Q1: What is Imago Relationship Therapy, and how does marital/couples counseling work?
Answer: I strongly believe that in order for relationships to change, couples need to learn how to take a different approach towards improving their relationship. They need to learn how to communicate through understanding and empathy instead of through their defenses. For this to happen couples need to learn new skills that will help them build a loving, safe and intimate relationship.
The approach I use to couples therapy is called Imago Relationship Therapy, and was co-created by Harville Hendrix, PhD, and Helen Lakelly-Hunt, PhD. Imago (ih-MAH-go) focuses on individual growth within the committed relationship. "Imago is not just a theory of wishful thinking," says Harville Hendrix. "It is a tried and true way to create the passionate friendship you've always wanted."
Many clients find that Imago Relationship Therapy is useful in dealing with painful relationship issues, including lack of communication, problems and conflicts related to sexuality, parenting issues, infidelity and anger management issues.
My experience has been that couples report a positive change in their way of relating towards one another after the first few sessions. Through exploring the repetitive issues and conflicts within the safe structure of Imago Relationship Therapy, couples finally begin to let go of hurtful ways of responding to one another (blaming, criticism, verbal abuse, etc.), take responsibility for their own feelings and start listening to each other, often for the first time in a very long while or. Hope, trust and empathy begin to be restored and strengthened.
My experience as an Imago Relationship Therapist gives me the confidence to say that couples who are committed to saving their relationship will learn the skills they need to create a healthy, supportive and intimate relationship, one which embodies healthy ways of dealing with conflict and builds on a couple's unique strengths.
Q2: How does psychotherapy work?
Answer: Being able to talk about painful and distressful issues in a non-judgmental setting is essential to the counseling process. Through a comprehensive interview and assessment, conflicts, issues, and concerns are identified, and options/goals for therapy are established. The therapeutic relationship is based on confidentiality, safety and respect.
Q3: How do I make an appointment?
Answer: Please contact me by phone (954) 794-6442 or e-mail me at acaringcounselor@yahoo.com for an initial consultation. My response time for call backs is usually within the same day.
Q4: When are appointments available?
Answer: Appointments are available during weekdays and evenings on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, from 10:30am to 8:00pm, daytime hours on Mondays and Thursdays from 10:30 to 2:00pm and Saturdays from 10:30am to 2:00pm.
Q5: What is the cost of psychotherapy?
Answer: Fees vary, and are based on the type of services provided. Payment is due upon receipt of service.
Q6:Do you accept insurance?
Answer: I am an in network provider for Beechstreet, Florida Health Administrators and Private Health Care Systems only. Out- of -network health benefits may reimburse for services provided if you have a PPO health insurance plan. In-network insurance (with the exception of the ones listed above) is NOT accepted as I am not a panel provider for HMO health care companies. Additionally, some insurance companies do not provide coverage for Couples/Marital counseling. Please contact your health care company to check if treatment services are reimburseable. Insurance reimbursement is the responsibility of the client.
