Counseling and Telehealth FAQ

What is Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples?  

EFT or Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples is a highly researched and empirically validated couple therapy approach. EFT has been shown to be effective with over 70% of the couples who seek it out. EFT combines experiential emotion focused work with family systems. Grounded in Attachment Theory, EFT produces change through corrective emotional experiences which unblock vulnerable hidden primary emotion in a safe, measured and progressive manner. Follow-up studies of couples who partake of EFT therapy demonstrate couple satisfaction at 3 years post therapy.

Does EFT work with individuals?  

Yes. EFT with individuals focuses on your relationship with yourself with the goal of raising awareness of your behaviors, perceptions and emotions that are causing you distress.  Individual EFT helps clients foster self compassion and emotional resilience towards painful emotions,and identify healthy boundaries with important others in your life.

How do I know if Emotionally Focused Therapy is a good fit?  

Research shows EFT effectiveness crosses all sexual, gender and cultural identities.  Contraindications for EFT are active substance abuse, interpersonal violence or active affairs.  I am happy to discuss this with you and refer to more appropriate services if needed.

How do I know if I want individual or couples counseling?  

If you are having relational distress with your partner and they are willing to seek couples counseling, I would recommend this route.  If you feel like you need more individual support, or there are contraindications for the couple’s work, individual counseling would be more appropriate.

How long does therapy last?  

Individuals and couples seek therapy on average for 6 months to a year.  Length of time is dependent on the level of distress the client(s) are currently experiencing, recent or developmental trauma and the client and therapist’s ability to maintain a consistent schedule of sessions.

What individual or relational issue(s) are NOT appropriate with Emotionally Focused Therapy? 

Interpersonal violence, active substance abuse, active affairs, severe mental health diagnoses. 

Will my insurance cover therapy?  

Most insurance companies cover individual therapy treatment but have different policies for couple/family therapy.  Please check with your insurance to confirm they cover couple/family therapy.  Questions when looking at your coverage:

  1. Do you cover couple/family therapy?
  2. What is my deductible?
  3. What is my co-pay/coinsurance?

I am contracted with Pacific Source and First Choice insurance companies and will submit claims on your behalf.  I am Out of Network (OON) with all other insurance companies.  As an OON provider, you will be responsible for session fees at time of service.  As a courtesy, I can submit claims to your insurance company, and you will be directly reimbursed by your insurance company per your OON reimbursement policy.

How does Telehealth therapy work?  

Sessions are held on the ‘Zoom” platform in the privacy of your own home or office.   I am happy to familiarize you with Zoom video conferencing and have found it to be easy to use once you understand the basic application setup.

How is Telehealth different from in-person Therapy? 

Similar to an in-person therapy session, client(s) will sign into the Zoom waiting room using my ‘Personal Zoom ID Number’ and will be admitted into our session at our scheduled time. Many clients report that they appreciate having a therapy session in the comfort of their own space and not having to travel to an office. I have been pleasantly surprised at how connected to me clients feel when using Telehealth and with the effectiveness of therapy using Zoom.  Important factors to having a successful Telehealth session are: Available wifi, a dependable computer and a quiet room with no distractions.  

For couples Telehealth, can we be in 2 separate places?  

Yes, although I would prefer you are together.  I do see couples who need to be in separate places and have still achieved good results.

Does my Insurance cover Telehealth?  

Currently during the Covid-19 pandemic, insurance companies are fully covering Telehealth therapy.  I am optimistic that most insurance companies will see Telehealth therapy as an effective treatment and permanently provide coverage for this in their plans.   Please check with your insurance company to confirm Telehealth coverage.

Is Telehealth Confidential? 

Yes. The Business Zoom platform is HIPPA protected.  All other case notes, treatment plans and client correspondence are handled with strict confidentiality that meet Oregon and Washington law for Marriage and Family Therapists and HIPPA requirements.

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