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 about a clinician with a Marriage and Family Therapy degree is they 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 provides understanding of individuals within the context of their lives, both past and present, and is a major benefit for providing IFS counseling.

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 offer coverage for mental health services because research shows therapy is effective. With that said, the quality of fit between the therapist and client is the number one indicator of success in therapy. Good rapport is essential. If a therapist isn't a good fit, it's important to look for a new provider.

WHAT IF I’M NOT SURE IFS THERAPY IS RIGHT FOR ME?

If you're exploring the possibility of beginning IFS 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'm required to keep information shared in session confidential, unless it falls under mandated reporting. As a therapist I'm a mandated reported, which means if I suspect past or present neglect or abuse of a child, dependent adult, or elder, I'm 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. Choosing to use insurance also requires sharing information, such as diagnosis, with insurance providers. Some clients choose to utilize private pay services to increase their privacy.