A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. Therapists
can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies
for issues such as depression, chronic illness, anxiety, relationship
troubles, impact of addictions, unresolved childhood issues, stress
management, body image issues, grief, end of life issues, and creative
blocks. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to
helping with personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns,
marriage issues, and the challenges of daily life. Therapists can provide a
fresh perspective on a difficult problem, or point you in the direction of a
solution.
Mary Jane Lane LPC LMFT CMAT
will work with you to develop your treatment goals, helping you access your
own wisdom, and resolve that which is blocking you from your fullest
potential. There are many pathways that lead people to seek counseling.
Perhaps, you have thought about therapy for a while, and now is the right
time. Maybe, you have previously benefited from counseling, and there is an
issue that has presented itself, and you need to find your direction.
Perhaps, you have tried Self-Help Books, and workshops. You recognize you
need professional help to work through unresolved issues. Maybe you have
reached a point where you feel stuck, or have experienced a relapse in your
personal growth. Sometimes, a family member, partner, child or co-worker
has asked you to seek help. Perhaps, you have experienced a sudden trauma,
loss, illness, event and you need support to work through your grief and
find healing. Transformation begins the moment you say YES to yourself.
Here are some general goals and benefits of therapy:
Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
Developing skills for improving your relationships
Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
Understanding unhealthy coping patterns that may have developed into
Addictions
Support for the family members impacted by harmful, non-productive
behaviors
Establishing a strong recovery plan that prevents relapse into old
behaviors
Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
Improving communications, conflict resolution, and listening skills
Changing old behavior patterns and developing new skills that support a
healthy lifestyle
Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
Discerning Career Path and Strategies for the Workplace
Do I really need therapy?
Everyone goes through challenging situations in life. While you may have
successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, this may
be a time you need extra support. It often takes courage to say I need
help. It is a sign of strength, something to be admired. You are taking
responsibility for your life. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and
support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct
damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.
Why do people go to therapy and how do I know if it is right for me?
People have many different motivations for coming to therapy. Some may
be going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, new job,
re-marriage, grief). Some people need assistance managing a range of
other issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions,
relationship problems, spiritual conflicts and creative blocks. Some need
professional guidance beyond what support groups offer. Sometimes, a
person needs a supportive, objective professional to listen as they seek
to understand their own pathway in life. Others may be at a point where
they are ready to learn more about themselves and become more effective in
realizing their goals in life. Therapy can help provide skill building and
encouragement. In short, people seeking psychotherapy are seeking to
meet the challenges in their lives with professional support.
What is therapy like?
Mary Jane Lane LPC LMFT seeks to provide a comfortable
atmosphere, recognizes how important your needs are, and the time you are
committing from your busy life to help yourself.
Therapy sessions are usually 45 minutes. Because each person has different
issues and goals, therapy will be specifically customized to your needs,
depending on the individual, couple, or family. After the initial
assessment, which may be 1 to 3 sessions, she will work with you to develop
the initial goals, and a plan for treatment. In general, you can expect to
discuss the current events happening in your life, your personal history
relevant to your issue, and share insights since the previous therapy
session. She will often make suggestions for reflective work and strategies
that help support you in reaching your goals. Depending on your specific
needs, therapy can be short-term, for a specific issue, or longer-term, to
deal with more difficult patterns or your desire for more personal
development. If you are seeking inclusion of EMDR as treatment modality or
if that might be helpful as part of your treatment plan, that will be
discussed. The office is located in Kirkwood, with a parking lot in back of
the home. There are 6 independent therapists within the house, as well as
an accounting firm. When you enter through the front door, proceed
upstairs, and have a seat in the waiting area. Help yourself to a cup of
tea/coffee, complete any paperwork if your first session, and relax with
magazines or a book off the library shelf.
What happens if I am experiencing an emergency?
Emergency appointments are usually available within 24
hours. Mary Jane Lane seeks to return all telephone calls within 24 hour
period. In the initial session, emergency procedures will be discussed.
You will be asked for your preferred telephone number for a return call,
and if you would like a message left if you are not available. With any
message, always leave the best way to contact you. Coverage by other mental
health professionals may be provided if she is not available. For
life-threatening emergencies, always call 911, and seek assistance at the
emergency room of your local hospital.
What about medication vs. psychotherapy?
It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional
problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication.
Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our
distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best
achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an
integrative approach to wellness. Working with your medical doctor you can
determine what's best for you, and in some cases a combination of medication
and therapy is the right course of action. If you are already using
medication, she will ask you to sign her Release of Information so that she
contact your physician to coordinate care as needed. If through the course
of therapy, consideration should be given to supportive medication, the
referral will be discussed, and guidance offered for talking with your
physician or a psychiatrist.
Do you take insurance, and how does that work?
To determine if you have mental health coverage through your insurance
carrier, the first thing you should do is call them. The telephone number is
usually listed on the back of your insurance card.
Check your coverage carefully and make sure you understand their answers.
Some helpful questions you can ask them:
What are my mental health benefits?
What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
What is my financial responsibility for each session?
How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?
Is Mary Jane Lane LMFT LPC an in-network provider?
How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
Is approval required from my primary care physician?
Does what we talk about in therapy remain confidential?
Confidentiality is one of the most important components
between a client and psychotherapist. Successful therapy requires a high
degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not
discussed anywhere but the therapist's office. At the Initial session, you
will be asked to complete Information Sheet, emergency contact, Release to
Bill insurance, and Informed Consent. You will be given a copy of the
Informed Consent. Mary Jane Lane will review the consent form for treatment
during this session. Please note the limits of Confidentiality. The written
and verbal content of counseling seasons will remain confidential, and will
not be released to any outside person except as mandated by State law and
professional ethics, and the following situations:
1) The patient or patient's legal guardian has given written permission on
Mary Jane Lane's Release of Information form, identifying person(s), what is
to be released, length of time release;
2) There is a binding court order subpoena;
3) The patient is at risk of harming him/herself or others, and it is
mandated by state and federal law;
4) There is child or elder abuse and it is mandated by state and/or federal
law;
5) The information is required by a patient identified insurance plan or
managed health care plan... In this circumstance, the client will be
informed that use of insurance plan may require information, which may
include diagnosis, treatment goals and progress. If a treatment plan is
required, Mary Jane Lane will review the information to be released prior to
submitting.
If the consultation involves minor children, the legal guardian holds the
right of confidentiality. Joint Legal custody usually requires that both
parents must be aware of counseling which is seen as medical treatment. In
couples/family therapy, the participants share the responsibility for
confidentiality. There is an additional Informed Consent for treatment of
Adolescents. The trusting relationship is important in terms of effective
therapy. Parent(s) will be informed of any risk, general topics of
conversation, and suggestions for parenting strategies as appropriate.
