Dr. Summers is not accepting new clients at this time.
Why do people go to see a psychotherapist?
People seek out counseling for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it is because they are going through a particularly difficult time in their lives, and they want a place where they can process what is happening to them and explore coping strategies. Sometimes people are seeking to change unhealthy patterns in their lives and relationships, or they are seeking to come to terms with things that have happened to them in the past. Sometimes people are dissatisfied with the life they are living, and they want help exploring how to seek out greater happiness and fulfilment. Each person's reason for going to counseling is unique, and psychotherapy can help with a variety of issues.
What can I expect therapy to be like?
You can expect that I will provide a safe, confidential, nonjudgmental space for us to explore together what is bothering you and what you want and hope for your future. You can expect that we will talk about your present circumstances as well as your history, and that we will work together to discover more about you. Depending on your goals, we might utilize some cognitive-behavioral strategies as well as focusing on the reasons behind your difficulties, such as familial patterns of relationships. Therapy is usually conducted in 50-55 minute sessions; frequency is dependent on what you and I agree will be most beneficial to you. You can expect your therapy to be tailored to your unique situation and needs.
How will counseling help me?
People who participate in psychotherapy experience a number of benefits. Some of these include:
- resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
- lessening of symptoms of depression and anxiety
- healthier relationships
- greater sense of self-confidence and self-esteem
- more flexibility in facing life challenges
- understanding of unhelpful patterns in your behavior and relationships and learning new patterns
- working through difficult periods of grief and mourning
- discernment of new goals, values, and directions in life
What is your fee, and do you accept insurance?
My fee is $140 per session. I do reserve a certain number of spaces for clients who have less financial resources and need a sliding scale structure. I try my very best to make good therapy accessible to all, regardless of economic situations.
Currently I am in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield. I also accept out-of-network benefits from most insurance companies. To determine if you have mental health coverage, please contact your insurance carrier to inquire about benefits. The phone number can usually be found on your identification card. When you speak to a representative, make sure you ask the following questions:
- What are my mental health benefits?
- What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
- How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?
- How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
- Is approval required from my primary care physician?
If your policy includes mental health benefits, I will do all of the necessary paperwork for you to access your benefits.
Currently I am in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield. I also accept out-of-network benefits from most insurance companies. To determine if you have mental health coverage, please contact your insurance carrier to inquire about benefits. The phone number can usually be found on your identification card. When you speak to a representative, make sure you ask the following questions:
- What are my mental health benefits?
- What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
- How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?
- How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
- Is approval required from my primary care physician?
If your policy includes mental health benefits, I will do all of the necessary paperwork for you to access your benefits.
In your credentials, it says you have a degree in "Pastoral Psychotherapy." What is pastoral psychotherapy? Is that the same as Christian counseling?
Psychotherapists come from a variety of backgrounds: medicine (psychiatrists), nursing, social work, psychology and the clergy. In each case, the psychotherapist has specialized training beyond his or her professional degree. Being a pastoral psychotherapist means that I have a background in theology as well as further training in psychology and psychotherapy.
Pastoral psychotherapy is NOT the same as Christian counseling. I do not proselytize; in fact, that is against my professional code of ethics and is considered malpractice. I am comfortable working with clients from a range of religious and non-religious backgrounds. I do not approach therapy with a preconceived notion of what values my clients should hold.
Rather, if a client so desires, I am open to exploring questions of faith and spirituality as they affect the client's healing process and as they arise in the therapeutic relationship. Put simply, I follow the client's lead, and have no agenda of my own other than being a compassionate, empathetic presence on this journey.
Pastoral psychotherapy is NOT the same as Christian counseling. I do not proselytize; in fact, that is against my professional code of ethics and is considered malpractice. I am comfortable working with clients from a range of religious and non-religious backgrounds. I do not approach therapy with a preconceived notion of what values my clients should hold.
Rather, if a client so desires, I am open to exploring questions of faith and spirituality as they affect the client's healing process and as they arise in the therapeutic relationship. Put simply, I follow the client's lead, and have no agenda of my own other than being a compassionate, empathetic presence on this journey.
