Connect2 Marriage Counseling

Call now for a free phone consultation!

650-847-0030

Here are some of the most common questions about counseling. I hope this helps you make a decision about starting with me.

0. What is Boutique Therapy?

I am limiting my practice to a handful of clients. You will be one of a few, not one of dozens. 

1. My partner doesn’t want to come in for couples counseling, but I do. What should I do?

Please reach out – I can help. I will ask if you want the counseling for the marriage or just for you; the therapy is a little bit different depending on your answer. I will tailor your counseling accordingly. You can feel better and improve your relationship. 

2. Do therapists tell me (or us) what to do?

I am here to help you understand and learn about yourselves and each other. I teach tools and skills that last a lifetime: you will outgrow me (of course you may come back for tune-ups whenever you want). I am here to help you sort out your thoughts and feelings so that you can make decisions in ways that will help you feel better. So no, I won’t tell you what to do but will support you as you explore your options, and help you discover options you had not considered before.

3. I’ve always handled everything myself. Why go to therapy?

The research shows that talk therapy can help many people. Some clients come because they have tried everything they can think of, and are still not happy. Other clients look to therapy because they are seeking deeper meaning in their lives or a greater sense of peace. Each person already has the inner resources; I help you bring them out. Plus the support and teaching of an unbiased third party – who cares about both of you and your happiness, can make the process easier.

4. Will I feel better after therapy?

Often a small course change can lead to feeling loved, connected, heard, and understood again. You will know yourselves better, and make better choices for your marriage as well as for yourself.

The clients that make a commitment to come to their appointments, have the will to stay the course, work on their relationship, and do the homework they agree to, will achieve results and feel better. It is true that there will be difficult times along the way. That’s a normal part of the process.

My job is to support you with compassion, teach skills and tools, and not take sides. I’ll ask for your feedback as to how the counseling is going. Together, we will discuss how therapy is progressing so that I can provide the best service to you.

 5. Do you have weekend and evening appointments available?

No.

6. What do you charge for therapy?

As a highly trained, seasoned Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist I will be direct here – if you want low-cost counseling, I am not your option. My rate is $310 for each 50-minute session. Couple’s sessions are 75 minutes or $465 per session. If you have questions about the fees, please feel free to contact me at 650-847-0030.

7. Do you take insurance for reimbursement?

I do not take medical insurance. If you choose to be reimbursed by your insurance, I will give you the necessary paperwork.

Please note that in order to use insurance, you must be given a mental disorder diagnosis which will now be listed on your medical records. Some clients do not care about this, and others do. You could be asked about this on a job application or life insurance application in the future.

If you do decide to use your insurance, I will provide a Super Bill for you to seek reimbursement from your insurance company. Each insurance company has different policies and percentages of reimbursement, so call your insurance company to ask what they will reimburse. The code I use for couples is 90847. For individuals the code is 90834.

I accept credit cards or HSA cards for therapy.

8. What happens in the first session?

At your appointment time, I will greet you and invite you into my confidential “online” office. I will invite both of you to share your story and listen as you explain why you are seeking help at this particular time. My goal is to help you feel loved, connected, seen, heard and understood in your relationship. I will find out from you what is not working and teach skills and tools to work together to make it better. Generally we’ll meet weekly, but your schedule for counseling will be worked out together.

9. Do you work with other issues besides relationships?

Relationships are my sweet spot, along with grief counseling. I see individuals and couples. My goal is simple: I want you to feel loved, connected, seen, and heard.

10. What is a Good Faith cost estimate?

Therapy is a set fee per session. If you email an appointment change or other short message, I do not charge for that. If you email a long, involved email, I do charge for reading/responding; always to both of you. There are no surprise costs.

11. What if I have more questions?

I am here to help. Please call 650-847-0030 if you have more questions.

12. How do I get started?

I’ve made the scheduling process easy. You can either contact me with a little bit of information about yourselves (including your phone number) at canderson.connect2@gmail.com and I’ll call or email you back, or you can call 650-847-0030 and we’ll talk briefly to see if we’re a good fit for each other.

I look forward to meeting you.

If not now, when?

You don’t have to go through this alone.

Seriously.

Let’s get started.

canderson.connect2@gmail.com

Call 650-847-0030

Contact me today.

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