Guiding Waves Counseling
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT ARE YOUR FEES?
Fees are dependent upon insurance and services provided. All co-pays are expected at the time of service. Most insurance co-pays range from $5-40. Clients may also have a co-insurance plan or deductible. Each company and plan is different. Be sure to contact your health insurance provider to learn what your plan covers.
Clients electing to pay out of pocket are charged on a sliding scale. Depending on services rendered, cost can range from $120 - $180 per session.
WHAT INSURANCES DO YOU TAKE?
I take most Commercial Insurance plans: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Tufts Commercial, Health New England, Harvard Pilgrim, United Health, Cigna, Aetna, Optum, Carelon, Mass General Brigham, Champ VA, Meritain Health, and Medicaid.
WHAT AGES DO YOU WORK WITH?
I work with a variety of ages. The youngest client i've seen is 5 and the oldest is 63, though I have extensive experience working with adolesence, teens, college students and young adults. I love working with goal oriented individuals.
DO YOU HAVE A SPECIALTY?
I do! I have extensive training in Trauma Focused cognitive behavior therapy or TF-CBT, I am also certified as a Clinical Anxiety Treatment Proffesional. I am well versed in a variety of therapeutic modalities which I will list below. I also enjoy running Group Therapy sessions. I also have 15 years of experience in public education and I am passionate about educating parents and families about advocacy for their childrens educational rights needs.
WHAT EVIDENCE BASED MODALITIES DO YOU USE?
I am trained in a variety of evidence based therapeutic models, such as: Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT), Solution Focised Brief Therapy (SFBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Various forms of Play Therapy and I have basic training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) though I am not Certified in it. Each client is unique. Therfore I believe my approach must be varied. I do not believe in a one size fits all model. My style is ecclectic.
ARE APPOINTMENTS DONE THROUGH VIDEO CHAT OR IN THE OFFICE?
I offer both! Clients may be seen in my office in West Springfield, MA OR online through Doxy.me, (A HIPPA compliant telehealth site.) During the winter months (mid January- mid March) I do a lot of traveling. Telehealth is common during these times. I recognize that this is not a comfortable format for everyone, and some clients prefer to be seen in person. My aim is always to establish a strong therapeutic rapport with my clients and utilize telehealth only as clients feel comfortable.
HAVE YOU EVER WORKED WITH TRANS CLIENTS?
Yes. Absolutely! I have received training and have experience working with LGBTQIA folks. Most of my work in this area has been done with teens and young adults.
WHAT IS A TYPICAL SESSION WITH YOU LIKE?
A typical session with me generally lasts about 50 minutes and consists of an initial check in on how your doing overall and then... you're in the drivers seat! Maybe you need to vent and process the stressors from your week, maybe you are in need of more structured guidance and want to work on building your toolbox of coping skills, maybe you need to unwind and de-stress with a lighthearted distracting game or art activity, maybe you need a good cry or to go for a walk and talk. Or maybe you just need a calm, quiet, safe space to sit relax, pet a puppy, meditate or even nap. My goal is to ensure that whatever you need in the moment is what you get.