FAQs

What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?

The difference is between someone who can do something, and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, counseling is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, and you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.

Why shouldn’t I just take medication?

I worked alongside a psychiatrist in an intensive inpatient unit. He used to tell patients "You're in a hole and I'm here to get you out." Then I would follow up and say "He's going to help you get out of the hole and I'm here to help you learn how to stop digging." Although medication can help alleviate the physiological symptoms associated with a diagnosis, effective therapy can address the emotional and behavioral aspects. Not everyone is a candidate for medication but when it is needed, comprehensive healing is best achieved using this multi pronged approach. 

How long will it take?

This will vary depending on individual circumstances. 

I try to maintain focus on clear therapeutic goals, while tailoring them if the need arises. If the client is interested, I like to do a pre therapy questionnaire that helps to establish a baseline idea of how the client is doing in various areas, and then follow up with additional questionnaires later in the therapeutic process. This gives a clear quantitative view of areas that have improved and other areas that may warrant additional focus. Monitoring and quantifying progress to the extent possible can add a measure of efficiency to the process. 

How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions and how do I make get the most out of therapy?

Research indicates that the main element that makes therapy successful is the relationship between client and therapist. The most important thing for the client to do is to be as open and honest as possible about their current and past experiences, and also, the way they feel within the therapeutic relationship. Your active participation and dedication will be crucial to your success. 

Where are you located?

Sessions are generally conducted via a HIPPA compliant telehealth platform. However, if you feel you need an in person session I can gladly accommodate. I have an office location in North Miami Beach, FL, just a few minutes from the Golden Glades Interchange. 

Do you take insurance?

Yes. I am currently in network with Aetna, Cigna, Oscar, Optum, and Oxford