What is counseling?
Counseling is a special relationship between a person who wants to work on a problem and a person who is specially trained to help with that process. It is different from a friendship because the counselor is there to help you, but you are not expected to reciprocate. The time belongs to you. This means that you do not need to apologize for focusing exclusively on yourself and your problem, to worry about being boring or not choosing the right word or making sense. ^Top
What do people do in therapy?
People come to counseling wanting
- to change a behavior (shyness, brashness, cutting);
- to work on feelings (lack of confidence, anger, loneliness, depression);
- to break a habit (drug or alcohol dependence, vomiting or obsessive eating);
- to improve skills (time management, meeting new people, saying "no" when they want, coping with a chronic illness, becoming a better partner/lover);
- to understand how things in the past continue to effect them (incest, rape, physical abuse, a parent's death, a parent's use of alcohol, ADD);
- to understand their family better;
- to grow and expand the joy in their lives;
- to cope with medical/biopsychological problems.
Families and couples may want
- to improve communication;
- to address issues of intimacy;
- to work on mediating child custody or divorce.
This list only touches on a FEW of the problems that people bring to counseling. ^Top
How do I start?
Call to set up an appointment. I will ask you to fill out some forms before
your first appointment.
When we meet for the first time you will either start out describing your problem the best you can or I will help you by asking questions until I have a starting level of understanding. The first session will last about 50 minutes.
Sometimes people want to meet several therapists before choosing the one with whom they feel most comfortable. This can be a good idea, however, remember that therapists get paid for their time and expertise. Most therapists will answer a few questions over the phone without charge. However, if you actually make an appointment, you should be willing to pay for that time, even if you decide not to keep the appointment.
Some personal problems are very hard to talk about to a stranger (but it is also easier to talk to a stranger sometimes than to someone you know). It is easy to feel that you are different or strange if you have had certain experiences. Some people feel ashamed of themselves or their families because of things that have happened.
Counselors are accustomed to hearing about personal problems. In fact, after a counselor has been in the profession for a few years, it is hard to find a problem that the counselor hasn't heard about before. The more openly you can bring up these issues, the faster counseling begins to accomplish your goals. ^Top
What is the cost of therapy?
This depends on the type of counselor, whether they are licensed, and the place you go. Usually the cost of counseling increases with the amount of education and experience your therapist has. Public agencies are less expensive than private offices. In general, private therapy will cost between $50-120 for a 50 minute appointment. Beginning therapists or counselors who are not licensed may charge as little as $20 an hour. Some religious counselors ask for a "love offering" which leaves the cost up to you. Some therapists have a few hours available for low income clients with special needs and will offer a fee based on your income. Group therapy is usually less expensive. Some colleges that train counselors and public agencies offer very inexpensive therapy. Contact your county mental health agency to learn about alternatives.
If you need medication, your therapist will either work with your primary care physician or refer you to a psychiatrist or nurse practitioner who is able to write prescriptions. Knowing about your insurance is very important.
Some insurance will allow you to go only to therapists that the insurance companies have chosen. If you go to anyone else, you will have to pay the entire fee. Others pay more of the bill if you go to their chosen therapists but will pay part of the bill for therapists not on their list. Before calling a therapist, it is wise to call your insurance company. Ask them how many sessions of therapy you can get, whether there are limitations on what therapists you can see and if there is a pre-authorization number or process you must complete. You also need to know what your deductible is (the amount you must pay before your insurance starts paying) and your co-pay (the part that you have to pay). It is a good idea to write down the full name of the person with whom you have spoken, the information they give you and the date and time that you spoke with them. Save this information until after you are finished with your counseling.
When you call a therapist, feel free to ask what they charge. If you do not have insurance or do not want to use your insurance, ask about whether the therapist has a sliding fee for cash payments. Ethics codes state that therapists should discuss finances so that you will not be surprised by your bill. When a counselor asks questions about money and insurance, it is to meet this responsibility, not because your ability to pay is more important than helping you. ^Top
Who are you
and how much do you charge?
I am a clinical psychologist with licensure in Oregon. I have a
doctorate
degree and law degree from the University of Nebraska. My master's degree
in human relations is from the University of Oklahoma.
I did my internship at the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute (part of
the medical school at UCLA).
I have taught in graduate schools and at several colleges. I have also directed two counseling centers. I do consulting with lawyers, other therapists, and programs such as Head Start. I work with a broad range of problems-- individual, couple, and family.
In addition, I have specialized training in depression, sexual dysfunctions, recovery from sexual assault, and men's and women's issues. I am a trained mediator. Please call me about my fees. I give a 20% discount for cash payments at the time of therapy. I have a few hours a week set aside for sliding fee clients but there is often a waiting list for these hours. My office is close to the Hawthorne and Belmont bus routes. ^Top
Will anyone else know what happens
in my therapy sessions?
Counselors are required by law and by their ethical codes to protect your right to confidentiality. Unless you give written permission to release information (or unless the law requires it) therapy information is not shared. ^Top
How can I make the best use
of counseling?
Keep your appointments. If you need to cancel an appointment, do so as
soon as possible but at least 24 working hours ahead of time. Consistency
is very important to a good counseling experience. Ask for "homework"
and reading that you can do between sessions to speed the process of change.
Talk to your therapist about how you are feeling about the counseling
relationship. It is common for people to feel frustrated or angry at their
counselor at some stage. Some people may feel attracted to their counselor
because this person has understood and cared about them. Sometimes, you
find that you cannot work with the therapist. Counselors understand these
issues.
The first step is to talk to your counselor or to write a note to him or her. Always schedule a final session, even when you are unhappy with therapy, to talk about stopping. (If a counselor responds to you in an unethical manner, you may file a grievance with the state licensing board. Physical intimacy between counselor and therapist is always considered unethical.)
Your appointments will usually last between 45-50 minutes. The counselor uses the rest of the hour for making notes and record keeping. Remember that your counselor's income is dependent on the clients they see in a week. They do not get paid by insurance if you miss your appointment. Many counselors will charge you for your hour unless they can fill that hour with another client. ^Top
About
A Place to Talk
My
office is located in a turn of the century house within walking distance
of the Hawthorne and Belmont busses. It is designed to help clients feel
comfortable. I have a wheel chair accessible entry way. The waiting room
contains a lending library, tea and coffee, and comfortable chairs. My
practice is diverse. I work with most issues and people 16 years and above.
I also work with parents around their children's problems. While some
young children do need counseling, often parents can make the changes
needed to help their children if they get some parenting skill classes.
A final thought: The people who come to counseling are those who have found inside of themselves the courage and desire to change, to seek a better and fuller way of being themselves, alone and in relationship to others. I hope that if you are at a time in your life when you want to work on change, you will call for an appointment. ^Top