ELIZABETH DROPPERS PLLC
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Specializing in Individual Counseling from an Internal Family Systems perspective
Grand Rapids, MI
ABOUT ME
Elizabeth Droppers MSMFT, LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of Michigan. She specializes in doing individual therapy with clients from an Internal Family Systems perspective. She earned a Masters of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fuller Graduate School of Psychology in Pasadena, CA, and is a Certified Internal Family Systems Practitioner.
Sometimes intense emotions take over. We feel overwhelming anxiety, or the deep ache of not being good enough, or maybe we get angry and blame others for our problems. Whatever that intense thought or feeling is, Internal Family Systems Therapy can help you build new ways of relating to that part of you. IFS helps clients cultivate a little more space inside and increases a sense of choice over reactions and behaviors. IFS is a particularly good fit for people who experience anxiety or depression, have a trauma history, feel overwhelmed by emotion, bothered by relational patterns, or stressed by recent life changes.
SERVICES
INDIVIDUAL THERAPY
TELEHEALTH
RATES AND INSURANCE
At Elizabeth Droppers PLLC, I accept Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance, and private pay clients. I can also bill some insurances as an out of network provider.
Rate: $170 per session (Reimbursement rates vary depending on insurance and often range from $130-$170.)
Check your mental health coverage by calling your insurance company and asking:
1) What is my mental health deductible and has it been met?
2) How many mental health therapy sessions does my plan cover per year?
3) What is my copay per session?
Payment
Payment will be collected prior to beginning the therapy session. Cash, check, or all major credit cards are accepted.
Cancellation Policy
You may cancel your scheduled therapy appointment without incurring a fee as long as the cancellation is received 24 hours prior to the appointment time you reserved. If the cancellation occurs within 24 hours of the session or there is a no show, you will be charged the full session fee, which your insurance will not cover.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT CREDENTIALS DO YOU HAVE?
MSMFT – Masters of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
LMFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of Michigan
Certified IFS Clinician – I underwent extensive training, individual and group supervision, and demonstrated competency in the model in order to become certified. I also do ongoing continuing education to keep my certification. You can learn more about IFS at ifs-institute.com
BUT YOU'RE A MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST. WHY WOULD I SEE YOU FOR INDIVIDUAL THERAPY?
A common misperception is that a clinician with a Marriage and Family Therapy degree only works with couples and families. Humans are inherently relational. All of us have relationships (with family, friends and/or partners) and are impacted by those relationships. MFT training allows me to see individuals within the context of their lives, both past and present, and is a major benefit to providing IFS counseling. At the end of the day, how we relate to ourselves is the most important and influential relationship of all.
WHAT IS THERAPY LIKE?
In therapy, you get to have the one-on-one attention of a trained professional who will come alongside you to help you pursue your goals for healing and growth. Therapy sessions typically last 50-55 minutes. During these sessions, you get to discuss whatever feels most important, and your therapist’s specialized training will help you process emotions and thoughts in new ways. Most clients attend counseling on a weekly basis. Some clients attend counseling for a brief period to target specific goals, and other clients attend counseling for longer period to focus on enduring issues.
DOES THERAPY REALLY HELP PEOPLE?
Insurances provide coverage for mental health services because research has proven that therapy is effective. With that said, the most important part of the counseling process is the relationship between the therapist and client. Good rapport is essential for effective therapy. If a therapist isn't a good fit, it's important to look for a new provider.
WHAT IF I’M NOT SURE THERAPY IS RIGHT FOR ME?
If you're exploring the possibility of beginning therapy, you’re welcome to set up an initial session for consultation and assessment. The first step is the hardest, and I can appreciate your need to test the waters before jumping in.
WHY DO PEOPLE GO TO THERAPY?
Many clients attend counseling because they find value in discussing ongoing struggles with a trained professional who is removed from their daily lives. Clients attend counseling to work on anxiety and depression, improve relationships, learn new healthy coping skills, manage stressors, process transitions, and sort through a myriad of other life experiences.
DO THE THINGS WE TALK ABOUT IN THERAPY REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL?
Trust is essential to the therapy process, and as a mental health provider, I am required to keep information shared in session confidential, unless it falls under mandated reporting. As a therapist I am a mandated reported, and this means if I suspect past or present neglect or abuse of a child, dependent adult, or elder, I am legally required to relay this information to Child Protective Services, or the police. I must also intervene if I suspect clients are at risk of hurting themselves, or others.
DO YOU OFFER SLIDING SCALE RATES?
I am able to offer limited scholarship slots to out of pocket clients. Please inquire if one is available.