Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if therapy is right for me?

If you are asking yourself this question, then you’ve already taken the first step. Therapy is a very personal process and it can be difficult, as it often brings to the surface unacknowledged issues, but it is also very rewarding as clients learn new ways of coping and processing their emotions. Using those skills clients are able to make the positive changes they wish to see in their lives.

If you are still uncertain about whether therapy is right for you, I offer a free 15 minute consultation to make sure that the services I provide are a good fit for your needs.

I only have one particular goal or thing I’m stuck on. Would therapy be helpful for that?

Short-term, solution focused therapy or even life coaching could be helpful in this instance. I can help you devise a plan and learn the skills that will enable you find and strengths within yourself to succeed in your goals.

I don’t have any particular goals for therapy — I just know I don’t like the way I’m feeling and I want that to change. Can you help?

Yes, I can! Sometimes people seek out therapy because they feel lost or directionless and need support finding their way again. Other times people are feeling down, depressed, and hopeless but they don’t know why. Some individuals find themselves feeling restless, ‘keyed up,’ anxious, and in a state of constant worry about everything and nothing all at once. Others find themselves reliving traumatic moments from their past and have trouble coping with the difficult memories. If this describes you, you are not alone, and help is available! You can learn the skills you need to implement in order to see positive changes in your life!

I’ve achieved a lot in my life, and people tell me I should be happy, but I still feel scared and uncertain and ‘not good enough.’ Is there any hope things can change?

Yes, there is! The situation you are experiencing can feel paralyzing, debilitating, and very discouraging after you have worked for so many years to achieve the success you sought. I have worked with many high achieving clients to help them learn new ways to view themselves, to redefine success on their own terms, and to identify the internal sources of their talents and passions so that they can free themselves to move forward once more!

Can you prescribe me medication?

No, Marriage and Family Therapists do not prescribe medication. Medication is something that can be helpful and used in conjunction with therapy to achieve results. If you feel like medication is something that might be right for you, you should discuss this with your primary care physician or ask for a referral to a psychiatrist.

As a ‘Marriage and Family Therapist’ does that mean you only see families and couples?

No, I treat individuals also!

“Marriage and Family Therapy” is a bit of a misnomer — MFTs are “relational” therapists and view individuals as part of the relationships and systems they are in. This means that when we work together I learn about the “whole picture” — your family of origin, your family of choice, your friends, your workplace, your school — and take into account how each of these parts impacts you as an individual, and the impact you have on each of those parts in turn. Clients are able to see a lot of positive change in many aspects of their lives using this therapeutic model.

Do you take insurance? What are your fees?

Many insurance companies will pay for my services. I am an “out of network” provider with insurance companies which allow you to submit reimbursement claims for out of network clinicians. I provide the required documentation for claim submission and I can assist in this process.. You can check your out of network benefits by calling the phone number on the back of your insurance card.

Fees are $150 per session, payable at the time service is rendered. I accept credit cards, FSA and HSA cards, checks, or cash.

I do offer some sliding scale appointments, and reserve a number of spaces in my schedule for this. Contact me to inquire about this if you feel your income situation warrants this consideration.

You may pay fees through the online client portal HERE.

Dartmouth College employees may be eligible for a special mental health benefit, which reimburses out of network services. You may learn about whether you qualify by clicking this link HERE.

What is your cancellation policy?

Appointments must be cancelled at least 24 hours ahead of time or clients may be charged the full session rate. (This fee may be waived due to illness, weather conditions, or emergency situations at the discretion of the therapist.)

Finding time to come to therapy is hard. How can you help?

I am pleased to offer therapy through a secure, HIPAA compliant video conferencing service. This service allows clients to receive therapy in the privacy of their own home or office using an internet connection. (Regretfully, due to the nature of couples therapy interventions, this video therapy service is only available to clients seeking individual therapy services.)

I also offer evening and weekend appointments.

Where are you located? How can I get to you if I don’t have a car?

Due to COVID-19,  the current time all sessions are conducted via HIPAA compliant video telehealth.  You may access the platform at your scheduled appointment time at http://www.doxy.me/uppervalleytherapy

I’m having trouble with my partner, but does relationship/marriage counseling even work?

Yes! Marriage counseling can and does work, especially when grounded in the theory of emotional attachment, as Emotionally Focused Therapy methods are. That being said, every couple is different, and each person in a couple comes to therapy with a different goal. Throughout the process of couples therapy we will work to align those goals — and to rekindle affection, friendship, and communication with your partner.

I know I want to separate from my partner, but there are complications. Can you help with that?

Yes, I can. There are times when couples have already made the decision to separate, but they must continue to work with one another due to shared interests such as finances, child rearing, joint business ventures, or more. In situations such as these, learning to communicate effectively and calmly is of the utmost importance. A neutral third party, such as a therapist, can be very helpful in diffusing tensions, helping couples build a plan to move forward, and in learning new communication skills.

Have a question not answered here?

Please feel free to contact me directly at info@uppervalleytherapy.com, or by phone at 802-354-0555. Because I am often in with clients, email is usually the best way to reach me.