A. Counseling is a similar process that might include advice-giving, and be done in a school setting, for example. Counselors hold a variety of different degrees and focus often on behavioral changes. Often counseling is of a shorter duration. Psychotherapy is based on depth-work and the building of the therapeutic relationship. It is often of a longer duration, involves insight, looking at root causes and often deeper personality change. It may include the “why” not only “what” is happening in the clients’ life.

A. When you have a persistent problem that you can’t seem to solve on your own, something is bothering you “deep down”, when you want the perspective of an objective professional, and/or your problems are interfering in one or more areas of your life (work, home, school, social, personal) you might consider seeking psychotherapy; you might be facing a tough decision and need clarity and perspective; you may be experiencing stresses from your daily life in the areas of work, family, relationships, identity, faith; there may be problems of long-standing origin; you may be aware that you’re depressed, anxious, grieving, or angry. These and many other topics are appropriate for psychotherapy. We all have gifts and skills within ourselves but sometimes those become ‘blocked” or are “out of our awareness” for awhile. Sometimes we need to gain new skills, awarenesses, and perspective. Therapy is the place to learn and practice new skills, look at things that are scaring us that we might feel we need to hide, or hide from.

A. MaryAnn speaks personally with all who inquire. Usually this means that you will need to leave your information on the confidential voice mail and your call will be returned. This initial consultation is confidential and complementary. It is a time for both client and therapist to assess whether they might be a good fit for this work. Questions are encouraged. If the client chooses therapy, an initial time is established to meet for the first 90-minute intake assessment. Subsequent sessions are 45-60 minutes, usually once a week or other times as needed. The client is asked to complete the forms found on the Forms Page and bring them to their first session.

A. First of all, the therapist will have you complete some general paperwork that helps in identifying not only who you are, but helps sort out issues for your work together. Psychotherapy is talk therapy and uses the relationship that develops between therapist and client. “The relationship is what heals,” is an old therapeutic axiom. Psychotherapy is also “the ‘asocial’ environment”, meaning that the therapist and client do not become friends. Usually the therapist will not respond to you as your friends typically would, engage in “chit-chat”, or simplistic statements like, “Don’t worry, everything will be alright!” It is a professional relationship in which the therapist uses both art and science in applying therapeutic techniques for the healing process. Sometimes “homework” is given; but always the client is asked to “work” outside the session on things like noticing thoughts and feelings, increasing awareness of the self and others, your experiences and reactions, etc. Essentially, talking, in a structured way, is healing. It is giving a voice to that which may have been buried for a long time or to unconscious material. Dream work is one vehicle that is used to access our unconscious. Drawing, journaling, music, movement, meditation, symbols, focused breathing, stillness, relaxation - all are employed as techniques to open and allow space for healing within the mind, body and spirit. The actual setting of the office, it’s ambiance, and the relationship being developed, all work to create a holding environment where the client can experience safety, security, and trust which allows for healing.

A. Often insurance does pay. The percentage depends upon the clients’ coverages which the client should clarify with their carrier. A fee schedule is provided (see Forms). Methods of payment include insurance, self-pay, credit cards and health savings accounts.

A. For the type of work that MaryAnn does, the answer is no. Some therapists do use a couch and this is often the case in clinical analysis. MaryAnn’s office if comfortably appointed with chairs.

A. There are very few absolutes in life but the answer here is unequivocal - NO!

A. Unequivocally - YES. There are several types of licenses, depending on the type of therapy and the schooling, training, and degrees acquired by the therapist. To see a complete listing of these, visit the Nebraska Health and Human Services website. MaryAnn’s credentials are included in BIO.

MaryAnn is licensed as a: Mental Health Practitioner License NE # 1505 and
Certified Master Social Worker NE #791

A. The answer to this question is complex. You will know how you feel when engaging with another to do this personal and deep work. Sometimes therapy feels great and sometimes it is painful so our guts will tell us what those feelings are. We must then discern whether any uncomfortable feelings are coming because good work is getting done. We urge at least six sessions be devoted to establishing this relationship. Relationship issues are part of the work together and should be explored between client and therapist. Ultimately it is up to the client to discern their level of trust and “fit” with their particular therapist. It is recommended that when termination is planned, that at least two sessions be devoted to that process.