Truth is the beginning of every good thing..
-Plato, Laws, 4th cent. B.C.


Q: How often do most of your patients come to therapy?

A: It varies. The average is twice a week, but it depends on what point they are at in treatment. Some people like to come a lot at first, and I recommend that they do, for example, to stabilize an adult’s trauma symptoms, to help a teen stop using drugs, to get to know a child and help them feel comfortable more quickly. Initial frequency helps during the first phases of a crisis, however, some people are too overwhelmed to come more than once a week. Some people come three times a week. I make recommendations, but it is a personal choice, always left up to the patient.

Q: How long are the sessions?

A: My sessions are usually 90 minutes long. Art therapy requires extra time because it involves setting up and cleaning up (the patient needs to wash up, I always clean the studio later,) and patients usually like to talk a little first, and then they get very involved in the creative process, and time flies. Some patients, especially those who choose to do only verbal psychotherapy, prefer just hour long sessions. In this case the session is a full 60 minutes. I do not believe in the 45 or 50 minute hour.

Q: Do you take insurance?

A: Currently, I am not a participating provider with any insurance company. If your insurance plan allows for out of network benefits, you can submit my statements to your carrier for reimbursement. Many patients get reimbursement for my services this way. If you provide me with your insurance card I will be happy to call and inquire for you, as I know it can be very frustrating and confusing to navigate the system. Also, I usually don’t have to wait on hold as long because I am a provider (even if I am not a direct one through a particular company.) If you plan on submitting for insurance reimbursement, please call it to my attention, as I will need you to sign a release allowing me to communicate directly with your carrier by phone, mail, and/or fax. Usually, they just want confirmation of the diagnosis and length of treatment. I am always extremely cautious with insurance companies and reveal as little information about a patient’s treatment as possible. I am very vague. It is very important to me to protect your privacy.

Q: What are your policies about confidentiality?

A: I take this issue very seriously. Everything said to me is strictly confidential, with few exceptions. If I am told by a patient that they have a specific plan to harm themselves or another person, or that they know someone that does, I am obligated to report this potentially life-threatening information. I also cannot keep information about a child or teen being abused or neglected confidential. This includes information about teenagers having sexual relations with people over the age of 18, even if it is consentual.
With children and teenagers, they have a promise from me of complete confidentiality. I will not tell their parents what they talk about in therapy, unless they are harming themselves or someone is harming them. It is the only way therapy can work.
With families, I encourage that there be no secrets, but if there are, I will not disclose them unless, again, they involve life-threatening information. I will help the individual family members try to get ready to share things with each other.

Q: What if medication becomes necessary?

A: As stated earlier and throughout the site, trauma can be from grief, natural disaster, sexual or physical abuse, or a variety of negative life events, such as divorce or the ending of a relationship. Sometimes patients that are very symptomatic can be prescribed medications, both traditional and alternative, possibly even in combination with specific supplements and foods, and achieve a less symptomatic state remarkably fast.
When a patient's symptoms are acute, sometimes it is harder to start effective therapy. Although Lynne can work with a patient in almost any state, shocked or severely disoriented patients are sometimes incapable of effectively starting or participating in therapy. This can also be true if a patient is extremely depressed, dissociated, or anxious. In these cases, traditional and/or alternative forms of medication and bodywork may play a very important role.
Medication is a very personal choice. Many people are afraid of medication which is common and understandable. Lynne is very familiar with pharmacology and has achieved several certificates from her participation in specialized training in this area. While she can answer many questions about medications, she cannot prescribe them. Lynne does, however have medical doctors who consult in her practice, some that specialize in pediatric psychiatric medicine, and others who focus on adults. If a patient and Lynne make the decision to explore medication, these doctors will provide lengthy consultations, often in the familiarity of Lynne’s office. Together, the physicians and Lynne work very closely to follow the patient’s progress.
In addition, Lynne is always quick to offer alternative, holistic medical options and will often make referrals for Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine, Homeopathy, Nutrition, and Massage.

Q: What if I want to try Art Therapy but I can’t draw?

A: That’s okay! I wish I had a penny for every time someone said to me “But I can’t even draw a stick figure!” And then with a little guidance and demonstration were amazed at the endless possibilities in the studio, and with what they have created. It’s not all about drawing. Glue some mosaic tiles. Squeeze a piece of clay in your fist. Rip up some tissue paper. Make a card for an important person. Swirl some chalks. Sew a doll. Ask me and I’ll show you.
If you have questions that are not answered here or want to submit a question to me, you can contact me at my contact area. To go there, select t his link».