FAQ

Prior to your first appointment, there will be a number of forms you must fill out online. The first session can last between 50 and 60 minutes. I will review the completed forms with you and will answer any questions you may have. We will talk about your concerns and what you hope to accomplish through therapy.

Therapy sessions are typically 50 minutes, while groups run 60-75 minutes per session. You will typically meet on a weekly or bi-weekly basis depending on your needs. Most of my clients meet with me for 10 sessions, however, together we will decide the best course of treatment, frequency and duration. 

Therapy sessions are typically 60-75 minutes, You will typically meet on a weekly basis depending on your needs. Typically, most clients meet with me for 10-12 sessions, (3-months) however, together we will decide the best course of treatment and what your needs are as a couple. Some couples may just want to opt for preventive and maintenance therapy to assure the line of communication remains open and healthy. For those couples it is recommended to purchase annual packages of 12 and visit at least once per month. 

Mental Health Therapists (counselor) offer talk-therapy. A therapist must be working toward or have their masters degree, and participate in yearly continuing education to remain a licensed therapist. Therapists can be a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) or a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). In addition to talk therapy, psychologists also provide psychological testing for schools, courts and other entities. Psychiatrist has attended medical school and tend to focus their treatment on understanding the diagnosis for the purpose of managing a psychological condition with medication.

If your therapist feels that you may benefit from medication, she or he will provide you with a referral to a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor that specializes in treating mental disorders with medication and sometimes talk therapy. 

As a Family Therapist in Gilbert, Arizona I can help clients in Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek & San Tan and surrounding areas if you are willing to drive to my office. I prefer to meet in person, but am available virtually for special situations.

Counseling is not a quick cure for your problems. Therapist’s like myself are here to help you explore your feelings, thoughts, and concerns;  help to examine your options; and to assist you in achieving your goals in Therapy. It is a process and a journey not a race.  I strive to help you learn to trust this process.

In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and a mental health clinician. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client. You should be aware, however, that if you use insurance benefits to pay for all or part of your therapy, some information about your treatment will need to be reported to your insurer.

In addition, there are some special circumstances in which the law requires therapists to break confidentiality. These exceptions include:

1. If you present a danger to yourself, to others, to property, or are unable to care for yourself.
2. If there is suspected past or present child, dependent, or elder abuse or neglect.
3. If the court orders a release of information as part of a legal proceeding, or as otherwise required by the law.