Counseling

 I am a licensed therapist providing effective and compassionate counseling and therapy services for adult individuals and couples. I am experienced at helping people with a broad range of issues.

 Anxiety and Panic Attacks

 Are you experiencing excessive worrying, sleep problems, fatigue, restlessness, or irritability? Muscle tension, heart palpitations, or episodes of panic? Anxiety issues are extremely common – and very treatable. Anxiety has been my primary specialty throughout my career. You can easily learn to better manage your stress and move past your anxiety – it doesn’t have to hold you back any longer.

 Couples Counseling

Your primary relationship can be a source of strength and support – or frustration and hurt. There is nothing more painful than not being understood by the person you are closest to. I can guide you to getting your relationship back on track. I can help you to use communication tools that will make it easier to calmly and productively discuss feelings and conflict areas, without triggering defensiveness and negativity. The result will be greater closeness and connection, and a more satisfying relationship.

 I have studied under two Imago-certified supervisors, and have trained and supervised other therapists on how to do effective couples counseling.

 Pre-Marital Counseling

 It’s one of the biggest decisions you will ever make in your life. You’re in love and things are wonderful. But are you compatible for the long haul, prepared to face life’s inevitable challenges side by side, as a team? Are there important subjects that you have avoided discussing with each other? I can help you to explore those in a constructive, positive way. It may be the best investment you make.

Adult ADD/ ADHD Evaluation

 We used to think that children with attention deficit problems simply grew out of it, because adults were not displaying the obvious signs of hyperactivity. But we now know that those problems stay with us throughout adulthood.

Some of the signs are:

  •  distractibility and problems staying focused at work
  • trouble staying organized and following through on tasks
  • irritability or moodiness
  • inconsistent performance despite great effort
  • self-medicating with alcohol, drugs, or risky, impulsive behaviors

 A professional evaluation can determine whether the problems you’re experiencing are due to attention deficit problems. If so, I will work with you and your physician to help you to get the treatment you need.

General Info

Please understand that my practice is not equipped to provide emergency response or crisis care. If you are feeling actively suicidal, please call 911 or Holly Hill’s Respond Line, 919/250-7000.

 I am an in-network provider for most insurance plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, United, Cigna, and Aetna.

 If you do not have insurance coverage for mental health services, check with your employer to see if they offer an EAP (employee assistance program). EAP’s generally cover several sessions of counseling at no charge. Even if you do not have any insurance coverage through your employer, you would still be covered by the EAP. You also may be covered by the EAP of any household member

 If you do not have health insurance or choose not to use it, feel free to contact me to inquire about fees for service

 It’s important to know that your insurance company probably covers mental health differently than it does medical. For instance, even though you may not need an authorization for a physicians visit, you may still need one for mental health.

Also, your copay is probably different from both your PCP and specialist copays.

 Before coming to your appointment, please contact your insurance company to find out:

  •  whether you need an authorization – if so, they will give it to you over the phone
  •  what your copay is
  •  whether you have to pay towards a deductible. This is especially important in the first part of the year.

 When you come for your first visit, please walk into the waiting room and complete the paperwork you will find waiting for you there. Please come 15 minutes before your appointment time to do this. The only things you will need to bring are your insurance card and an authorization number, if you have one.

Contact me to discuss how professional counseling can help you to achieve your goals.