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The Business Review
allows a small business in Kuna to give a basic information profile and
answer questions about their business. A Few Commonly Asked Questions:
What is your background
and education?
I obtained a Bachelor's of Science degree in Clinical Psychology (B.S.)
graduating with Magna Cum Laude honors. I then went on to obtain a Master's
of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (M.S.) from Oklahoma
State University. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the State of Idaho.
I am also a member of the American Association for Marriage and Family
Therapy (AAMFT). I am fluent in both oral and written Spanish. Additionally,
I have sought diverse training in both short and longer term therapy approaches.
I enjoy working with couples and families. I also have experience working
with children and adolescents through 4 years prior experience as a Family
Counselor in the Idaho Youth Ranch Family Services division.
What are the fees?
The fee is $80.00 for a fifty-minute (50) session. If I am required to
appear in court you will be charged $120.00 per hour to cover the additional
requirements of travel and being out of my office.
How long will therapy last?
The average length of therapy is approximately 6-10 sessions. There is
quite a range though. I have had some that finished with resolution to
their difficulties in only 2 sessions, and some that have gone up to 18
sessions. The length can depend on many factors such as how chronic verse
acute the problem is, how willing the client(s) is/are to make changes
once the solutions are identified, how willing other family members are
to participate in therapy, etc.
Can you help me save my
marriage?
I have a personal belief that if both spouses are willing to work, and
desire to save their marriage, there is no marriage that cannot only be
saved, but also be filled with great happiness and satisfaction. If a
couple comes to counseling I can still help them learn communication techniques
such as reflective listening, or conflict resolution skills, set boundaries,
provide a neutral and safe place for them to talk, and work toward finding
solutions toward their difficulties. If only one spouse comes to counseling,
we can still work on learning these skills and techniques, and work toward
finding solutions. This also can lead to resolutions of the problems and
an enjoyable marriage. However, resolution comes slower and is less likely
with only one spouse attending counseling. Sometimes a client has a spouse
with problems which destroy the marriage and is unwilling to make any
effort to work toward dealing with the problems. I can help the person
attending therapy identify what they feel needs to happen to save the
marriage, plan and practice how to discuss this with the other spouse,
and help them identify for themselves when a marriage cannot be saved.
I have seen clients realize for serious reasons that a marriage could
not continue, seek an amicable divorce with their partner, and go on to
create a better life. I have, however, several times had couples create
a happy marriage, when they came to counseling with one or both members
stating they were ready to divorce, yet they were willing to discuss the
marriage and wait before proceeding with divorce.
Can you help me with my
child?
As a marriage and family therapist, I believe in the power of relationships.
I believe that any significant change a person makes will have substantial
effects on those they have a relationship with. This is somewhat like
the wind chime in front of the house or mobile over the child's crib,
where sizeable tug on one piece, creates significant movement in the other
pieces. Every parent I have worked with that has sought help for difficulties
with a child, and made significant efforts, has seen positive effects
on their child. I believe that nothing is 100% effective because children
still have the ability to choose. However, while not 100% effective, children
do respond and the methods are very effective. We can create an atmosphere
that helps the child develop capabilities, and is conducive to positive
atmosphere. Additionally, I can help a child learn to identify their feelings,
then discuss options for safely expressing them in a way that leads to
positive outcomes. I can help the child work toward learning new social
skills, conflict resolution skills, coping skills, and building self-confidence.
I also work with a parent a child to build bridges of communication and
understanding, to clarify rules and set reasonable consequences, a develop
behavioral contracts that benefit both parties.
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