FAQs

In response to the questions about whether you shall choose therapy or coaching, here are the distinctions that will support you in making the choice. Furthermore, here are some answers to some of the frequently asked questions about Couples Therapy:
 
Question:
 
1. Do you provide the same setting for coaching as you do for therapy?
 
The answer is yes and no.  When I am aware that a person is strictly looking for coaching sessions in which he/she are looking to identify some goals that he/she would like to attain and explore the possible obstacles that may prevent her/him from attaining those goals, I offer to coach the individual in a neutral  setting where he /she and I can engage in a conversation.  If the person is clear that he/she is in need of therapy, the sessions will only occur in my office or on the phone.
 
2. Can I receive therapy on the phone?  How about coaching?
 
As distinct from coaching where the initial session and following sessions  can occur  on the phone, it is required  that the initial therapy session occur  in my office.   I also strongly encourage my clients to attend therapy in my office at least three times before he/she decides to engage in a session on the phone.
 
3. What is the benefit of engaging in therapy only in the office and on the phone?
 
The benefit of therapy is the client’s right to absolute privacy, which a coaching client would not necessarily get outside of the office.
 
4. How would I know if I needed therapy or coaching?
 
My usual response is to let people know that therapy is strictly used for an individual who seems to be in a vulnerable position due to a serious/traumatic personal/professional event such as a recent divorce or being fired from his/her company. With the use of therapy these clients are most likely able to start the healing process.  I have also seen clients who present problems to me that are not directly related to any particular life event but could pertain to other factors such as a conflict with a family member, or any type of mood disorder.
 
5. How long are coaching sessions?  How long are therapy sessions?

Both therapy and coaching sessions are 50 minutes.
 
6. What is the standard fee for therapy/coaching?

The fee is $165.00
 
7. Am I allowed to use my insurance?

Ms. Brokaw does not bill insurance companies, but offers some sliding scale slots for those who cannot afford the standard fee.  Also,  While Coaching and Therapy are both beneficial to my clients, I believe Health Care Insurance companies will only cover therapy.
 
If you plan to seek third party reimbursement, it is advised that you contact your insurance company prior to the first session and ask the following questions:
 
* What percentage of my bill will be paid for services obtained from an out-of-network provider?

* How many sessions will be covered per calendar year?

* What is my deductible?

* What is my co-payment?
 
8. What if I need to cancel the session?:
 
Ms. Brokaw has set the policy that allows 48 hrs cancellation without a penalty fee.
 
9. What if I need both?
 
Because I am a licensed Mental Health Professional, a trained specialist in family and couples therapy and a Professional Certified Coach, (PCC)  I have the advantages of applying both distinct skill sets  in my practice which has greatly benefited my clients.

10.  How are both skill sets used?

As a coach, I work collaboratively with the client on expanding his/her awareness and clarifying his/her thoughts through the use of reframing language. As a psychotherapist with the extensive training for the past 14 years, I am able to rapidly assess the client’s emotional state and will continue to work with the client for several weeks to months on identifying the possible causes of his/her emotional distress.
And once a therapeutic alliance has been established, I will incorporate( if appropriate) coaching techniques in the therapeutic setting .
 
11. If I am interested in attending couples therapy, may I come in alone for the first session?

In order for two parties to start on equal footing and Ms. Brokaw to get an idea about the presenting problem, Ms. Brokaw requires that both individuals attend the first session.
 
12. How long are the Couples sessions?
           
Ms. Brokaw conducts 60 minute sessions with couples.  And, she will most likely conduct the initial session for approximately 75 minutes.