FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is therapy?
A process of healing or change, grounded in a trusted relationship where clients can alter thoughts, patterns or behaviors. Therapy usually involves a mental health diagnosis using the DSMIV (Diagnostic and Statistical of Mental Disorders Manual, 4th edition)
How many sessions might I expect?
The number of sessions varies depending on the situation and/or the diagnosis. Together with the therapist, a client agrees to a treatment plan which may include a set time frame and specific goals for therapy. Significant change takes time, personal commitment, and a safe, trusted relationship with a therapist. Change is best integrated and sustained beyond therapy with initial intense, frequent contact with the therapist. After goals are being met or stress reduced, sessions decrease, and eventually end. In partnership with the therapist, the client determines the desired outcomes for therapy.
When might I feel better?
Emotional healing is different than physical healing. To predict improvement is difficult and depends on many factors, such as one’s commitment and openness to therapy, the process that unfolds in therapy, current personal circumstances, medication (if prescribed by a medical doctor) and personal support outside of therapy. The goal of therapy is to end, not to continue for a life time. Change is possible.
How is couples therapy different from individual therapy?
When working with a couple in relationship stress, the dynamics of therapy involve interaction that can bring a couple from distress to re-engagement. When two people are committed to working on their relationship, much can be accomplished. Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is Mary's primary framework in working with couples. The goals of EFT is understand and re-organize the emotional responses within a relationship and to create new cycles of interaction that bring two people towards each other rather than push each other away.What is the financial cost of therapy?
Each 50 minute session is $95.00, with a discount of $249.00 for three sessions, if scheduled in advance.
River Run Counseling is committed to making therapy or life coaching affordable for every one. If the cost is prohibitive, River Run Counseling offers a reduced fee for services based on yearly income. If one’s income surpasses the reduced fee option, “packages” are available. Scheduled in advance: Three sessions for $249.00; 10 sessions for $800.00. Payment plans are also available upon request.
Can I use my insurance?
At the present time, River Run Counseling, does not accept insurance reimbursement for services. Many policies do provide “out of network” coverage, which reimburses the client directly for the cost. The client submits a receipt for reimbursement directly. Fees incurred in therapy can also be deducted from personal health savings accounts or flexible spending accounts established through one’s employer.
How is life coaching different from therapy?
Life Coaching is primarily for individuals who are seeking change, accountability in the process and assistance in clarifying direction. For more information see www.thecoaches.com. Therapy is primarily for those with a specific diagnosis related to mental health. Techniques or interventions used in coaching are different from those used in therapy. Simply, coaching tends to focus forward in time, where therapy tends to focus on the past. This statement is helpful in understanding the context, however it is an oversimplification of the process of each.