Individual counseling: All sessions are typically 50-minutes long.
Couples counseling: The initial intake is 75-minutes with ongoing sessions for typically 50-minutes.
If we feel it's necessary, I can also offer longer sessions at a prorated fee.
I am only contracted with the CIGNA insurance panel. I have chosen not to get on insurance panels because I believe there are too many risks when using insurance in counseling. I want to be able to work on the goals you want to work on, not what the insurance company believes is best for you. I can appreciate counseling can seem expensive, but your happiness is worth so much more. Read my Risks of Using Insurance page to better understand how insurance could potentially hinder the counseling process.
I see clients Monday through Thursday. Please contact me for current schedule openings. Payments are due at the time of the appointment. I accept cash, check, Visa, Mastercard, or Discover credit and debit cards.
Once we have scheduled your first appointment, I can either provide you with intake paperwork via email, or you can come in about 15-20 minutes early to our first session and complete the packet in my office. Completing the forms prior to your first appointment will allow us to begin working faster in the first session.
At the First Appointment
I can appreciate if you feel nervous about your first appointment and have questions about the counseling process. You are not alone. In the first few minutes of our session, I normally "break the ice" and discuss my policies so you know what to expect.
Then, I really want to know what is going on with you. Many of my clients tell me they start to feel a little better after the first session as they really get the chance to get the problems "off their chest." This is the opportunity for you to become comfortable with me, and for me to provide you a safe, non-judgmental environment for you. If you have concerns at any time, I invite you to discuss them with me, as I truly believe you will gain the most benefit when you feel comfortable with the therapeutic process.
How Will I Know When Therapy is Over?
Unfortunately, I cannot guarantee that your problems will be resolved in a specific number of sessions. Usually, we can sense together when your counseling is coming to an end. At that point, we can look at your progress. Did you accomplish the goals you expected? Maybe we even tackled goals you were not initially expecting, but are benefiting your life. You may find you need to end counseling earlier than expected. That's okay. You can always call me if you find you need to return in the future and we can determine the best path for you at that point in time.
Jodi Blackley, M.S. Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist 909-287-3624
