Frequently Asked Questions

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Does Jungian Analysis/Psychotherapy Work?

Yes. Many people in Jungian Analysis have experienced positive results and outcomes related to increased consciousness and self awareness, which leads to better coping strategies, resolution of inner and outer conflict, and the experience of greater efficacy in the world.
In response to this question, a study specifically designed to test the question of the effectiveness of Jungian Analysis was conducted in Switzerland. This naturalistic, prospective process-outcome-study was carried out in international cooperation with researchers in Heidelberg, Berlin and Zurich. It was conducted between 1997 and 2003. The conclusion of this study was: "Jungian psychotherapy is effective in the treatment of patients with a large range of disturbances and different degrees of suffering. The methods, the setting (e.g. frequency) and duration of therapy can be adapted to the needs of the patients and thus are variable. – The average number of hours of treatment is 100 for women and 74 for men.
More information can be found here: Naturalistic Study of Long-Term Analytical Psychotherapies (PAL) and on the C.G. Jung Zurich Institute Website at www.jung.edu .
You can also go to the American Psychological Association help center at
http://www.apahelpcenter.org. Go to the "search" box and type in "Does therapy work?" and you will pull up numerous citations for research about the efficacy of therapy and the mechanisms involved in producing change through the process.

What if I don’t remember my dreams or I don’t want to work with them?

Jung has said that the Unconscious takes the same attitude toward consciousness as consciousness (the ego) takes toward it. Therefore, if it is being valued, or paid attention to, it will make itself known. That is, when we pay attention to our dreams and we want to remember, we usually do. Often people say that when they begin to try to record their dreams, even if they have not remembered a dream for years, they begin to recall them. That being said, it is not required that one work with dreams. There are other ways of working with unconscious contents, since they manifest in a variety of ways. These include affects (emotions), symptoms such as addictions, depression and anxiety, as well as the dynamics of the transference (the relationship between analyst and client). The most important thing is an openness to the unconscious.

How often do we meet?

I recommend meeting at least once a week in the beginning of the analysis. The work moves forward best in a safe, trusting container that takes time and consistency to develop. Having said this, clients may have different requirements or scheduling concerns. We can talk about this, and reach a decision about what would be in your best interest.

How long does it take?

This is one of most frequently asked questions that people ask. The simple answer is that it all depends on the individual and the issues that need to be addressed. If you have been suffering from a particular issue for a very long time, it is not likely that it will be resolved in a few weeks. There is sufficient research to show that long term psychotherapy is necessary if people are to experience long lasting change in their lives. However some people find that they feel more empowered in a short period of time (e.g. approximately 6 months). There is also research that shows many people obtain benefit in as little as 12 weeks from psychotherapy.
Others remain in analysis for a number of years, utilizing it as a safe container to explore and learn about themselves and the deeper meaning and purpose of their lives. In this context, analysis is a spiritual journey, a space for the symbolic content of the unconscious to emerge as clients touch the deeper archetypal level of reality, meaning and wisdom. This often happens after several years of analysis.
It is important to consider that the amount of time in analysis and the benefits derived from it are directly related to the commitment and the energy that someone is willing to put into to it.

What are your fees? Do you take insurance?

My regular fee is $125 for a sixty minute session. I do not accept or file insurance. However, if you have out of network benefits with your insurance provider and you plan to file, I will gladly provide you the appropriate documentation to include with your claim forms. Any reimbursements your plan provides will then be paid directly to you.
What about Code of Ethics and Confidentiality?
All analytic sessions are held in the utmost confidence. There are few exceptions to this which are based in the "Duty to Warn" requirement that all psychotherapists must abide by. The following exceptions require disclosure by law in South Carolina: child abuse/neglect, imminent danger to self or others, or court order by a judge.

What is the Cancellation Policy?
When booking an appointment, you are reserving my time to be exclusively with you and to avail yourself of my expertise and knowledge. If you are unable to make a scheduled appointment, I ask for 24 hours notice of cancellation. Unless the cancellation is due to serious illness or other extenuating circumstances, the full session fee is applied.