“I can usually handle my own problems.” Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while your relationship may have successfully navigated through past difficulties, intervention can offer extra support when the status quo is no longer sustainable. Therapy offers long-lasting benefits and support, giving each party the tools needed to avoid old patterns from resurfacing

Several benefits are attainable when participating in psychotherapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for a multitude of issues. Therapists offer a fresh perspective helping guide parties toward solutions/resolutions. Some benefits available from therapy include:

• Attaining a better understanding of oneself
• Developing communication skills to improve relationships
• Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led one to therapy
• Enhancing communication and listening skills
• Changing unproductive behavior patterns and developing new, productive ones
• Discovering new ways to resolve conflict in relationships

Every therapy session is unique and caters individually to each relationship/family and their specific need. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts one hour (though occasionally a 2 hour block of time is scheduled). It is standard for therapists to discuss the primary issues and concerns of each party. Therapy is typically short-term, focusing on identified issues, learning better ways to deal with those issues, and acquire the skills to generate change. There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions (homework). It is important to process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life between sessions.

Marital Mediation is a way for couples to determine whether or not the relationship is viable. It may be that one party is leaning out (wanting the relationship to end) while the other party is leaning in (wanting to save the relationship). Through assisted communication and negotiation, the parties gain clarity, typically within 5 sessions.

• In marital mediation, the goal is not to solve their relationship issues. Rather the goal is to effectively communicate in order to discern whether each party’s needs and agendas can be met. This is facilitated by the marital mediator utilizing an equal, level playing field.

• The process involves individual sessions with each partner as well as couples sessions with the marital mediator, and the process is short term.

Bhakti does not take insurance at this time, however, she would be happy to supply you with a paid receipt that you can use to file for insurance reimbursement. Whether your insurance covers professional services depends upon your provider and plan.

In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communication between a client and psychotherapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client, however, there are some exceptions to this rule as required by law. Exceptions may include:

• In the case of suspected child abuse, dependent adult or elder abuse, the therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
• If a client verbalizes her/his plan to harm self or others, the therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety, however, if an individual does not cooperate, the therapist is required to notify the authorities.