How can therapy help me?
Psychotherapy is a collaborative treatment based on the relationship between an individual and a therapist. It provides a supportive environment that allows you to talk openly with someone who’s objective, neutral and nonjudgmental. You and your therapist will work together to identify and change the thought and behavior patterns that are keeping you from feeling your best.
It is important to understand that you will get more results from therapy if you actively participate in the process. The ultimate purpose of therapy is to help you bring what you learn in session back into your life. Therefore, beyond the work you do in therapy sessions, your therapist may suggest some things you can do outside of therapy to support your process - such as reading a pertinent book, journaling on specific topics, noting particular behaviors or taking action on your goals. Therapy can lead to improved moods, healthy coping skills to manage anxiety and stress, improved relationships and increase in one’s self-esteem and confidence to name a few.
How do I know if I need therapy?
Two general guidelines can be helpful when considering whether you or someone you love could benefit from therapy. First, is the problem distressing? And second, is it interfering with some aspect of life?
Therapy can help you learn about what you’re feeling, why you might be feeling it, and how to cope. Therapy offers a safe place to talk through life challenges such as break-up, parenting difficulties, or work struggles.
Do you accept health insurance and how does this work?
I am an in-network provider for the following insurance companies: Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Harvard Pilgrim, United Healthcare, United Behavioral Health, Aetna, Cigna and Tufts. I strongly recommend that you contact your insurance company prior to your first session to understand what your mental health benefits are. Here are some helpful questions to ask:
- What are my mental health benefits?
- Do I have a deductible or have copayments? How much for each session?
- How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?
- Is approval required from my primary care physician?
How do I make an appointment to schedule a session?
There are several ways to reach me to schedule an appointment. You can use the contact form here in this website. You can email me amyvenezia@horizontherapycenter.com. You can reach me at my office by calling 781-462-7037
What does the first therapy session look like?
The purpose of the first session is for the therapist and you to create the most whole and accurate picture of you as possible. In other words, this is a time where your therapist goes over all there is to know about you to help gather a picture to help you both out. One way in which your therapist gets to know you is through the use of forms. There are probably going to be a lot of forms you must fill out. These could include informed consent, intake forms, release of information, questionnaires, and so on.
Is what I discuss in therapy confidential?
In general, the privacy of all communications between a client and a psychotherapist is protected by law and I can only release information to others with your written permission. But there are a few exceptions.
If you are involved in a court proceeding and a request is made for information concerning your diagnosis and treatment, this information is protected by the psychotherapist- client privilege law. I would require a written authorization by you or a court order.
If a client files a complaint or lawsuit against me, I will need to disclose relevant information regarding the client in order to defend myself.
There are some situations in which I am legally obligated to take action in order to protect others from harm. In these situations, I have to reveal some information about a client's treatment. If I have reasonable cause to believe that a child under the age of 18, elderly person or disabled person is being abused, I must file a report with the appropriate state agency.
If a client communicates an immediate threat of serious physical harm to an identifiable victim or if a client has a history of violence, the apparent intent and ability to carry out the threat, I am required to take protective action. These actions may include notifying the potential victim, contacting the police, and/or seeking hospitalization for him/her.
If a client threatens to harm himself/herself, I am obligated to seek hospitalization and contact family members or others who can help provide protection.
If such a situation arises, I will make every effort to fully discuss it with you before taking any action and I will limit my disclosure to what is necessary.
