Q&A With Jennifer – Get To Know Your Therapist
Q: Why did you become a Therapist?
A: I help people, it is extremely challenging and it is never, ever boring. It requires me to be 100% at work and I like that. It’s a privilege for me to be a part of bringing people together on a deeper level.
Q: Does being a Marriage Therapist help your own marriage?
A: I shared this question with my husband. He laughed. Truth is, he probably wishes that I did bring home more of my therapist self at times. A lasting, fulfilling relationship takes work and maybe it’s because I am a therapist that we know the importance of doing the work. My husband and I did our own premarital counseling and marriage therapy. I know what it’s like to be in the “client” seat and the personal relationship benefits of Counseling.
Q: What is your therapeutic approach?
A: My practice centers around the use of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). I use EFT because both my experience and studies prove that it is the best way to resolve relationship issues. It gets to the heart of the issue. I am also trained in EMDR which is an evidenced based way of working with trauma.
Q: Why do you not accept insurance?
A: I am not on any managed care provider panels because I am not 100% sure that I agree with their policies. Insurance panels require providers to provide a diagnosis, adhere to rigid timetables and confidentiality can be compromised. I believe in protecting my client’s safety and security in and out of the therapy office. However, I am an Out-Of-Network Provider. This means that if you have Out-Of-Network coverage, I am able to provide a receipt upon request that can be submitted to your insurance company for reimbursement.
Q: What are your fees?
A: My standard fee is $150 per 50 minute counseling session. I take pride in being at the top of my profession which means that I am consistently engaging in trainings and consultations to make sure that you get your money’s worth.
Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
A: Payment is accepted via cash, check, credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex).
Q: Do you take sides when working with Couples?
A: No. My job is not to take sides. My job is to make my office a safe, non-judgmental place to understand each partner’s experience in the relationship. From there, we work together to shift dynamics so that both partner’s needs are met. Here’s more Facts about Couples Therapy.
Q: How long will it take for us to see results?
A: You will see results pretty quickly in session. Most clients report experiencing change outside of session within 6 counseling sessions. It also depends on your personal commitment, ability to be open and the “depth” of issues requiring support.
Q: What do you specialize in?
A: Relationships. My practice centers around Couples Counseling and Individual Therapy. In both cases, my focus is on helping people build strong, healthy connections with the people that matter most.
Q: How do you pass your time when you’re not working with clients?
A: When I’m not working with clients, I am spending time with my family/friends or investing in the San Diego EFT Community. My husband of 10 years+ and I are pretty much always running after our very active little girl and going on new adventures. We go to the zoo weekly and have Sunday night dinners with our extended family. As the San Diego Center for Emotionally Focused Therapy Leadership Committee Chair, I work to foster a greater sense of community for EFT in San Diego.
Q: If you were not a therapist, what would you be doing?
A: If I were not a therapist, I’d probably be at home trying to make, wear and eat all the pretty things I see on Pinterest. Besides that, I would be active in the Red Cross again – providing counseling to persons in domestic and international disaster areas.
Click here to learn more about Jennifer, her counseling information or to schedule your appointment.