I’ve never done this before and I’m nervous. Doesn’t going to therapy mean something’s wrong with me?
Not at all! Therapy and mental health awareness is growing every day. Perhaps your current coping mechanisms aren’t working right now, or you are facing a problem that you’ve never had before. Asking for help is brave and shows that you care about yourself. My goal isn’t to fix your problems, but to help you find learn more about yourself and help you find the strengths to help yourself.
Why do I need therapy? Can’t I just talk to a friend?
Friends are great and I will always encourage you to find your support system. In therapy, we can work to approach your situation in a different way—learning new skills, talking to someone who doesn’t know you, without judgment, and gaining new perspectives and approaches are just a few of the reasons therapy can be beneficial. Therapy can teach you to listen to yourself, find your own strengths and strategies, and work with a professional who has experience working with others who have gone through similar things. Also, therapy is confidential, meaning that you can speak freely.
Why shouldn’t I just take medication?
I am not against medication, as it can often be necessary and effective and I may encourage you reach out to a psychiatrist. However, medication does not solve all the issues. Medication often treats the symptoms. Therapy can help you dig deeper and help you accomplish your goals. Most psychiatrists strongly recommend that their patients also be under the care of a therapist.
What can I expect from the first session?
The first session will be an intake session. This will be different from a regular session, as this will be a time to go over your history, childhood, relationships, family, support system, and speak about why you decided to pursue therapy at this time and learn about what your goals are for our time together. During this session you can ask me any questions you have and go over office policies. If we feel that we are a good fit, we can move forward to scheduling another session.
What kind of clients do you work with?
I work with primarily with adults (18 and over). I am a culturally competent therapist and have experience working with clients from a variety of backgrounds. While ages, ethnicity, religions, sexual orientations, professions, lifestyles, and socioeconomic backgrounds may vary, we all have times in our lives when we are struggling and could benefit from additional support.
I specialize in Maternal Mental Health, however I have experience working with many issues, including anxiety, depression, and family and relationship issues.
How long does therapy take?
It depends. Some people come to therapy wanting a few sessions to help work on a current issue they are struggling with. Others may benefit from long-term therapy, to work on deep rooted issues, and to change behaviors and thought patterns that have been with them for years. Most people fall somewhere in between. I tailor my therapeutic approach to fit your specific needs. I recommend starting with weekly therapy sessions and taking it from there.
Is what I share confidential?
Yes, our sessions are completely confidential, with a few exceptions: 1.) Immediate threat of harm to yourself or others 2.) Suspicion of child or dependent elder abuse. Therapists are mandated reporters and have to take action according to the law. We will discuss all of this in more detail during your intake session. Feel free to reach out if you have any other concerns about confidentiality.
What if you are not the right fit?
Remember that building rapport and trust with a therapist takes time, just like any other relationship. However, I completely understand the frustration of finally taking the step of making a therapy appointment just to find that you don’t click with the therapist. If at any point you feel like I am not the right fit, I encourage you to share that with me. If we cannot find a way to work together, I will help you find a therapist who is a better fit. Additionally, if I feel like I am not the right fit for you, I will also let you know and work with you to find someone who can better help you.
I am currently seeing a psychiatrist/doctor/marriage counselor, etc. Would you be able to talk to them?
Yes, but only with your permission. You would need to sign a consent form, which would allow us to talk to each other.
How long is a therapy session?
Most sessions are 45 minutes long.
Do you offer phone/video sessions?
Yes. I am only licensed in New York State, so you would have to be in New York at the time of the appointment.
What is your cancellation policy?
I have a 24 hour cancellation policy, except in the event of illness or emergencies. Appointments cancelled after 24 hours before the session will be charged the full fee and are not covered by insurance. Please let me know as soon as you know if you have any upcoming vacations or appointments, so that we can try to find a time for when you can reschedule. I will also do my best to adhere to this policy and let you know as soon as I can if I have to cancel our session.
What are your fees and do you take insurance?
My full fee is $125, and I offer sliding scale. It can be paid by cash, check, or credit card. I accept certain plans through Aetna, Cigna, Oscar, NYShip, United Healthcare and Oxford. You can contact me to verify insurance or do it yourself through Headway, which is what I use for billing and scheduling.
How can I make the most of my therapy session?
Show up, be honest, be willing to listen to my feedback, and let me know if something isn’t working for you. The best way to make the most of therapy is to utilize skills learned in therapy outside of the therapy room.
I think I’m ready to start. What’s the next step?
Great! I offer complimentary 15 minute phone consultations prior to the first appointment. After speaking, if you feel like you’d like to move forward, I will send you paperwork to fill out.
You can call or text me at 631- 526- 3747 and/or email me at LizaLMHC@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you.
Liza 