Services
There are several different types of therapy offered. These approaches vary based on provider, so be sure to talk with your provider about which services you are interested in.
Individual Counseling
Individual counseling is when a single person is identified as the client. Sessions typically occur one on one with the provider to reach specific goals. The counseling techniques used in these sessions vary on the providers theoretical perspective and trainings, and the goals set by the patient. At times family members may be involved in order to help facilitate the goals of the individual.
Couples Counseling
In this form of counseling the identified client is the relationship instead of one of the partners. The majority of sessions will be conducted with both partners present, but the provider may ask for an individual session with each person as well. This is with the intent to be able to explore deeper each person’s concerns in the relationship. Alicia predominantly uses the Gottman Method with couples due to the large quantity of research regarding these techniques.
Family Counseling
Similar to couples counseling, family counseling identifies the family as a whole as the primary focus. This method often involves working with all
members of the family together, and at times with subsets inside the family. For instance, a mother and child working on how to communicate more effectively in some sessions, and other sessions may include a couple learning to enforce discipline effectively together
Play Therapy
Play therapy is a specific modality of therapy typically used with, although not always limited to, children. Because children learn through play, therapy is much more effective when a child is speaking “their own language.” Although some techniques are more directive (discussing coping
skills, emotions, and self regulation) most of play therapy is non-directive. This means having limited rules and expectations and allowing the child to
express themselves in a safe environment. Many providers will use a combination of directive and non-directive approaches throughout treatment. To parents this can look like “just playing,” but it is important to remember that children communicate the most through play especially at ages up to 12.
Coaching
Coaching is similar to counseling in that it is a process to help an individual accomplish personal or professional growth. It differs from counseling or therapy in that those seeking out counseling have an identified problem or diagnosis they are working to improve. In coaching a person is typically doing well, and looking to advance themselves further with their goals and ambitions. Unfortunately, health insurance only reimburses for sessions when there is medical necessity. If medical necessity is identified, then your provider will likely recommend counseling, but if not, you will likely be offered coaching. These sessions will have to be paid for out-of-pocket. Talk with your provider about the cost for these sessions.
$80 per session
Yoga
Yoga simply put is – the study of the mind. When we think of it this way, it makes sense how the practice of yoga and mental health go hand in hand. For many of us, when we think of yoga, we think of the physical practice of yoga – the postures or the asanas. This is one of the eight limbs of yoga. Alicia teaches Basics Yoga, meaning you do not need any prior yoga experience to attend these classes. Although these classes are mostly focused on practicing Hatha Yoga (the physical movement in yoga) Alicia also incorporates some of the other eight limbs of yoga through mindfulness, breath work, meditation, and sharing about how to apply yoga off the mat and into daily life.
The combination of these factors have started being studied much more intensely in the West over the past decade or so. Researchers are finding again and again that yoga positively impacts health: increased heart rate variability, interoception, self-regulation, and is an established treatment for a variety of diagnoses. We know that our physical health and our mental health are inseparable and actively influence the other. Yoga is a great place to learn to be in your body and aware of your thoughts while practicing compassion towards yourself.
Alicia was inspired by the following quote to pursue yoga teacher training, and offer weekly classes. “One of the clearest lessons from contemporary neuroscience is that our sense of ourselves is anchored in a vital connection with our bodies. We do not truly know ourselves unless we can feel and interpret our physical sensations; we need to register and act on these sensations to navigate safely through life.” – Bessel van der Kolk, M.D.
$10/class, or 6 classes for $50
Insurance Info
Many insurance companies offer coverage for most forms of counseling. You will need to check with your specific insurance plan to know the benefits and if the provider you are working with is in-network. It is important to note that each plan varies, and coverage cannot be guaranteed until you have checked with your specific plan.
Alicia has in-network contracts with:
- Aetna
- All Savers
- Ambetter
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Cigna/Evernorth
- Magellan
- Multiplan
- United Behavioral Health/Optum