Therapy for all relationships

 For a number of reasons. 

• I have to diagnose you. Insurance companies require that I diagnose you or your partner with depression, anxiety, etc. For some, being diagnosed is stigmatizing or impacts their career (pilots can't fly if they're depressed, etc). Insurance often doesn't cover couples/family therapy to work on things like communication. Specifically, they cover medical issues (anxiety, depression, etc) that can negatively impact couples and families. 
• It takes AGES to get paid. Some insurance companies take months to process claims from therapists and we have to pay for life in the meantime.
• Even then, they can take the money back. Yep, the insurance company can decide you aren't "sick" enough for weekly treatment and take back the money they paid me for our previous sessions.
• Reimbursements are low. Insurance reimbursements paid to therapists can be as low as $35. By the time we account for office rent, EHR software, admin time for notes, and other business expenses, therapists sometimes make as little as $20/hour.
• I dislike insurance companies. Need I say more?
• Curious to know more? I like your curiosity. Learn more from National Public Radio, Psychology Today, or the American Psychological Association. 

Of course I can't say "yes" without knowing you or your life's challenges. But I can say that simply being able to talk to someone who listens to what you say (and don't say) is a great first step to finding your way forward. 

My goal is to hear you say "Thanks, I/we've got it from here Lindsay." With just a few sessions, my clients often feel some relief knowing they've taken the first step to changing what's bothering them. As our work continues and we build trust, we might get into deeper issues. That's up to you. Many clients find that 12-20 sessions is enough for them to feel confident that with the new tools, increased self-understanding and insight gained in therapy, they can solve life's challenges on their own. That's my goal for you.  

We'll start by getting to know each other.  In your first therapy session, we will discuss your reasons for seeking therapy and your goals for treatment.  If you don't know what your goal is, that's Ok. We'll figure it out together. As we progress, I'll continue to get to know you, your life, and what challenges you're facing. I don't give a lot of advice. My guess is that you have people in your life who give advice and it's not helpful because they aren't experts in your life. I'm not either. You are the expert in your life. What I will do is ask you questions and challenge you. Sometimes that means helping you see things differently, making a decision, or trying something new.   

 If the same issues keep coming up, it's time to try something new.  In my work with couples, I find that it's not really about who does the dishes. We'll work together to identify the deeper issues so we can expose them to the light of day and decide how to go about solving those issues.   

The frequency of therapy sessions will depend on your individual needs and goals. Many clients attend therapy once a week, while others may attend less frequently. I will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan. 

Monogamy can be great. Nonmonogamy can be great. Polyamory (a type of nonmonogamy) can be great. The important part is that YOU get to choose what's right for you. My expertise in nonmonogamy comes from over 10 years of living nonmonogamously, facilitating local polyamory discussion groups, and a ridiculous amount of reading research articles on the scientific study of polyamory and nonmonogamy.   

Hell no! Your relationship style is your choice. I'm here to help you reach your relationship goals. Not anyone else's.