FAQ

Is therapy right for me and how can it help?

Therapy provides a safe environment where people can explore their problems, issues, and dilemmas. It opens a space and time to be heard and understood. The therapeutic process sheds light upon how we are, who we are, and gives people a greater understanding about living as fully and authentically as possible. Therapy enables people to explore their lives and realize the many choices that are available to them. Individuals who seek therapy often do so because they desire to encounter life in a richer, more meaningful way. Others may be coping with a life problem or issue that has them feeling “stuck.” You do not need to have a "mental illness" to benefit from therapy services. Though no one can tell you exactly what your therapy process will be like, in all modes of therapy you will establish goals for your therapy and determine the steps you will take to get there. Whether in individual, group, or family therapy, your relationship with your therapist is a confidential one and focuses not only on the content of what you talk about, but also the process. The therapeutic process--how you share your feelings and experiences--is considered to be just as important as the specific issues or concerns you share in therapy.

Will my insurance cover it? Do you accept insurance and how does this work?

Each insurance company and policy is different in regards to behavioral health services and the setting of the services. I highly recommend that you call your insurance company to find out what your own specific policy covers and to make sure that I am in-network. I work in an outpatient, private practice setting and provide individual, group, and family/couples mental health therapy. Once you confirm your coverage we will then get a copy of your photo identification and insurance card in order to bill your insurance for you (at the time of the service). Currently, I accept BCBS PPO, Cigna PPO, Medicare, Aetna, and am going through the credentialing process for others. Feel free to contact me at any time for more up to date information.

Is therapy confidential?

Therapy is confidential; however, there are limits to confidentiality. I am legally and ethically obligated to maintain my clients' safety and the safety of others if a threat is reported to me. For insurance purposes, I obtain permission from my clients to share information with their insurance company in order to make sure their treatment is covered (usually this is as little information as possible, such as diagnosis and treatment recommendations). You can also give me permission, in writing, to release information to other people such as parents, partners/spouses, children, or other health care providers like a primary care physician or psychiatrist.

Resources and Links

                                                                                                                                            

Emotional Eating Questionnaire:

Rating scale from 1-5: 1=never, 2=seldom, 3=sometimes, 4=often, 5=very often.

  • When I’m feeling “down” or “blue” a little snack will lift my mood.

  • When I’m depressed I have more desire to eat.

  • If someone disappoints me I want to eat something.

  • When I’m pressured or working under a deadline I have the urge to snack.

  • I eat more when I am stressed than when I am calm.

  • If I’m worried or afraid of something I tend to eat.

  • Sometimes when people irritate me I want to get something to eat.

  • I have had something to eat “just to teach him/her a lesson.”

  • When I get angry, eating will make me feel better.

  • I look forward to eating something when I’m bored.

  • I eat more than usual when there is nothing to do.

  • If time is passing slowly, I look forward to having a snack.

  • Being alone increases my appetite.

  • I am less likely to eat when other people are around as I am when I’m by myself.

  • Eating makes me feel better when I am lonely.

  • I celebrate with food when I’m in a good mood.

  • If I’m feeling really good, I don’t worry about my diet.

  • When I’m happy, having a favorite snake makes me feel even better.

*If you answered with a 4 or 5 to more than two of these statements you may be an emotional eater. Please contact In Step Behavioral Health, S.C. for a full eating and mental health assessment with Christine Anderson, LCPC. 

Do you have a sleep disorder? (check those that pertain to you)

  • I am tired all the time.

  • I don’t feel refreshed, even after sleeping all night.

  • I have been told that I snore.

  • I’m sleepy during the day.

  • I toss and turn a lot in my sleep.

  • I stop breathing in my sleep.

  • I have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep

  • I am forgetful or have trouble concentrating.

  • I often take sleeping pills to fall asleep.

  • I have been told that I kick or hit my bed partner during sleep.

  • I have a creepy, crawling feeling in my legs when I lie down or try to relax.

    If you checked one or more of the statements above, you may have a sleep disorder. Please contact In Step Behavioral Health, S.C. for a full sleep assessment by Christine Anderson, LCPC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*** NOW LICENSED IN THE STATE OF WISCONSIN AS WELL AS ILLINOIS