Therapy Sessions

Couples Therapy

Couples may be arguing, bickering, and constantly triggering each other, or they may be disconnected, feeling alone, and barely speaking. The common thread in couples seeking counseling is that their relationship is no longer a safe, loving, or enjoyable space.

I help couples restore the strength and vitality their relationship once had, and show them how to create a conscious partnership focused on valuing one other’s experience. I deepen the emotional connection, restore intimacy, and show couples how to become responsive to their partners’ needs and wants.
Areas of focus

  • Communication
  • Anger
  • Religion, Interfaith
  • Infidelity
  • Lack of intimacy or trust
  • Sexual concerns
  • Difficulty transitioning to marriage or to parenthood
  • Pre-marital
  • Bereavement
  • Fertility Concerns

Parental Therapy

Family Therapy recognizes that no one is to blame. We explore the family’s strengths and resilience as a resource, with which we model and develop new interactions. This aids in dislodging the family from its currently stuck position. Family therapy serves as a forum to address the unique challenges and concerns of your family.
Family Counseling Topics

  • Finances
  • Transitioning to being parents
  • Changes in Family Structure
  • Grief, Loss and Chronic Illness
  • Divorce, Separation, Blended Families
  • Aging Parents
  • Boundaries
  • Hostility
  • Communication

Individual therapy

Individual therapy is an exploration of experiences and patterns of behavior, feelings or thoughts that have been the source of concern and distress. While it is often challenging to journey on these paths, when done in a familiar and safe therapeutic relationship, it can result in closer, more fulfilling relationships, a greater sense of emotional well-being and increased self-esteem.

I practice with a relational lens which means I see most struggles have to do with a relationship with a spouse, family member, friend, or an unhealthy relationship with yourself. Sometimes when there are problems in a relationship, our partners are unable or unwilling to attend counseling sessions. It is possible to navigate relational issues in individual therapy.
Areas of Focus

  • Relationship Challenges
  • Self-Esteem
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Bereavement
  • Chronic Illness
  • Anger
  • Grief and Loss
  • Traumatic Experiences
  • Perinatal Issues
  • LGBTQ

Perinatal Counseling

Perinatal Counseling focuses on the highs and lows of the childbearing years. This a is a huge transition and we all need support when the challenges seem to be insurmountable. In session we look to further nurture yourself and the family you may wish to create. We understand with this transition comes an endless source of joy and challenges, for many. Some find it hard to live up to all of the joy and excitement they are supposed to be feeling. Many parents find themselves living under a shadowy veil, hiding their true emotions. We will begin to nurture a freedom of expression and honesty, so you can slowly and consciously feel balance again.
Perinatal Counseling topics

  • Fertility Concerns
  • Postpartum Depression
  • Trauma and Pregnancy
  • Sleep Deprivation
  • Lactation Issues

Information you need to know about our sessions

I do not currently accept insurance, However, you can submit a request to your provider for out-of-network reimbursement for services. Often, you can simplify this by submitting request for several sessions at once or send your request after each session. There are advantages to choosing to private pay for counseling and I would love to discuss these with you. You can look at the Common Questions tab for a brief overview.

I offer a sliding scale for clients for each 50-minute session. I ask you to review the pricing scale and pay what is appropriate for you. All payments are due at the beginning of your session. I review my pricing twice a year and will promptly let you know if I change my fee structure

  • $35,OOO – and below
    $50 per session
  • $35,001 – $50,000
    $70 per session
  • $50,001 – $75,000
    $90 per session
  • $75,001 – $100,000
    $100 per session
  • $100,001 – and over
    $110 per session

Common Therapy Questions

Q. You are a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, does that mean you only see married people?
Marriage and Family Therapists are trained to treat individuals, couples and/or families. This includes children and adolescents. It also includes couples who are not married. I find the most joy working with couples that want to improve their relationship, parents who want to find more balance in their parenting and individuals who want to find peace by looking at things in a healthier way.

Q. Should I use my insurance or should I pay out of pocket?
If you use your insurance the therapist has to abide by the insurance regulations. In practical terms this means more paperwork, less privacy/confidentiality and a diagnosis. There will be more paperwork for you to fill out as insurances require me to have a certain amount of information on file. In addition, insurance only provides payment for those that have a medical/ behavioral health diagnosis. This means that you will have a mental health diagnosis (e.g. Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, etc) if you are using your insurance for therapy. Insurance companies can request your records (including notes) and therapists have to comply with the request.

Sometimes clients do not have any mental health issues but find it helpful to discuss life issues with a therapist. An example of this is therapy for personal growth. In these cases an insurance company would deny services; therefore, we recommend that you pay privately. Insurance companies also do not cover couples therapy.

Q. How long will therapy last?
A number of factors determine the length of treatment including the reason you are seeking therapy, your goals, your history and personality, and life events. So, it is quite difficult to give a specific number. We strive to constantly communicate with our clients regarding progress. This is to ensure that treatment continues for only the absolute necessary amount of time. I have worked with clients for 3 sessions and we parted both feeling like goals were accomplished and therapy was successful. It is also possible you develop a long-term relationship with your therapist.

Q. How do I know a therapist is the right one for me?
In the first session you will be able to know if you like the therapist. Did you feel listened to? Did you feel this person was polite, friendly, professional? I believe it is important that you “click” with your therapist. Also, it is important that you feel comfortable being open, genuine and honest with the therapist. I will offer you kindness, humor, honestly, and my exclusive attention.

Q. How do I know therapy is working?
You and the therapist should agree on the goal of therapy, usually that means discussing the issue that brought you to therapy in the first place. I believe therapy is a joint effort, so evaluating progress should be done together. Therapy is working when both therapist and client are able to verbalize the differences from the first day of treatment and when there is movement towards solving the issue that brought you to therapy. I frequently check with my clients to make sure we are moving in the right direction.

WE ARE READY FOR A FREE MEETING

The best way to get something done is to begin. Let’s start with a free 30 minute phone consultation where we can see if I am a good fit for your needs.
The most important part of therapy is a trusting and collaborative relationship with the therapist and the client. During this phone call I will find out a bit about you and you can ask me questions.

Ampersand Counseling
6518 Walker St #209 St Louis Park, MN 55426
(612) 759-5533
Call us if you have a question