WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT THE FIRST APPOINTMENT?
Your first appointment is our opportunity to begin interviewing each other. I really believe that it is essential for you to feel like there is potential for a good connection between us.

I’ll have you fill out some basic forms. Sometimes you will fill out a couple of questionnaires. Then we will talk about what’s going on in your life right now that led you to seek some services with me. We will also talk about what you wish to accomplish or your goals. Then we will discuss a tentative thumb-nail sketch of how we might work together. Provided you feel good about the hour you just spent with me, we’ll schedule another appointment.

WHAT ABOUT INSURANCE?
There are a host of glitches in the managed care system. With all of the access other agencies and institutions have to insurance files, I am not an advocate of utilizing managed care systems for mental health purposes if it is not necessary. All managed care companies require a diagnosis, and unfortunately a psychiatric diagnosis, even something as benign as an adjustment disorder of some sort, can impede one’ s ability to obtain life insurance or even medical insurance if you are self-employed. If it’s in your file, others have access to it.

That being said, I am more than happy to provide you with service summaries with regard to your sessions. In the event you choose to pursue filing the claims and seek reimbursement from your insurance company, those summaries will contain all of the proper codes needed to process it. It is your responsibility to check with your insurance company to determine whether the services you are seeking are covered, what the limits are to that coverage, and whether they will accept my credentials.

My relationship is falling apart. I don’t know if I want to stay married. Should I see you alone or with my partner?
If you are currently in a committed relationship, even if it is shaky, I recommend that both of you come together. The least you can expect is clarity about what you and your partner should do. Imago Relationship therapy provides a framework for understanding how YOU co-created the current relationship you are in. You are going to take YOURSELF to whatever relationship you are in and you don’t want to find yourself creating similar painful experiences.

If you make the decision to end the relationship it is especially critical if you have children. You will be co-parenting these children and need respectfully say good-bye to your relationship and create a structure to mutually support your children.

For the most part, couples find new energy, tools, and hope for the future as a result of what they have learned.

How long will counseling take?
That depends on how much “baggage” you both bring from your childhood and prior adult relationships. It also depends on how much you have hurt one another in your current relationship. Most importantly it depends on the depth of your commitment and your ability to practice what you learn in the office at home, between sessions.

Imago Relationship Therapy tends to move people fairly quickly into knowing how to manage the issues that life presents them. It is my goal to have my clients successfully fire me.

MY PARTNERS KIDS ARE DRIVING ME CRAZY. HOW CAN YOU HELP?
You love each other and didn’t expect stepfamily living to be so hard. Stepfamilies are a huge challenge that overwhelms and intimidates most couples. You are learning that “Love doesn’t conquer all”. I can help you focus and quickly develop a workable plan to help you get the results you want.

I help you learn communication skills, define all members of the family’s wants and needs, clarify your roles, and deal with anger.

WHERE HAS THE ROMANCE GONE? WE HAVE NO TIME FOR EACH OTHER. OUR KIDS ARE RULING OUR LIFE.
Imago Relationship Therapy helps you reclaim the Romance in your relationship by giving you tools to create safe communication with your partner and children. Parents create the foundation and boundaries for children. When your children observe you and your partner practicing the communication and listening skills they learn that they too can communicate with you in safety.

ARE YOU AVAILABLE TO TALK AT MEETINGS?
I appreciate the opportunity to speak to your group, religious organization or company. I offer a wide range of topics concerning individuals and couples.

MY TIME IS LIMITED AND WE ARE IN CRISIS DO YOU HAVE AN INTENSIVE THERAPY PROGRAM?
Experience has shown that a series of back to back sessions can often help couples make important shifts in their relationship. These back to back sessions are each 90- 120 minutes long over several consecutive days.

The other possibility would be attending an Imago Relationship workshop weekend. If I am not offering a weekend workshop I can direct you to an upcoming weekend workshop.

If you have other questions, or are interested in learning more about scheduling an appointment with Barbara Jacob please call: 561-573-6868. Barbara will be happy to speak with you personally regarding your individual needs and/or concerns.

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