FAQ

What kinds of things do people seek help for? People seek counseling for a variety of reasons including feeling unhappy, unfulfilled, worried, sad, or angry. People also seek out counseling to help change behaviors that are troubling them including addictive or disordered behaviors or behaviors that affect their relationships at home or at work. Some people seek counseling because they have a life goal that has been eluding them and they are ready to explore their barriers. Other people seek out counseling because they know they are going through a difficult time or facing a difficult decision and they desire a place to sort through their feelings and move forward in their life with intention and clear thinking.

How does counseling help? When a counseling relationship is working well, clients experience new insights into their situations, clearer thinking, increased energy, better understanding of their feelings and needs, release of troubling emotions that have held them back or been confusing, and a greater sense of wholeness and peace within themselves. Therapy is a process, and a working partnership develops between client and therapist. Therapy is not always comfortable or straightforward as difficult emotions and ways of being often have to be sorted through in order for new energy and change to appear. Clients should feel comfortable with their therapist and be able to ask about whatever is on their mind regarding the process. In spite of the uncomfortable emotions experienced, clients I have worked with feel that the temporary pain of the working through process is well worth leaving behind the continual pain of living the way they had previously.

Do you work with couples and families? Yes, my practice includes work with individuals, couples, and families.

Is what I say confidential? Yes. All client-therapist conversations are private and confidential. It is also confidential information that a person is meeting with a counselor. In couples therapy, I do not keep secrets and we work with the understanding that any information discussed individually can be shared in conjoint sessions. Children ages 13 and over can only have information released to their parent/guardians if they choose to sign a release for treatment coordination. As a licensed therapist, I follow the professional and ethical standards of my profession. Only in rare exceptions when the safety of a client or other is at risk can disclosure of confidential client-therapist information take place without client consent. For further clarification on therapeutic roles in family, couples or individual work please read this article: Limitations of Therapeutic Relationships.doc

Additional Questions (Scroll down for more)

What can I expect at the first session?

A warm, grounded space to explore what's true. I bring depth, intuition, and a trauma-informed approach rooted in Jungian, Gestalt, and somatic practices. We'll work collaboratively to support your healing, clarity, and growth--at your pace.

How long does a counseling session take?

Sessions are typically scheduled for 50-60 minutes via secure video or in-person in my private office. Sessions can be weekly or bi-weekly depending on availability and what best supports your growth.

How long does counseling last?

It is helpful to make a commitment to yourself and the counseling process of at least 4-6 sessions. During the first one to two therapy sessions a thorough assessment is completed, goals are identified and jointly we create a treatment plan that fits your needs. With any counseling situation, it is ultimately up to the client as to how long he or she engages in treatment. Each situation is unique and it is part of my job to help you determine how many therapy sessions may be needed to reach your desired goals.

How much does counseling cost?

A typical counseling session costs $175. Most insurances will partially or fully cover the services. If you have concerns regarding affording psychotherapy, we can discuss these and whether or not you may meet my guidelines for a sliding fee scale. I work out mutually agreeable payment options with all of my clients so that cost does not hinder them in pursuing counseling. While many clients are initially very concerned about whether or not they can afford counseling, most find that as their life and priorities change new ways of funding therapy appear--whether through less need to consume to distract from pain or through new means of income due to increased energy and investment in life.

How do I find out if my insurance covers therapy services?

Please refer to the paperwork and fees section for a list of insurance companies in which I am an in-network provider. Specific policies vary in their coverage and it is important to verify your coverage prior to your first appointment. Here are some important questions to ask when calling to verify your mental health benefits:

Has my deductible been met for the year?

What is my copay amount?

What is my co-insurance amount? (The % of each visit you are responsible for)

Is there a limit on the number of visits per year?

You specialize in the use of individual Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) and Gestalt Therapy. How does this work?

EFT was born out of contemporary psychological beliefs and has developed into a widely accepted evidence-based approach to therapy for the treatment of several imbalances in relationships both external and internal. EFT was created and should be used for conditions where there is a non-working over-control of emotions despite the positivity or negativity of those emotions. In conditions where there is an under-control of emotions, EFT can effectively be used as a second stage of treatment. Emotion Focused Therapy is exactly as its name states and is focused on the constructive use of emotions and how they can help individuals heal and benefit from them. EFT generally takes 16 to 20 therapy sessions.

Gestalt therapy seems to be particularly beneficial for people who are rather 'buttoned up' when it comes to their emotions. But it can be used for a wide range of mental health needs. During therapy the client is encouraged to bring out hidden feelings. Much use is made of something called the 'open chair' technique.

This is when the client sits opposite an empty chair and then mentally places into that chair someone significant, who has caused them pain or trouble. The client then tells the 'person' in the empty chair what they have been unable to express before. Sometimes the client is encouraged to swap chairs and to answer his own claims or accusations from the other person's perspective. This technique can give rise to emotional scenes, and the previously buried emotions need to be handled carefully. Gestalt therapy is not a ‘quick fix’. Treatment takes time and is closely tailored to individual needs. The length of treatment varies for each person, but can range from a few months to one or two years of weekly meetings, depending on the nature of your problems.

What does LICSW and LMHC stand for?

LICSW are the initials to indicate a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. LMHC are the initials to signify a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. This means that I have a Master’s Degree in Social Work and have completed the necessary requirements to be fully licensed in the state of Washington. Licensing requirements include completing 4,000 post-Master’s level work hours under the supervision of an LICSW and passing the license exams.

Why did you choose Viveza for your practice name?

Viveza is a Spanish word used to communicate a sense of aliveness, brilliance, or vividness. The therapeutic endeavor is to bring about a waking up, a coming to life, experiencing oneself as real, whole and full of energy and vitality.

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