FAQs
Still curious, or have questions? Read more.
My most Frequently Asked Question:
IS THERAPY RIGHT FOR ME?
If you are reading this, you are probably searching for a solution or professional you can talk to about some struggles or difficulties you are facing, likely because so far what you have tried has not worked. So, first, I assure you are in the right place.
Therapy is ideal and helpful for almost everyone. It is a valuable means to have full, thoughtful conversations about life issues and problems and what matters most to you, ultimately to figure out helpful solutions. And therapy aims to do this for you in a safe, non-judgmental, confidential and supportive environment. Again, if you have concerns enough where you are searching for a solution or a therapist, most likely you are at a stage where seeking therapy is a positive step in the right direction.
If you’re interested in taking the next step, and working with me, let’s see if we’re a good fit. Plus I’ll answer all your questions. Schedule your 20-min Clarity Call today.
Family therapy is usually provided by a Marriage and Family Therapist, Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Social Worker or Counselor. These professionals have graduate or postgraduate degrees and are often credentialed by professional associations.
Open question answers by clicking on ‘+’ sign to the right.
Who are marriage and family therapists?
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) are highly qualified mental health professionals trained in psychotherapy and family dynamics and relationships, and licensed to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders within the context of couples and families as well as individuals, groups and organizations. They focus on looking at relationships and the overall dynamics of everything surrounding an individual or family’s life.
LMFTs treat a wide range of serious emotional and mental health related issues, trauma, addiction, behavioral problems, as well as life-challenges, stressors and various relationship concerns. Additionally, LMFTs are particularly trained in work with children and play therapy. They are found largely in agency, clinic, government health, and also private practice settings like my services.
LMFTs offer a unique approach to problems by broadening the traditional emphasis on the individual to attend to the nature and role of individuals and their relationship. They incorporate a holistic perspective to health care and are concerned with the overall, long-term well-being of individuals and their families.
As a Psychotherapist educated and trained in Marriage and Family Therapy, my approach is an integration of strength-based and solution-focused techniques to best meet your unique needs and goals. In other words, I believe everyone naturally has their own strengths within themselves to find motivation for lasting change. I support you in getting there. This approach is quite different from traditional psychotherapy and psychology where emphasis is on the individual through psychoanalysis or testing and diagnosis.
LMFTs, focus on understanding the set of relationships in which the person is embedded, with concern for the overall, long-term, well-being of the individual, their significant relationships and families. This allows a more holistic perspective to healthcare and mental wellness. LMFTs are concerned with the overall, long-term well-being of individuals and their families. Studies show that clients are highly satisfied with services of LMFTs. Clients report marked improvement in family relationships, partner relationships, work productivity, co-worker relationships, emotional health, overall health, social life, and community involvement. In a recent study, consumers report that marriage and family therapists are the mental health professionals they would most likely recommend to friends. Over 98% of clients of marriage and family therapists report therapy services as good or excellent. To read more about LMFTs, visit www.aamft.org.
How can therapy benefit me and my life?
Therapy will seek to meet goals established by all persons involved, usually revolving around a specific presenting problem. Another possible benefit is a greater understanding of personal and relational goals and values, which wonderfully can lead to greater maturity and happiness as an individual and increased relational harmony.
Also therapy can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:
- Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals, values, and beliefs
- Developing skills for improving your interpersonal relationships
- Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
- Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
- Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
- Improving communications and listening skills
- Changing old behavioral patterns and developing more preferred ones
- Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage or relationship
- Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
- Finding a sense of direction and connecting with your life’s purpose
- Enhancing your personal and professional experiences
How can I schedule an appointment?
Appointments are available to new and existing clients by visiting my Work With Me page. For existing clients, access to the client portal is available 24/7 via the email link sent to you upon beginning services. New clients are always encouraged to call and here my voice at (954) 774-2500. My number one recommendation to start working with me, is to schedule a 20-Minute Clarity Call.
How long will I be in therapy?
Sessions are customized to what is ideal for you and your particular situation and session type (individual or with other members present). Most commonly, sessions are once a week until both myself and client(s) deem it appropriate to space sessions further apart or conclude therapy sessions.
Typically, professionals treat clients in 1-hour, weekly sessions, for what can be years. I have found it much more effective and solution focused to work with clients in longer, more in-depth sessions, but over a shorter period of time. I call these Power Sessions. A Power Session with me usually lasts from 2-3 hours a day, with the most committed session timelines lasting over the course of just a few weeks. My clients have found that these longer sessions yield bigger breakthroughs.
Therapy may be brief, long-term or somewhere in between. The length of time you will be in therapy depends on the severity and nature of the problem you are experiencing and how long it has been an issue. You will get out of therapy what you put into it. Therapy is often uncomfortable, awkward and demanding of your effort to see progress, but that is part of the process. Reaching your goals is a collaborative effort that takes place over time and your participation is crucial. Your effort in, as well as outside my office, will have a direct impact on your rate of progress, and ultimately how long you and I work together.
How often and how long are the sessions?
Therapy and coaching sessions are typically scheduled on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, depending on the needs and goals of each client. A Power Session with me usually lasts from 2-3 hours a day, with the most committed session timelines lasting over the course of just a few weeks. My clients have found that these longer sessions yield bigger breakthroughs.
WHAT IS FAMILY THERAPY?
Family Therapy is a highly successful therapy and counseling technique and specialty that helps multitudes of people overcome problems and drastically improve their lives. It is a type of psychological counseling and psychotherapy to help family members improve communication and resolve conflicts.
Important: Family therapy can be done with couples or families as well as individuals… with one, some, or all members present. Family Therapy is especially effective for this reason.
Family therapy is unique because it considers the issues, needs, and emotions of everyone involved. It is a positive, supportive experience that changes lives for the better.
Do you offer online therapy, online counseling, or e-therapy services?
Absolutely. Please see my Online Services page for more information.
Do you offer concierge therapy services, in home?
Absolutely. I am located in the South Florida area, so Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Palm Beach concierge services to your home or other confidential location are readily available, and can usually be scheduled within 1-2 weeks.
Out of area requests are reviewed on an individual basis.
See my Concierge Services page for more information.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes. Our work together and all communications will be kept strictly confidential and will not be revealed to any other person or agency without your written permission. However, there are some exceptions:
- Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse. I am required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
- Threat of serious bodily harm to another person. I am required to notify appropriate law enforcement and/or medical agencies.
- Threat of harming yourself. I am required to notify appropriate law enforcement and/or medical agencies in order to ensure your safety. I will always take great effort with you and loved ones to walk you through this process as well informed and comfortably as possible… so this step is always approached jointly.
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I hope this FAQ will be a continuously growing resource for your questions. If yours is not here, let me know. I’ll either answer directly as quickly as I can, or if it’s a super helpful question to all, I’ll happily add it here.