1. How many sessions will I need?
This varies widely. Some get what they need in one or two sessions while others develop a long term relationship with us that lasts several years.
2. What can I expect?
As a couple, Yshai would meet with both of you during the first session. The goals during this initial session would be to understand the perspective each of you have, get to know you individually and as a couple, and begin to identify patterns that keep you stuck along with a path forward to help you get out of it.
The first session for a family typically involves a meeting with you, the parent, first. The goal of this first session is to ensure that we, as adults, feel comfortable working together and to provide an opportunity to learn about your family, concerns, and goals you have for therapy.
3. What is your approach to working with couples?
My approach to couples work is based on a model called Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy. My assumption is that neither you nor your partner are to blame. Instead, the problem is more about the very negative and destructive pattern in your relationship. This pattern typically causes both partners to feel hurt, angry, isolated and alone. I help couples change this pattern into one that allows each partner to get more of their core needs met. That is, to feel valued, connected and secure in their relationship. I have found in my own marriage as well as in the couples I have worked with that the best communication skills don't work if we don't feel emotionally safe and connected to our partner.
3. When will you see my child?
At the end of our first session, we'll determine together, the best way to bring in your child or children. This could be in the form of an individual session or family session.
4. Do we have to be involved? What if I just want you to see my child?
This is something we could talk about in the first session however we don’t typically work with a child without parent involvement. The simple reason for this is that it just doesn’t work. Our number one priority is to help you and your child experience success that lasts and endures. Some therapists will work with a teen without any parent involvement. In our experience, that just doesn’t work for the teen or the parent in the long run.
5. What are your fees/do you take insurance?
Individual, family and couple rates are $95 per 55 minute session. We are in network with Aetna and Pacific Source insurance companies. Some companies will provide partial reimbursement for out of network providers like us. If you do not have Aetna or Pacific Source, check with your insurance carrier to find out what their out of network coverage is.
6. What if my child refuses or doesn’t want to come in?
This is typical. Most kids and especially teens are reluctant to come to counseling. The most common reasons for this stem from a fear of being judged or labeled as “a bad kid”, having yet another adult lecture them for an hour, and having to deal with difficult feelings they’ve been keeping in for a long time. In our initial appointment, we can talk about different approaches to encourage your child to come in. Most teens and kids leave their first session thinking “that wasn’t so bad”, but don’t expect them to admit it!
7. What’s unique or different about the way you work with kids and teens?
What we do that many therapists working with teens don’t is work with the whole family. In some circumstances we will work with a teen individually. In general however, parents and other family members are an essential aspect of creating positive change. Working in this way is more difficult and complicated and therefore requires a unique skill set and a lot of experience. We work in this way because we’ve found that outcomes or much better, quicker, and more sustainable. We also offer a group for teens between the ages of 15 and 18. This can be a wonderful complement to the family therapy.
8. What days are your openings?
Yshai is available on Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays.
Mariah is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays.