Question 1

How can therapy help me?

Accepted Answer

Therapy might just be one of the most important endeavors you do for yourself and your loved ones. A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues, and spiritual concerns. Many people also find that therapists can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy also depend on your commitment to the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:
  
Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your commitments, and values
Developing skills for improving your relationships
Deepening connection with your intimate partner and loved ones
Finding resolution to issues or concerns
Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
Contemplating matters of spirituality and faith
Improving communication and listening skills
Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

Question 2

Do I really need therapy?  I can usually handle my problems.

Accepted Answer

Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you're at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.

Question 3

Why do people go to therapy and how do I know if it is right for me?

Accepted Answer

One thing we know, life is hard for everyone.  People have many different motivations for coming to psychotherapy.   Some may be going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, new job, etc.), or are not handling stressful circumstances well.  Some people need assistance managing a range of other issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, spiritual conflicts and creative blocks.  Therapy can help provide some much-needed encouragement and help with skills to get them through these periods.  Others may be at a point where they are ready to learn more about themselves or want to lead a life driven by their values and commitments.   In short, people seeking psychotherapy are ready to meet the challenges in their lives and ready to make changes in their lives.

Question 4

What is therapy like?

Accepted Answer

Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual.  In general, you can expect to discuss the current events happening in your life, your personal history relevant to your issue, and report progress (or any new insights gained) from the previous therapy session.  Depending on your specific needs, therapy can be short-term, for a specific issue, or longer-term, to deal with more difficult patterns or your desire for more personal development.  Either way, it is most common to schedule regular sessions with your therapist (usually weekly).

It is often said that the majority of therapy happens between sessions.  It is important to understand that you will get more results from therapy if you actively participate in the process.  The ultimate purpose of therapy is to help you bring what you learn in session back into your life.  Therefore, beyond the work you do in therapy sessions, Jennifer may suggest some things you can do outside of therapy to support your process - such as reading a pertinent book, journaling on specific topics, noting particular behaviors, or taking action on your goals. People seeking psychotherapy are ready to make positive changes in their lives, are open to new perspectives, and take responsibility for their lives.

Question 5

What about medication vs. psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness.  Working with your medical doctor you can determine what's best for you, and in some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action.

Question 6

Does what we talk about in therapy remain confidential?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and psychotherapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist's office.   I will provide you with a written copy of my confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone.  Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your Physician, Naturopath, Attorney, etc.), but by law your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission. However, state law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:

* Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.
* If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threatened to harm another person.

Question 7

What does a therapy session cost?

Accepted Answer

The fees associated with therapeutic services might vary depending on the length and type of session, as well as your insurance provider. For those individuals without access to health insurance, a 15% discount is offered if the session fee is paid at the time of service. Please call to discuss any concerns you might have about session fees, so you know exactly what you can expect. Cash, check, all major credit cards and PayPal are accepted for payment.

Question 8

Do you take insurance, and how does that work?

Accepted Answer

I am a provider for all the major insurance providers in the State of Montana, as well as TriCare.  To determine if you have mental health coverage through your insurance carrier, the first thing you should do is call them.  Check your coverage carefully and make sure you understand their answers.  Some helpful questions you can ask your insurance carrier:
 
What are my mental health benefits?
What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?
How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
Is approval required from my primary care physician?

Question 9

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

In order to serve all patients in a timely, sensitive manner, I ask that if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, you call at least 24 hours in advance. If a session is not cancelled in a timely manner, a $75 fee may be charged.

Question 10

What do I need to bring to my appointment?

Accepted Answer

If you're a new client, please complete the following forms and bring them to your first therapy session.

Individual Intake Form
Couples Intake Form

MENU

Frequently Asked Questions