1.       How long does a counseling session last?

A normal counseling session lasts for 50 minutes.

2.       How frequently do we meet?

The frequency of counseling sessions varies according to the nature of the presenting problems and the needs of the client.  It is most common to meet weekly. 

3.    Is the counseling covered by insurance?

I am not registered with any insurance companies.  However, depending upon your plan, you may be reimbursed for a percentage of your counseling fees for a certain number of sessions.  If you will be getting reimbursed by your insurance company, I will provide you with receipts. Please call your insurance provider for details.  You will need to ask the following questions:

a.       Do they cover counseling with a LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist)?

b.      How many sessions and at what rate will they cover?

c.       What information do they require in order to reimburse you?  Please be as detailed as possible.

4.       What are the fees?

My full fee is $95 per session.  I offer a sliding fee scale depending upon your particular financial situation.  Persons being reimbursed by insurance are not eligible for a sliding fee scale.

5.       Do I have to commit to a minimum number of sessions?

No.  An initial consultation will give you an opportunity to decide if you would like to pursue counseling with me.  Once we enter into a counseling relationship, you are not committed to a certain number of sessions.  However, if you are considering terminating counseling, I only request that we process this together in counseling first.

6.       If I come with my spouse/fiancé/ family member can we also meet for separate individual sessions?

Yes.  We can work out the details together in a counseling session.

7.       How long have you been a marriage and family therapist?

I have been a marriage and family therapist since 1998.

8.   How long have you been married?

I have been married since 1999.

9.       Do you have children?

I have two sons.

10.   What is your ethnicity?

African-American, Caucasian, Native-American, Jewish –did I leave anyone out?  I probably share a common ancestry with just about everyone.  And I am in an interracial marriage so cross-cultural counseling is one of my specialties.

11.   Do you have a religious affiliation?

Christian.  And yes I do also offer Christian counseling if you are interested.

12.   Do you do therapy with children?

Only within the context of family therapy.  I do not specialize in individual child therapy.

13.   Do you speak other languages?

I speak Spanish.  I studied Spanish for about 10 years including intensive language study in Spain but I am a little out of practice since I moved to Seattle in 2005 and no longer reside in a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood.  I am most comfortable conducting counseling in English but if you feel more comfortable expressing yourself in Spanish you are free to do so in our sessions.

14.   Why did you become a marriage and family therapist?

I have always been grateful for the nurturing, wonderful childhood I experienced and painfully aware that many others were suffering greatly from deep wounds and past hurts.  I know from experience that a family life does not have to be perfect, or even ideal to provide the right environment for nurturing a human soul.  We do not need to strive for perfection, we just need to uncover our true identities and our hidden potential for loving ourselves and others.  It is easy for me to see the beauty in each person I meet and it is my desire to help them to be the person they were created to be. It is an honor and a privilege when a person bares her soul and allows me to be a part of the healing work being done within her.  It enriches my life.  My clients inspire me.  Seeing lives changed --seeing people set free to be all that they can be-- is my passion.   And even though at times marriage can seem like a curse instead of a blessing, I believe in it and the power it has to transform us if we let it.

15.   What if my spouse and I just aren’t compatible?

I do not believe in “incompatibility” because I believe that for the most part we are all difficult to get along with.  Conflict is a natural part of any relationship.  A successful marriage is the result of lots of hard work, introspection and personal growth.  As we develop mutual understanding, we learn how to love and be loved.