FAQ
How much does it cost for therapy with you?
Sessions – individual or couples are $130 for a 1-hour session; $160 for an intake session. My goal is to make therapy attainable to everyone. If there are unique life circumstances that make it hard for you to pay this amount, please talk to me. I am committed to giving back to our field and have a set number of lower price point sessions available. As they come available, I fill these with people who have expressed interest. I offer a 10% discount automatically for military/veteran families. I keep my caseload purposefully small to provide a more individualized and personalized experience. I frequently email resources and you are always welcome to reach out to me with questions or to schedule an interim session.
Do you accept insurance?
At this time, I accept Highmark Blue Shield and United Health/Optum Insurance.
How am I billed?
For therapy services, you simply enter a credit card into my online management system and I charge that credit card after your visit. Checks, cash, pay pal or venmo are also welcome. For classes, venmo, pay pal and checks are accepted.
Denise helped me through one of the worst times of my life and helped me regain my self-confidence. With her help, I gained new insight, new perspective and found joy again. Thank you so much!
Where will I meet you?
I provide virtual or in person sessions. I provide virtual sessions through a video telehealth platform called Simple Practice which is secure and easy to use. Clients access the video session by clicking the link sent via email and opening in a web browser on a computer, or by downloading the free app, Telehealth by Simple Practice, to access the sessions by phone or tablet. In person sessions are held at the Emergent Relationship Center located at 3540 N Progress Ave #207 Harrisburg, PA. At the top of the stairs, turn right and it is the last office suite on the right.
How long will this take?
I often am asked: how long does this take? I do not primarily work from a model of short-term behavioral strategies, although I do rely on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as one strategy in our work together. I also rely on my training in Internal Family Systems (IFS), Trauma Informed Care, Visualization, the Bader Pearson Developmental Model of Couples Counseling and Positivity Counseling. It can vary greatly depending on the reason for counseling. It is not unusual to see clients for years. It is also not unusual to see clients to help them over a specific life event for 4-8 sessions. With couples, I start with a 90 minute session and then recommend weekly sessions for the next 3 sessions. Then, moving to bi-weekly as we get deeper into the work is perfectly fine. I have a lot of clients who eventually move to monthly sessions.
What is the significance of the name Opal & Willow?
Opal: No one opal is the same. They are all unique and multi faceted. Sometimes, you have to look deep into an opal to see the many intricacies, things that make it truly special. It’s like this with humans and relationships. No one is the same. No one thinks the same way or feels the same way. Part of what we do in therapy is to help people to understand this uniqueness, to learn to appreciate it and learn from it. There is nothing more satisfying than learning what makes your partner or loved one whole.
Willow: The Willow tree symbolizes flexibility and adaptability. The limber and supple nature of its branches means it can bend and withstand strong forces of adversity. In life, this is an important lesson. By learning how we handle this, we can uncover hidden anxieties and motivations that drive our actions without us even realizing it. On a personal note, I spent many moments of my childhood below the folds of our backyard willow tree or sitting in it. It was a source of relaxation and comfort for me.
