Do you take insurance?
No. My philosophical and theoretical approaches to counseling disagree with the idea of diagnosis, a requirement for insurance, which can be harmful to clients. I also believe private pay therapy increases freedom for clients to direct their therapeutic experience and provides higher levels of confidentiality. For more information on this I encourage you to read two of my blogs which may explain my stance more: Benefits of Private Pay Therapy and To Diagnose or Not to Diagnose?.
Payment plans are available if needed. I am dedicated to working with you and adjusting session schedules and tailor therapy to meet your financial needs.
What are your fees?
Fee is $115 per session.
What is your availability?
Monday – Thursday Telehealth Only: 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm, 4pm, 5pm
Friday In-Person Only: 9am, 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm
Availability varies based on needs and number of clients. Some times may not be available as soon as others.
How long are sessions?
Sessions are about 45min-55min long.
What are sessions with you like?
The first session is VASTLY different than any of them after that. I’m gonna be honest with you. The first sessions is awkward…for us both. The first session isn’t really therapy. Its more of an information gathering session where you tell a complete stranger (me) the bullet points of your life. I like to start with going over paperwork, then get to know you, and then finally get to know what brings you to therapy. There isn’t much time to get into the therapeutic work in the first session. That begins in session 2.
Subsequent sessions may follow an outline, per se. They are loosely structured for about 2-3 sessions. However, I’m flexible and will go in the direction you need me to. I don’t give out “homework” in the traditional sense. That is, you come up with what you want to work on between sessions. I don’t assume the role of expert, but am your equal with certain knowledge and training that is helpful to you. Ultimately, you are in charge of therapy. Where a session goes, how frequently you come, and what you want to work on. To learn more about what I’m like in session check out the Meet Heather section of the website.
Will you tell anyone what we talk about in therapy?
No, with some exceptions.
I am required by state law to contact authorities or take precautions in a duty to warn if a client were to express violent intent to harm themselves or others. I’m also a mandated reporter and must make a report in cases of child neglect or abuse.
If you work at Dunn Associates, P.C., why is your website called Sisu Lumi Counseling?
The name is different because I am an independent contractor with Dunn Associates. This means, that I do not work for Dunn Associates, but are in fact self employed. I have a contract with Dunn Associates which allows me to utilized office space, benefits, and other services for a fee while providing my own “brand” of therapy, aka Sisu Lumi Counseling. This website, is all about me and the services I offer. You can check out the group practice website for Dunn Associates here.