Relationships/Couples
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FAQs
Will insurance cover this?
The brief answer is rarely. Why?
The key insurance reason: Insurance only covers therapy deemed to be "medically necessary." This requires one spouse to be diagnosed with a mental health disorder specifically related to the relationship problems. Often, couples are experiencing significant problems in the relationship that need therapy, but neither is disordered. In that case, insurance will not cover the services. Some compare it to surgery on your nose. If you have a deviated septum that hinders your breathing, insurance will cover corrective surgery. However, if you want to change the appearance of your nose, that will not be covered by insurance.
Will you mediate or choose sides?
I am not Judge Judy. I will not decide who is right and wrong. Instead, I hope to convince you to abandon a right vs. wrong approach to disagreements. I've learned, I can usually empathize with some parts of each person's perceptions and struggles.*
Consider this cartoon. Each are viewing the same object. Yet, from different angles, what they see is different. This is an oversimplified way to demonstrate that in relationships there is not one reality to an experience. I hope to help you learn to explore this with your partner.
How long should this take?
In grad school, I was told that you should recognize the impact of therapy on your relationship between 10-20 sessions. If you've gone beyond that and do not feel any change, consider a different therapy model or therapist to find a better fit. Research on EFT, which is a relatively new & effective therapy for couples, determined that 12-20 sessions was a typical time frame. Keep in mind that relationships are complicated. There's no one-size-fits-all equation.

PRIVATE FEES:
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Initial consultation: $250
90 minute session: $225
One hour session: $200
45 minute session: $175
* Of course, some problems, (e.g., matters of physical or psychological abuse, infidelity or addiction) have a clear delineation of responsibility for the partner engaging in those behaviors. I will not white wash these, nor remain neutral in these cases. However, even then, my therapist mind will be seeking to understand with the partner involved in those issues, what happened to you, that led to this happening in your relationship?
My Training & Experience
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Marital clinic at USB
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UB Research in domestic violence
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internship with Dr. Julian Libet at MUSC, specializing in couples therapy & research
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23 years of private practice working with couples and family relationships.