Frequently Asked Questions

What is Family Therapy?

At Harmony Family Therapy PLLC, we define family as the people in our lives who are most important to us, whether or not they are related. We are all part of a family.

 

Family Therapy is based on the premise that each of us operates both as an individual and within a family system. Our family system is unique to us and determined by the beliefs and values of our family members. When something happens to one family member, it affects every family member.

 

Do you accept insurance?

Harmony Family Therapy chooses to provide our counseling services independent of insurance companies for a number of reasons:

 

First, we are interested in your privacy. Insurance companies require that the client have both a diagnosis and periodic progress reports sent to them before they will pay. This diagnosis remains on your record and may have negative implications for you in the future.

 

Second, it is our belief that you and your therapist ought to be the ones who decide on the course of your therapy. Insurance companies have managed care representatives (who have never met you) that dictate the number of sessions you are allowed in therapy.

 

Finally, many clients come to Harmony Family Therapy because they are stuck or feel hopeless. The last thing they need is a diagnosis, which may make them feel worse.

 

If you want to submit a reimbursement to your insurance company, we can issue you a receipt for all Harmony Family Therapy services.

 

Why do people come to therapy?

People seek therapy when they are not happy with something in their life and they want it to be better. Typical problems include relationship issues, family issues, job issues, lack of confidence,  body issues, depression, anxiety, and low self esteem. Some people seek therapy during or after a major change in their family such as a divorce, re-marriage, bereavement, or relocation. When an individual seeks therapy, they are looking to achieve harmony in their everyday life.

 

Many families come to therapy because of the problems of one family member. Family systems therapists focus less on one family member and more on the family as a whole, unraveling how the problem arose for that particular family member. Family therapy encourages family members to work together to resolve their problems by focusing on their strengths and determining realistic strategies for settling their conflicts.

 

Should I come to therapy alone, or with my partner?

When seeking therapy for relationship issues, it is better to have both partners in the session. If your partner is resistant to therapy, it may be best to begin with individual therapy. Sometimes individual therapy progresses into couples or family therapy. Family therapists are experienced working with individuals, couples and families.