What is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)? Do I have to be married? Do you only work with couples and families?
A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist is an individual with specialized training in mental health and relational issues. The LMFT specialty teaches the therapist to see things through the lens of interaction rather than only the individual pieces; otherwise known as systemic thinking. This training helps the therapist identify things that the client may not notice with regard to the many facets of their life. Systemic training applies to individuals, couples, and families alike. An LMFT is trained to work with all types of people and problems.
How much do you charge? Do you accept insurance?
Fees are based on the type of service requested. Amber accepts most major insurance plans. However, some people choose to pay out of pocket. Talk with Amber during your initial phone call to discuss fees and payment options that best fit your needs.
How does therapy work?
Therapy involves helping you, the client, identify the changes you would like to make in your life (i.e. your reason for coming) and then helping you achieve those goals. The therapist will tailor their approach depending on the clients' goals, abilities and preferences. An LMFT is trained in multiple styles of therapy such as Cognitive Behavioral, Solution Focused, Narrative, Systemic and many more. The therapist will utilize all his/her experience and training to create a plan that works best for you.
How long will I be in therapy once I start? What is the typical length of a session?
The first session will be approximately 90 minutes. This extra time allows the therapist to collect information and for you to tell the therapist all about yourself. You will also spend time creating your goals for therapy and completing intake paperwork. After the first session, subsequent sessions are usually 50 minutes. Clients are usually seen weekly at first and then taper off as progress is made. You are in charge of your therapeutic process; you can talk with your therapist about how frequently you want to come and for how long.