If I decide to see a psychotherapist, does that mean I am crazy?
The answer is most definitely NO! The fact that you are reaching out and wanting to receive professional help is very healthy. Let’s face it; life is stressful! Psychotherapy can enable you to understand the patterns and themes that have prevailed throughout your entire life. It takes great courage to step forward and ask for help while feeling so stuck. I will help you examine how your thoughts have become distorted over time. These thoughts then impact your feelings and cause specific behaviors. Together, there will be many strategies used to help you go through the change process.
What is the advantage of seeing a psychotherapist who specializes in Midlife Transitions?
Midlife is a part of the life cycle. There are so many changes that take place in an individual’s life during this transition. However, this adult stage of development is frequently overlooked. Midlife is a period of time when you begin the search and rescue mission. You start to question the meaning and purpose of your life. You may feel totally confused, empty, and paralyzed with fear about stepping into the unknown. This stage is accompanied by a wide range of occurrences including hormonal changes due to the effects of menopause, taking care of elderly parents and your own children, simultaneously, becoming an empty nester, feeling one’s mortality, losing passion in your marriage or relationship, being single and having a great desire to find a healthy, romantic relationship, getting divorced, becoming a widow/widower, having an affair, hating your job, losing interest in the friendships you have, and experiencing grief and loss symptoms.
As a professional who decided to specialize in Midlife Transitions, I am totally aware of and committed to the great need for helping women who are struggling at this point in their lives. I chose this important niche because I have experienced many of these same feelings that arise during this stage. Therefore, I will understand you, at the core, and teach you how to develop meaning and purpose in your life. At midlife, it is so easy to lose your way! My intention is to teach you how to embrace your true self! Frequently, you may feel as though you have come upon a brick wall, and cannot get beyond it. I will help you understand what the brick wall means, why it exists, and how to knock it down.
Do you take insurance?
I do not accept insurance. I am a Private Pay Clinician. However, I am an out-of-network provider.
What does an out-of-network provider mean?
As a licensed psychotherapist, I am automatically considered to be an out-of-network provider. It is vital that you understand that I am not paneled with any insurance companies. However, I can issue a “superbill” to you after paying for a session. This is a specialized receipt for services, upon which a diagnosis would need to be stated, along with other pertinent information. You need to know and understand that you can submit this superbill to your insurance company; however, frequently they will NOT provide any reimbursement for services. There are numerous reasons why there would be no reimbursement including the particular diagnosis you have may not be covered, seeing an out-of-network provider may not be reimbursed, and having telehealth sessions may not be reimbursed. My advice here is to work with me ONLY if this potential reimbursement is a “BONUS”, rather than financially necessary.
How much do you charge?
My charge is $150.00 for a 50-minute session.
Do you offer a Free Initial Consultation?
I do offer a free initial 20-minute consultation. This consultation gives us both the ability to meet and see if we are a good fit for one another. If it is mutually agreed that it is a good fit, immediately after this free consultation, you will be invited to your Client Portal, and will electronically obtain all the necessary documentation to complete before our first session. A date will be scheduled and you will look forward to having your first session.
What is your Cancellation Policy?
In order to avoid the session charge of $150, you need to cancel 24 hours in advance. Your credit card will be on file, and it will be automatically charged if the session is not canceled 24 hours in advance. This time is set aside for you, and it is important that you understand and adhere to this policy.
What do I need in order to meet for Online Therapy?
You must have a reliable internet connection, as we will be seeing each other through a secure video chat platform, called Zoom. It usually takes a very short time to download this link. Additionally, you need to have a private space to meet.
How do I know if my struggles are appropriate for Online Therapy?
During the 20-minute free consultation, you will be asked certain questions. Based on your answers, I will explain further if online therapy is appropriate.
What if I disclose certain struggles that may not be appropriate for online therapy after the third session, the fifth session, and/or sessions after that?
There are certain disorders that I do not work with, such as eating disorders, alcohol and drug addiction, and ongoing suicidal ideation, plan, etc. At any time during the course of treatment, if you are struggling with any of these issues, I will help you to get the best possible referrals. I will make sure that you get the most effective treatment with a clinician that offers these areas of expertise.
Naomi Lufkin, LPC, NCC
Secure Online Video Counseling
(860) 716-7621 | lufkintc@gmail.com
Call for a Free 20-Minute Consultation!