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FAQ
- How long and how many times a week is a typical session?
Sessions are usually 45 minutes in length. The first few sessions are for evaluation of your presenting problems and goal setting. These sessions may be longer, if it seems appropriate and you can tolerate spending more time with someone asking you many questions. Don’t worry, there are no set rules about time and we figure this out together (just like every other part of treatment). I practice focused, goal oriented psychotherapy, even if that goal is to help you function during the week. I have been trained in many methods which I apply flexibly to help you reach your goals as quickly as you can.
- How long will I be in treatment?
I know that I have used terms like counseling and psychotherapy, but in truth it’s my brain positively influencing your brain. The length of time depends on the nature of your problems, the goals we set, and how quickly we can collaborate in reaching your goals. We review your progress regularly and make any modifications necessary (sometimes we need to make the pace of treatment quicker, sometime slower, and sometimes I may suggest that we try different methods.) So if you have come to treatment because of an old problem that has been bothering you in the present (for instance, let’s say you believe that you are unlovable because your parents always criticized you, we might begin working on gently challenging your beliefs; we might then start accelerating treatment by employing the more active phases of EMDR treatment. Some of you may have a very specific problem that you only wish to work on with one method of treatment. An example would be of someone with a driving phobia who insists on a type of cognitive behavioral therapy, when multiple forms of treatment could be more effective. I might make suggestions which I’ll explain, but we will try things your way if you insist. For others, treatment might be an on-going learning process and we might use a combination of strategies for a longer period.
- What if I want couples treatment, but my partner won’t come?
Unfortunately, sometimes one partner is not as willing as the other to come in for counseling. However, I often find that it is possible to affect the relationship with just one person involved. Sometimes the person who enters treatment might find that they have been doing things that have alienated their partner. The most common situation here on Long Island happens when the husband insists on playing golf all day Saturday and Sunday, and has no time for his wife. He even tells her that he’s too tired to go out to dinner, and besides his tee off time is early the next day. She is ready to divorce him, and now he’s ready to start therapy. Or the wife comes to treatment because she is torn between not wanting to tear her family apart, but is also feeling lonely and neglected. Usually when she has become ready to file for divorce the husband magically appears, ready to work on his marriage. Amazing!
- How much are your fees and do you take insurance?
Your fee depends on the kinds of services you request. I have a standard fee which I will discuss with you when you call. I will also review the type of insurance you have. I am not on any insurance panels except medicare. The managed care industry has disgraced itself, in my humble opinion, and I will not be governed by them. However you may have an OUT OF NETWORK, OR POINT OF SERVICE PLAN, and you are entitled to the same level of reimbursement as you get when you visit your doctor. This was part of the Senate version of the Bank Bailout $800 billion bill that was passed last year. Please contact your insurance plan to ensure that you will get adequate coverage. If you would like me to assist you I will do so.
- Do I need to take medications?
As I mentioned in an earlier page I am a psychotherapist; I do not prescribe medications. I know many of you are dead set against taking meds. I appreciate your feelings and concerns. If you do not want to take meds I will certainly work with you without them, at first. However, if after a period of time when we have been working on your goals, you do not show improvement and FEEL better, I may recommend that you have an evaluation with a specialist for medications. You have the right to refuse, and as long as you are not in danger to yourself or others I’ll continue to work with you.
