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I don't practice traditional mental health therapy or take insurance. The current model for mental health is based on the medical physical illness model of symptoms and pathology (the physical manifestation of a disease) which results in a diagnosis. Despite decades of searching, there has never been any pathology found for any of the so-called mental health disorders listed in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual) with which people are labeled and upon which insurance companies base their decision to reimburse. This "disorder" diagnosis becomes a permanent part of your medical record and can be misunderstood and misconstrued by those who are unfamiliar with your history. Insurance companies also impose restrictions on the number of visits and the type of therapy they will pay for.
 

I believe it is counter-productive to impose time limits, or to label personal difficulties or challenging behaviors as disorders, so I have chosen not to be a part of that medical model. A Masters Degree in Holistic Counseling prepares professionals to facilitate healing, growth and evolutionary change in individuals and groups. The education and training required to obtain an MA in Holistic Counseling is consistent with that necessary for licensure in the State of Rhode Island. Holistic Counselors may choose not to work within that system and are covered under the Unlicensed Health Care Practitioners section of the Rhode Island Health and Safety Act of 2002 and may not provide a medical diagnosis. Should you desire a diagnosis you may seek such services elsewhere at any time

One of the main reasons people give for not coming to counseling is cost. I do not take insurance for the reasons above, but I don't want that to be your reason to avoid getting help.  
 

My regular rate is $85 per hour for individual counseling, with a sliding scale for those with financial difficulties. I trust you to pay the full fee if you are able, but if you are experiencing hardship, please let me know without feeling self-conscious and we will work together to make sure you get the support you need. I accept cash, check, VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express, as well as most Health Savings Accounts. 

Children's Grief

I offer trainings and presentations to help anyone who works with children and adolescents recognize and address issues of grief and loss arising from the death or loss of a close family member or friend. Teachers, Guidance Counselors, and other professionals often have little or no training in how to deal with children recovering from a death or other major loss. Children respond to death and loss very differently than adults and their pain and distress often goes unrecognized.

Interpersonal Communication Skills for Physicians and other Healthcare Practitioners 

The relationship between a healthcare provider and their patient/client is the single most important contributing factor in treatment outcomes. Traditionally referred to as 'bedside manner' the skills required to create and maintain a relationship are not something everyone instinctively possesses, but everyone can learn and develop. I offer guidance in identifying problems with, and improving, interpersonal communications skills for all healthcare professionals in order to positively impact their practice.

 Please contact me for more information