What happens during the free Consultation Call?
The purpose of the free consultation call is to gain a better idea of what your/teen’s needs are and exploring whether it’s a good fit to work together. On the call, I’ll ask questions, tell you more about what it’s like to work with me, and answer any questions you might have. After this call, we can decide to move forward together or not. There is no obligation for you to commit to working with me.
After the intake, what happens next?
Once you/teen is accepted into the program, I will send you the Consent Forms and Policy (which you will sign via a secure HIPPA compliant portal).
Do you accept insurance?
Please see HERE for more information on Insurance and Fees.
How long is therapy?
I specialize in brief, solution focused therapy, approximately 12-18 weeks. Howverem If you need more sessions, that’s fine. We can continue as long as you need, pending insurance approval. If you need less sessions, that’s fine too.
What if I want to cancel?
I request at least 24 hours advance notice to cancel/reschedule appointments; otherwise you/your insurance will be billed for the full session.
What actually happens during the sessions?
Here is an example of a typical 50 minute session…
- First do a brief check-in. What’s better since we last met?
- Review the homework assignment and discuss wins and challenges
- Determine the goals for the current session and discuss that session’s topic
- Agree on homework for the upcoming week
- Summarize the session
Why is there homework?
I understand the demands of life and I don’t want to add another stress. The homework assigned is simple and often can be done throughout day-to-day life. For example, you got upset during the week-what happened, what skill did you use, was it helpful, etc.
If for some reason, the homework is not completed, teens won’t get a bad grade. We’ll try to figure out what got in the way, so they will be more likely to complete the homework the following week.
When are the sessions and how long do they last?
We can schedule weekly or bi-weekly sessions. The intake sessions last 60-80 minutes (to gather as much information as possible). The subsequent sessions last approximately 50 minutes.
We live in another state. Can my teen participate?
We currently only accept clients who reside in the state of Florida. However, our GLOW course is open to anyone worldwide.
What are the age requirements?
The program is for teens and young adults, ages 13-25.
Will I have to take medication?
Being seen for psychotherapy does not necessarily mean you will need to take medications. Many psychological problems can be successfully treated without the use of medications. If you determine medications should be considered as a adjunct to therapy, I will discuss referral options with you. You will need to see a physician (such as a psychiatrist) to be prescribed any medications. It is important to let your me know about any medications you have already been prescribed.
How long before I see results?
I cannot guarantee quick results. But here’s the secret: if you/teen/caregiver attend the sessions and do the homework, you will see changes. The more you/teen learns and practice these skills, the better everyone will feel…trust me!
What are your counseling specialties?
I utilize a combination of the evidenced based modalities of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) informed treatment.
CBT helps you identify how your thinking influences how you feel and act. With CBT, we identify and change negative thought patterns and maladaptive behaviors, so that you can have a more healthier perspective.
DBT teaches practical skills to help you manage big, overwhelming emotions, reduced distress, improve relationships, and build a life you feel good living.
What about confidentiality?
All client-therapist conversations are private and confidential. It is also confidential information that a person is meeting with a therapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client (or parent if client is a minor). However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:
- Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
- If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The therapist is required to notify the police.
- If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.
As parents, will you tell us what our teen discloses in therapy?
The short answer is: I do not keep secrets, and I respect privacy.
For therapy to be effective, teens (under 18) need a safe space where they can speak honestly about their thoughts, feelings, struggles, and experiences without worrying that every detail will be reported back to their parents. When teens feel safe, they are more likely to engage in the therapeutic process and make meaningful progress.
At the same time, parents are important members of the treatment team.
I use a No Secrets Policy, which means I do not encourage teens to keep important information from their parents. Instead, I help teens find healthy ways to communicate with the people who care about them. When appropriate, I will work with your teen to share important information with you directly, and I can help facilitate those conversations.
I also believe in transparency and no hidden agendas. As part of this approach, I generally avoid accepting secret calls, emails, or messages from parents that I am then expected to “spring” on a teen during a session. Likewise, I do not keep important information from parents that should be discussed openly and appropriately.
My goal is to create an environment where trust is built with both teens and parents at the same time. Open communication, honesty, and collaboration help prevent misunderstandings and strengthen the therapeutic process for everyone involved.
Parents will always be informed if there are concerns about safety, including situations in which a teen may be at risk of harming themselves, harming someone else, or if there are concerns about abuse or neglect, as required by law and professional ethics.
Throughout treatment, I encourage open communication between parents and teens. With your teen’s knowledge and consent, I will provide periodic updates regarding treatment goals, progress, and ways you can support your teen at home.
Parents are always welcome to contact me with questions, concerns, or observations. While I may not be able to share the details of what your teen discusses in session, I value your input and believe that therapy works best when we work together as a team.
My goal is to help teens feel safe, help parents stay informed, and strengthen communication and trust within the family.
How is online therapy different from traditional in person counseling?
Other than not being in the same room, there is little difference. There are some advantages to online counseling that are worth mentioning such as:
- Video chatting mimics the way teens are most comfortable communicating with friends.
- They may feel “safer” than visiting an office and talking to an adult in person.
- Online therapy can feel more confidential, making it easier for kids and teens to share difficult feelings.
- Teens can relax in a familiar environment and surround themselves with pets and comfort items.
What technology is needed for therapy?
- A computer or device that can access the online platform
- High speed internet connection
- Headphones/earbuds with a microphone
- A device with a camera
- Optional: access YouTube to watch suggested videos
Is the online platform secure?
I use a confidential, HIPAA secure video platform.
What if my teen doesn’t want to appear on camera?
We understand that being on camera can create a lot of anxiety. Having to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences can be extremely triggering, but we require that the teen’s camera is turned on. I need to be able to see your teen to assess her mood, affect, and body language- things I cannot assess if simply listening to a person’s voice.
Can my teen catch up on other things, like homework or chores, during the session?
No. To get the full benefit of the program, teens should be fully engaged and not distracted. Just like your teen wouldn’t do homework during a face-to-face therapy session, she should be fully focused during online therapy. In addition, it is not respectful if someone is visibly not paying attention.
Teens should be in a secure location and not driving, or engaging in activities where their lives could be at risk if they become emotionally upset. Therapy is important and will need their full attention.
Schedule your FREE consultation call today!
