Santa Barbara Psychotherapy FAQ

Who is Appropriate for Psychotherapy and How I Can decide if it is Right for me?

Without a strong body, mind, and spirit we can live life as an ongoing struggle, rather than an experience to be fully lived.

Anyone is appropriate for psychotherapy if they are willing to look at themselves and have an openness to making changes in their life.

We often do the same things over and over again and expect and/or hope for a different result. If you are one of those people psychotherapy can be very helpful.

If you have had a problem for a long time and it doesn't seem to be getting better, or it maybe it is even getting worse, psychotherapy is an important option to consider for your overall health and well being.

You may also see a problem developing and want to intervene before it gets worse. Psychotherapy can play a preventative role before problems escalate and become more problematic and destructive.

Some people seek psychotherapy for personal exploration, growth, and transformation. I believe psychotherapy can assist in making significant changes in our lives so that we can become the person that we were always intended to be.

Often the decision to seek psychotherapy means accepting the need for help and support which can be difficult for some people. However, through the experience of psychotherapy, individuals most often come to realize how helpful a powerful a guide, healer, and mentor can be during the challenging and difficult times in our lives.

It is extremely important to find the right therapist and then make the commitment to the process so that there is time in daily life to use what is learned from the psychotherapy sessions.

In the final analysis the goal of psychotherapy is to assist in development a strong body, mind, and spirit so life can be fully lived. If you are open to that goal psychotherapy is for you.

Who Goes to Therapy?

People from a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds seek psychotherapy. There is no "typical" person, gender or group that seeks treatment.

Therapists are more interested in the needs of their clients rather than advocating for any particular "agenda" or ideology. People with diverse lifestyles, including individuals with a variety of religious and political backgrounds, seek the skills of a therapist.

Stigma is the main reason people often decide not to seek mental health care. However, the times are changing and, because psychotherapy has shown to be very effective, "having a therapist" is no longer unusual. In fact for many of our "cultural elite" having a therapist has become a status symbol.

Throughout history there have been healers, guides, and mentors to help with the physical, mental, and spiritual challenges of the day. Psychotherapists are descendents of that tradition.

Psychotherapy isn't for everyone, but most people that seek treatment find it beneficial and often life changing.

What is the Usual Length of Therapy?

Length of treatment varies according to personal preferences, clinical issues, finances, and the attainment of treatment goals.

Individual, Couples, and Family Psychotherapy typically starts with weekly visits. Depending on the issue, the first few sessions focus on assessment and developing treatment goals. After the assessment phase the length of treatment is an ongoing evaluation process with the client.

Premarital counseling is usually completed in six to eight visits. This can vary depending on the needs of the couple.

After the primary issues have been addressed, many clients request regular follow up visits to maintain the progress achieved in psychotherapy. These follow up sessions can range from monthly, bi-monthly, biannually and annually.

How long are the Therapy Sessions?

Therapy sessions for individuals and couples are 50 minutes. Family sessions are often 80 minutes.

How soon will I feel better?

Progress depends on the depth of the problems, how long the problems have existed, and the commitment to try new ways to deal more effectively with the problems.

As with any health provider, there is no guarantee that there will be improvement. However, I can guarantee my full commitment and effort for progress to occur.

Many clients feel better even after the first session. However, therapy can cause some discomfort because talking honestly and directly about problems, thoughts and feelings can be difficult.

As therapy proceeds there is typically feelings of accomplishment when therapeutic goals are achieved. Each session is important and builds toward the future. In this context the benefits of psychotherapy are cumulative over time.

With the learning of new skills and behaviors, problems feel more manageable which results in less fear, anxiety, and stress. Problems also begin to be seen as opportunities to create a new life. This leads to greater satisfaction and the hope for a better future.

What Is Your Professional Background?

For nearly 35 years I have been providing mental health and alcohol and drug services in a variety of settings and to individuals, couples and families with a variety of clinical problems.

For more details refer to Dr. Jim Broderick on the home page.

What is Your Treatment Approach?

I do not work from one theoretical approach. I try to tailor my approach to the needs of the client.

In my thirty five years of clinical work I have had extensive experience in a variety of approaches: Cognitive-Behavioral, Psychodynamic and Jungian, Existential-Humanistic, Person-Centered, and Gestalt Therapies.

Depending on the need of the client I can focus primarily on one approach. However I typically integrate various approaches throughout the course of psychotherapy.

Please refer to Dr. Jim Broderick for more details about my therapeutic approach.

What are your Specialties?

My specialty services include: Individual and Couples psychotherapy, Psychotherapy for Depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Bipolar Disorders, Premarital Counseling, Psychotherapy for Personal Exploration, and Sand Tray Therapy

I also specialize in the treatment of anxiety disorders, problems related to human sexuality, schizophrenia, and the treatment of adolescents

Please refer to Psychotherapy Services on my home page for a more thorough description of my specialty services.

What Age Populations do You Serve?

I serve adolescents, adults, and older adults.

What Treatment Modalities do You Use?

I treat individuals, couples and families.

Do you Treat Differing Sexual Orientations?

Yes, I have experience treating individuals who are straight, bisexual, gay, and transgendered.

What about payment?

There are five payment options:

1. Cash - My hourly rate is $150 per hour.
2. Credit card - Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.
3. Insurance - Includes review of benefit plan, deductible, and co-pay. See Insurance Benefit Form in Santa Barbara Psychotherapy Forms.
4. Sliding Scale - Hourly Rate negotiable depending on client financial resources.
   Because I have other financial resources, my primary focus is on working with clients who best match my professional expertise and interests.
   I also want to provide psychotherapy to those motivated for treatment but have limited financial resources.
5. Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) - Some insurances and companies cover EAP benefits. This most often includes an initial assessment and brief treatment.

For more details see Insurance Benefit Form in Santa Barbara Psychotherapy Forms.

What Insurances Do You Take?

I am currently in the following insurance network panels: Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Aetna, Health Net, Magellan, Managed Health Net, and Value Options.

Other insurance companies, especially if a client has a PPO, will pay for out-of-network providers. Please check coverage with your provider.

It is important to check with your insurance company to discuss insurance coverage for mental health services and what deductibles and co-pays apply.