+ Why should I choose Arrow Therapy?

This is an excellent question! Why should you choose me as your therapist? Especially since there are plenty of other therapists around the Twin Cities. I believe, and research has shown, that the relationhsip between you and your therapist is what generates change. In other words, I believe that change happens through relationships. The relationship that you have with your therapist is a huge factor in how successful you are in therapy. If we both feel that we are not a good fit, that is no problem. I know plenty of other therapists in the area who specialize in a variety of things and I will help you find another therapist who will be a good fit.

+ How do I know if therapy is "really" necessary?

Therapy isn’t just for crisis. If you’re asking this question, that’s usually information. You don’t have to be on the brink of divorce. You don’t need a dramatic event to “qualify.” Sometimes therapy is simply the place you come when you’re tired of repeating the same patterns over and over with no real resolution... even if things look fine from the outside. If you’re walking on eggshells, feeling disconnected, stuck in the same arguments, overwhelmed by resentment, or just aware that something feels harder than it should… that’s enough. Therapy isn’t about proving something is broken. It’s about creating something even better!

+ What if my spouse won't come?

This is more common than you think. You can still do powerful work on your own. Individual therapy can help you understand your role in relational patterns, unpack family-of-origin dynamics, build self-worth, and learn how to respond differently instead of react automatically. Often, when one partner stops over-functioning, stops chasing, or stops absorbing all the emotional labor, the dynamic begins to rebalance. And even if your spouse never chooses therapy, you will still grow. You will still become clearer, steadier, and more grounded in yourself. That alone changes a lot.

+ Do I really need counseling? I can usually handle my problems.

I understand that seeking counseling can be really unpleasant and I totally get that you probably don't want to be here any longer than you have to. Most of my clients have never been to therapy and they initially tell me that they are not thrilled about being here (and I get that!), yet they feel that they would benefit from an unbiased 3 party perspective. Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need some extra support, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you're at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.

+ Do both partners have to want therapy for it to work?

It’s ideal when both people are motivated, but it’s not required for change to begin. Here’s the truth: when one person shifts, the system shifts. If one partner becomes more aware of their patterns, regulates differently, sets healthier boundaries, or stops over-functioning/under-functioning, it impacts the entire relationship dynamic. That doesn’t mean you can single-handedly fix a marriage. But meaningful change absolutely can start with one person doing deeper work. And sometimes, when one partner begins to show up differently, the other becomes more open over time.

+ I am not sure if this if for me. What is therapy/counseling like?

Every session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific goals. It is standard for therapists to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts around fifty minutes. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. I will never force you to do anything, however, there may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors. It is important to process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life between sessions. For therapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions. People seeking counseling are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in their lives. Here are some things you can expect out of therapy:

• Compassion, respect and understanding
• Perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and negative feelings
• Real strategies for enacting positive change
• Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance

+ Is medication a substitute for therapy?

In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. Working with your medical doctor you can determine what's best for you. It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness.

+ Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work?

To determine if you have mental health coverage, the first thing you should do is check with your insurance carrier. Check your coverage carefully and find the answers to the following questions:

• What are my mental health benefits?
• What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
• How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?
• How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
• Is approval required from my primary care physician?

At this time I choose to be a fee-for-service provider and do not accept insurance. The benefit of seeing a fee-for-service provider is that all of your information is kept confidential between you and your therapist. If you choose to use your insurance to pay for therapy your therapist will have to give you a mental health diagnosis and your insurance company may want a copy of your treatment plan and therapy notes. What many people don't realize is that having a mental health diagnosis may become permanent on your health record which could, to name a few, potentially affect future jobs and life insurance policies. While some may be okay with this, others may want to keep their health records private and confidential. By choosing to pay cash for therapy the work you do in therapy is kept confidential between you and your therapist. In other words, there will be no paper trail. Additionally, couples and family therapy may not be covered by your insurance at all.

+ Is therapy confidential?

In general, yes. The law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and psychotherapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client.

However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:

• Suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
• If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The therapist is required to notify the police.
• If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.

In general the law protects the relationship between a client and a psychotherapist, and information cannot be disclosed without written permission. However, therapists are considered mandated reporters and there are exceptions.

In the following situations your authorization is not required for me to release information:

• To report suspicion of abuse or neglect of children or vulnerable adults.
• To report prenatal exposure to cocaine, heroin, phencyclidine, methamphetamine, amphetamine or their derivatives, THC, and excess and habitual use of alcohol.
• To report the misconduct of mental health or health care professionals.
• To provide a spouse or parent of a deceased client access to their child or spouses' records.
• To provide parents of minor children access to their child's records. Minor clients can request, in writing, that particular information not be disclosed to parents. Such a request should be discussed with the therapist.
• If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s, the therapist must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
• If a client intends to harm himself or herself, I will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, I will take further measures without their permission that are provided to me by law in order to ensure their safety.
• The therapist may have to release records if subpoenaed by the courts.
• Therapists obligations to contracts (e.g. to employer of client, to an insurance carrier or health plan).