1) What kinds of psychotherapy and counseling services do you provide, and to whom?
2) How do I know if I need psychotherapy?
3) How do I know which type of healthcare professional to see?
4) What happens during the first session?
5) Are sessions confidential?
6) How long does psychotherapy take?
7) How much does psychotherapy cost? Do you accept insurance?
8) Even after reading your website, I still have lots of questions. What do you recommend?
1) What kinds of psychotherapy and counseling services do you provide, and to whom?
I offer individual, couple, and group sessions to those aged twelve and older. In addition, I offer family sessions in which all ages are encouraged to attend. My approach is psychodynamic, and I draw from a variety of theories in order to approach the array of issues that arise through a course of treatment.
2) How do I know if I need psychotherapy?
Please feel free to contact me via email at erin@egtherapy.com or by telephone at 646.580.7025 to discuss this question in detail. However, a short list of reasons to seek psychotherapy may include: I have or a family member has feelings, moods or behaviors that I do not like or understand, or that seem out of control.I have relationship difficulties that I can’t seem to resolve. I am sad, or anxious, or unable to concentrate. I feel stuck, out of options or am lacking hope. I am having trouble getting out of bed in the morning. I suspect that I have or a family member has an addiction. I am having or a family member is having trouble with a major life transition, such as graduation from school, becoming a parent, accepting a loved one's death, or dealing with a divorce. I am angry at myself and my loved ones very often. I am unmotivated, lethargic or routinely exhausted. My friends and family have distanced themselves from me and I don't know why.
3) How do I know which type of healthcare professional to see?
There are several types of professionals who offer psychotherapeutic services, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, marriage and family therapists and professional counselors. These distinctions are based on education, and a person offering psychotherapeutic services within any of these fields is required to achieve a particular degree and to attain and maintain a certain level of licensure. While it may be tempting to choose a practitioner based on educational background, these distinctions only provide insight into the type of education received. Instead, I encourage you to read either Shrink to Fit: Answers to Your Questions about Therapy by Dale Masi and Robin Masi, or Therapy Demystified: An Insider’s Guide to Getting the Right Help, Without Going Broke by Kate Scharff. These books offer detailed information on choosing and evaluating a psychotherapist. If you know that you need help faster than you can read either of these books, I recommend that you evaluate a psychotherapist based on the following: confirm the practitioner’s licensure which can be done via the internet in most states; ask questions about the practitioner’s background and experience as a psychotherapist; and assess your level of comfort with the way you were treated by that practitioner.
4) What happens during the first session?
In a first session, many things occur. I will want to hear about the reasons you are seeking psychotherapy, and I will ask questions about various aspects of your life, both past and present. We’ll explore either verbally or via paperwork the nuts and bolts of psychotherapy, such as confidentiality, cancellation policies and payment. If you have any specific questions, we certainly will explore these.
5) Are sessions confidential?
All services are confidential by law with a few exceptions. The most common exceptions to confidentiality occur if you say that you are going to hurt yourself or someone else, or if you reveal any past incidences of childhood physical or sexual abuse. In such cases, I am obligated to contact the appropriate authorities. There are a few other exceptions to confidentiality that occur less frequently, so please feel free to ask me about these situations if this is a concern for you.
6) How long does psychotherapy take?
There is no set time length for a course of psychotherapy. Certain people choose to attend a few sessions, and to end treatment when some benefit has been realized. Others choose to continue with psychotherapy for longer periods of time, working on many aspects of their lives. After ending treatment, some individuals return for additional sessions as needed at different points throughout life. While any of these approaches are very valid, a greater number of sessions usually is required to achieve long lasting changes on deeper levels.
7) How much does psychotherapy cost? Do you accept insurance?
My fee varies depending upon the services requested, so please contact me to discuss cost in detail. As a guideline, my usual fee for a 45 minute psychotherapy session is between $175 to $225, though I do reserve a few spaces in my practice for those needing lower fees due to certain circumstances. I currently do not have availability to see anyone looking to access in-network insurance benefits. However, I can help you access most of out-of-network benefits if desired, though reimbursement is based on medical necessity.
8) Even after reading your website, I still have lots of questions. What do you recommend?
Please feel free to contact me with your questions. Alternately, I recommend two books about psychotherapy, either Shrink to Fit: Answers to Your Questions about Therapy by Dale Masi and Robin Masi, or Therapy Demystified: An Insider’s Guide to Getting the Right Help, Without Going Broke by Kate Scharff.
Erin Gilbert