Psychotherapy for Healing
Gwen Shapiro LCSW
How do I pay for therapy, and how much does it cost?
I am in network with Cigna, Horizon BCBS of NJ, Empire BCBS of NY and Medicare. If you have any of those plans, I will find out what your co-pay is and take care of the billing process. I also offer flexible co-pay plans if you are unable to afford your insurance company's co-pay. For clients without insurance, I offer a sliding scale based on your ability to pay.
How long will therapy take?
You are in control over your therapy process. I am comfortable with short- and long-term psychotherapy. I may suggest a way of tackling a problem and offer suggestions about how long it will take or how deep we should go, but I always start with what's comfortable for you. Sessions are usually 55 minutes, although I do offer 90 minute or two hour sessions if you want more time or we need a longer session to work through something.
Do I have to talk about my past?
No, you don't. I might explore whether your past is relevant to what you're going through now and make a case for why talking about it might be helpful, but it's ultimately up to you. Sometimes people are uncomfortable talking about the past, or don't see the point, but end up finding out that it's a relief to clear out something they've been stuck with for a long time.
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Will what I say be kept confidential?
I am required by law to warn the appropriate agencies and authorities if I believe there is a serious threat to someone's safety or if a child is being abused or neglected. Feelings and thoughts about harming oneself or others do not always constitute a threat. You don't need to hide thoughts and feelings about self-harm or suicide from therapy - usually people don't need to be hospitalized, and talking about those feelings is often very helpful. Everything else is completely confidential unless you ask me to speak to someone on your behalf.
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I know I need help but I'm afraid to open up. How can you help me with this?
By making sure that you feel safe talking to me and helping you with ways to keep feeling ok between sessions. When you come to therapy, it's my job to take care of your feelings.
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If you have questions that aren't answered here, please contact me. Initial phone and email consultations are free and there is no obligation to pursue therapy after we speak on the phone or email.