Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy
Common questions about therapy services, fees, the therapeutic process, and what to expect at Living Well Therapy in Mendham, New Jersey.
If you have a question that is not answered here, please reach out. I am happy to discuss your specific situation during a free 15-minute consultation.
Getting Started With Therapy
Consider therapy if you are experiencing persistent sadness, anxiety, or overwhelm that interferes with daily life, struggling with trauma, grief, betrayal, or major life transitions, experiencing relationship difficulties or repeating unhealthy patterns, dealing with addiction or compulsive behaviors, or wanting to improve emotional regulation and self-understanding. You do not need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Many people seek therapy for personal growth and prevention.
You can schedule by calling 973-769-4334 or emailing info@livingwellnj.com. I offer a free 15-minute consultation first, where we can discuss your concerns, answer questions, and determine if we are a good fit. If we decide to move forward, we will schedule your first session. You will receive paperwork via email and the SimplePractice client portal before your first appointment.
The first session focuses on understanding your history and what brought you to therapy. We will review your presenting concerns, discuss your goals, and begin building a therapeutic relationship. I will also explain how I work and answer any questions you have about the process. The first session is collaborative and designed to help you feel comfortable.
You will receive paperwork via email before your first session. Please complete this in advance if possible. Otherwise, just come ready to talk about what brought you to therapy. There is no need to have everything figured out.
Feeling nervous is completely normal. Many clients feel uncertain or anxious before their first session. Therapy is a space where you can be honest about those feelings. I work to create a safe, nonjudgmental environment where you can share at your own pace. You are in control of what you discuss and when.
Fees, Insurance, and Payment
Individual therapy sessions are $150 for 50 minutes. Couples therapy sessions are $175 for 50 minutes. I also offer a limited number of sliding scale spots for clients with financial need.
I do not bill insurance directly. However, I provide superbills, which are detailed receipts that you can submit to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Many insurance plans provide some level of reimbursement for out-of-network mental health services. You can contact your insurance company to ask about your out-of-network benefits.
A superbill is a detailed receipt that includes all the information your insurance company needs to process a claim for out-of-network services. It includes diagnosis codes, session dates, fees paid, and provider information. You submit the superbill directly to your insurance company, and they reimburse you based on your out-of-network benefits. I provide superbills at the end of each month.
Yes, I offer a limited number of sliding scale spots for clients struggling financially. If you are interested in a sliding scale rate, please discuss this during your free consultation. Availability is limited and based on current capacity.
I accept cash, Zelle, PayPal, and check. Payment is due at the time of each session.
Session Details and Logistics
Therapy sessions are 50 minutes long.
Most clients meet weekly, especially in the beginning. As progress develops, we can adjust the frequency to every other week or monthly. The frequency depends on your needs, goals, and what is working best for your healing process.
Yes, I offer secure virtual sessions for all clients throughout New Jersey. Many clients prefer virtual sessions for convenience and privacy. You can choose between in-person and virtual, based on your preference and it can change week to week.
Please cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours in advance. If you cancel with less than 24 hours' notice or miss a session without notice, you will be responsible for the full session fee. This policy ensures that I can offer the time slot to another client who needs it.
My office is located at 5 Cold Hill Road South, Suite 18, Mendham, NJ 07945. The office is across from King's Shopping Center. There are multiple buildings at this address, so please allow extra time for your first visit to locate Suite 18. The office is wheelchair accessible with free parking available.
Confidentiality and Privacy
Yes, therapy is confidential. What you share in therapy stays in therapy. The only exceptions are situations involving risk of harm to yourself or others, suspected child or elder abuse, or when a court order requires disclosure. These exceptions exist to protect safety. I take confidentiality very seriously and will always discuss any safety concerns with you directly.
No, I do not share information with family members or partners without your written consent. For clients under 18, parents receive general updates about progress and themes but not specific session details, except in cases involving safety. If you want me to communicate with a family member or partner, we will discuss this, and you will sign a release of information form.
All client information is stored securely in HIPAA-compliant electronic health record systems. Session notes, paperwork, and communications are encrypted and password-protected. I follow all legal and ethical requirements to protect your privacy and maintain the security of your information.
About My Approach and Specializations
My approach is nervous-system-centered and trauma-informed. I combine Somatic Experiencing ® with parts work and attachment-based therapy. I focus on helping clients regulate their nervous systems, process trauma at a physiological level, and build real, lasting change. My style is direct, warm, and personal. I meet clients where they are and tailor my approach to their specific needs.
Somatic Experiencing ® (SE) is a body-centered approach to healing trauma. It works with the nervous system and focuses on body sensations rather than just talking about trauma. SE helps discharge trapped survival energy so your body can finally release the activation that has been stuck. I am a certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) and Assistant. Learn more on the Somatic Experiencing page.
No, I use an integrative approach. I combine Somatic Experiencing ® with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, parts work, attachment-based therapy, and skills-based tools. I tailor my approach to what each client needs rather than using one method for everyone. This flexibility allows me to address the whole person.
I specialize in complex PTSD and trauma therapy, Somatic Experiencing ® and nervous system regulation, counseling young men, sex addiction, pornography addiction, and alcohol use recovery, marriage counseling and couples therapy. You can learn more about each specialization on the respective service pages.
I am a Somatic Experiencing Assistant, which means I not only practice SE but also assisted in teaching other practitioners. This advanced expertise allows me to work with the nervous system in ways most therapists cannot. I integrate body-centered approaches with traditional therapy to address trauma where it is actually stored in the body.
Progress and Results
Therapy length varies depending on the person and the complexity of the issues. Some people experience relief in 5 to 10 sessions for specific issues. Others benefit from longer-term work over months for complex trauma and deep-rooted patterns. We check in regularly about progress and adjust as your needs evolve.
You will notice improvements in your symptoms, emotional regulation, relationships, and overall quality of life. Progress might include fewer panic attacks, better sleep, improved communication with loved ones, less reactivity, more clarity about your values, or feeling more present in your life. We track progress together and adjust our approach as needed.
If you feel therapy is not helping, please bring this up. We can discuss what is not working and adjust our approach. Sometimes a different focus, frequency, or method is needed. Honest feedback helps me tailor therapy to what you actually need. If we determine that a different therapist or approach would be more helpful, I can provide referrals.
Of course. You are free to stop therapy at any time. Therapy is voluntary. However, I encourage clients to discuss their decision to end therapy so we can process the work we have done together and create a plan for maintaining progress. Ending therapy thoughtfully helps consolidate the changes you have made.
Working With Specific Populations
Yes, I also work with young men navigating anxiety, depression, school stress, and questions surrounding purpose and life goals. My approach is grounded and practical—I meet clients where they are without judgment and help them build real-life skills that support lasting change.
Yes, I work with couples using an attachment-based and nervous-system-oriented approach. I help couples understand that most conflict is about nervous systems and attachment needs, not about who is right or wrong. I work with couples at all stages: dating, engaged, married, or separated. Learn more on the Couples Therapy page.
If your partner needs individual therapy while you are working with me, I can provide referrals to other qualified therapists. I do not provide individual therapy to both members of a couple simultaneously, as this creates a conflict of interest. If a family member needs therapy, I am happy to provide referrals to appropriate providers.
Still Have Questions?
If your question was not answered here, please reach out. I am happy to discuss your specific situation and answer any additional questions during a free 15-minute consultation.
Phone: 973-769-4334
Email: info@livingwellnj.com
Response time: 24-48 hours