your current challenges. Then, I’ll begin mapping out how it makes sense you’re feeling this way. From there, we collaborate on solutions.

I’m very active in sessions. Listening and giving feedback are key. Nobody can fix anyone else, but I can act as a valuable mentor so you can sort out your struggles and find the solutions you need.

Cost of Therapy Sessions:

Therapy is an investment in your health, relationships, goals, and future.

I charge by time scheduled, not specialty.

Sessions start at 45 minutes for $150 and increase according to time.

I’m happy to schedule longer sessions to accommodate your needs. Couples tend to enjoy hour long sessions or more. Busy people sometimes want to do longer, less frequent sessions to accommodate hectic schedules. Some want to work aggressively to achieve faster relief.

Insurance:

I do not accept insurance.

Most of the work I do is not covered by insurance companies. Counselors who work with insurance companies must make certain concessions in order to work in-network with insurance.

I am often surprised at the lengths clients must go through to find a good therapist. I offer high-quality counseling to my clients. Maintaining quality and maximizing effectiveness is hinged on my ability to offer customized approaches to problem solving without restrictions by managed care companies.

My Therapy Office:

I am locally based in Rochester Hills, Michigan and have been for 15 years. I am currently seeing clients virtually (online). I have discovered telehealth is a smarter, more efficient way of working. Research shows there is no difference in effectiveness between in-person versus online therapy. I run a busy practice and am also a very busy mother.

I believe in quality in all aspects of my life and strive to maintain balance. Telehealth has been a gift to my practice, my life, and my clients. Providing online therapy is my way of practicing what I preach about finding balance and maintaining self-care in a demanding world.

Methods of Therapy Used

As a specialist in couples counseling and systems theories, I am expertly trained in the following:

  • Bowen Theory/Transgenerational Therapy (Murray Bowen) - my clients love this approach the most. Most people (clients and therapists) have never heard of it but it’s my golden-goose of therapy approaches, and renowned for its effectiveness in treating couples issues, anxiety, trauma, codependency, and depression.

  • The Gottman Method (John & Julie Gottman)

  • Emotion Focused Therapy/ Emotion Focused Couples Therapy (Sue Johnson)

  • Trauma Theory (Collin Ross)

  • Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (Albert Ellis)

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Aaron Beck, Donald Meichenbaum)

  • Narrative Therapy (Epston & White)

  • Choice Theory (William Glasser)

  • Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (Steven Hayes)

  • Internal Family Systems Theory (Richard Schwartz)

I closely follow the research of many important researchers/counselors in the field including:

  • Esther Perel (research on intimacy and desire)

  • Brene Brown (research on shame and vulnerability)

  • Bessel van der Kolk (founder and researcher of PTSD)

  • Dan Siegel (researcher on interpersonal neurobiology - INPB)

Each human and relationship is different. I use a wide range of tools and strategies to create a customized approach to best help you. I focus on helping people understand and alleviate their symptoms, not on pathologizing or labeling.

Therapy must be safe to genuinely explore hurts, problems, and needs. My goal is to provide a safe space to tell your story, discuss your concerns, and find solutions that work for everyone involved. Healing is best done with a safe person who understands and can offer practical advice.

How do I begin online counseling? (The logistics).

Once you decide to get started, I will send you a welcome email outlining everything to expect. The day before the session, I will email you the video link, and send the IVYPAY text link for payment.

If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA), you may use that account to pay for your sessions. You are responsible for reviewing the rules of your HSA to ensure compliance. All major credit cards are accepted. I do not accept cash or money transfer systems like VENMO. I use IVYPAY, a counselor specific, HIPPA compliant credit card processing system.

Sessions are conducted via the Simple Practice platform which is a HIPPA compliant Electronic Records Management system and video platform (just like at your physician’s office). Payment is collected through a therapist-specific banking system called IVYPAY. Both systems are very easy to use and HIPPA compliant and secure.

I have a strict 24-hour cancellation policy. I will hold an appointment as far in advance as you’d like. I welcome schedule changes and cancellations at least 24 hours in advance. Otherwise, I will ask you to cover the session. I understand life happens to all of us which is why I set the timeframe at 24 hours. I frequently have a waiting list and want to be able to help those who want to be helped. This is my way of keeping everything respectful for everyone. I do not charge for missed sessions due to medical emergencies.

It’s easy to begin online therapy.

For the last 15 years, clients have told me how beneficial therapy is for them. I work hard to make sure you have everything you need to be successful. If you do your part, you will be successful.

Feel free to call me at 810-397-4861 or email me through the “Contact Me” button below.