The most common misconception is that seeking therapy means you’re weak. However, recognizing when we need a hand, and asking for help is a sign of strength, determination, and self-care. Life is busy, and we often have little time to care for ourselves. Coming to therapy is deliberately carving out time for you, and only you, because you believe that you are worth it. When we are hurting, and experiencing emotional distress, it helps to have a safe place to go and a safe person to talk to. A person who will be gentle, honest, and who will offer their full attention in order to understand you, and how to support you. Think of therapy like a conversation between two people in a quiet, relaxed environment.

The therapeutic relationship has clear, safe boundaries, and the process is generally goal directed, focused and purposeful. Sometimes simply having a plan and a partner on the journey can immediately serve to de-escalate our stress. Because the relationship with the therapist is so essential to the effectiveness of the process, it is very important that you find someone with whom you feel a comfortable connection, a therapist who helps you feel understood.

Therapy has one clear and definite purpose: that something of positive value and constructive usefulness will come out of it for you. Therapy encourages you to be true to yourself, and to hold yourself accountable.

I support individuals through difficult times in their lives, and work with a wide range of issues including, but not limited to –

• Depression & Stress Management
• Personal Growth
• LGBTQ
• PTSD/Traumatic Stress
• Unresolved emotional issues
• Weight loss and body image
• Self-esteem/Self-empowerment
• Grief and loss of a loved one (including a beloved pet)
• Relationship/family concerns
• Life transitions
• Individual counseling for personal and emotional growth
• Support to create more meaning and purpose in one’s life.

Though the above list helps to offer me (or your insurance company) a quick explanation for what brought you to therapy, most people don’t describe the problem in these clinical terms. I think sometimes labels can undermine our own belief in the possibility of change. I invite you to name and describe the problem in a way that is useful for and meaningful to you. I feel it is important to talk about the effects of fear, shame, sadness, pressure or disappointment. We can talk about how the problem is affecting your life and how to take some practical steps to cope and move through the process. These conversations aren’t necessarily easy, and it’s okay to take them slowly, remembering we are partners moving along the journey together.

There is no one right way to approach therapy. We all have our own personalities, and stories. What works for me, may not work for you, so the best approach is what works for you, is most meaningful to you, and that will help you live a more productive, peaceful and contented life.

With that said:

My approach is strongly influenced by Mindfulness based practices, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Relational-cultural theory.

My main interest and focus is in joining you on this journey, assisting you to identify and achieve your goals, and to offer you the opportunity to creatively imagine a life filled with peaceful moments, relaxation and even fun.

• $135.00 per 60 minute intake session
• $110.00 per 45 minute individual session
• $50.00 per missed appointment or Late (less than 24 hours) cancellation (via credit card on file)
• Time spent on the telephone, other than for appointment information, may be charged at a prorated hourly rate after the first 15 minutes.
• Because I wholeheartedly believe that the connection and relationship between client and therapist is one of the most healing aspects in psychotherapy, if requested, I offer a 15-minute complimentary initial consultation, by phone, so we can mutually decide if my services are the right fit for your needs.
• I offer a generous sliding scale when there is a financial need. Please don’t hesitate to contact me even if you think you can not afford my fees. I might have a lower fee slot available, or I can provide referrals to therapists and/or agencies which accept your insurance, or offer a very low fee scale.

I am an in‐network provider for AETNA, BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD, TUFTS, UNITED HEALTHCARE (OPTUM), HARVARD PILGRIM (OPTUM) NEIGHBORHOOD HEALTH PLAN/ALLWAYS HEALTH PARTNERS, MEDICARE

As a courtesy to you, I work directly with your insurance company and will make every effort to bill your insurance company. Please bring your insurance card to the intake appointment and provide it to me for copying.

If you are covered by an insurance company other than the aforementioned ones, it is customary and expected that payment be made in full, by cash, check, (preferred) or credit/debit card at the time of the office visit. I will provide you with a statement that includes all the information that insurance companies need to process a claim. You can then, if you so choose, submit this statement to your insurance company for reimbursement directly to you. I am also happy to assist you with this process, if needed.

Because insurance companies set the rules for reimbursement, your individual insurance company will determine your eligibility for reimbursement.

• Some clients successfully use their flexible spending/health savings accounts to pay for therapy. 

In compliance with health insurance contracts, I require that all copayments are collected at the time of service.  I do not have the ability to waive copayments, deductibles, or coinsurance amounts due, as this is a violation of the contract I have with your insurance company.

It is your responsibility to know and understand your insurance policy and benefits and to determine if the insurance company will offer reimbursements for therapy. You can call the number on the back of your card for Mental Health/Behavioral Health, and ask the following questions:

• Availability of in or out-of-network mental health benefits
• If you have an in or out-of-network mental health deductible. Is it individual or family? If so, how much of that has been met?
• Whether or not pre-authorization is required.
• The number of sessions per year the insurance company will cover
• The amount they will reimburse you per session.

Successful on-going therapy requires a commitment on the part of the client. It is important that you keep your appointment if at all possible.

I understand that on occasion you will not be able to make a scheduled appointment. You can call and leave a cancellation message on my voice mail, send me a text message or email at herspaceri@gmail.com.

Please remember that this time has been reserved for you alone, therefore, my policy is to charge an administrative fee of $50.00 (via credit card on file) for missed appointments, and cancellations without 24‐hour advance notice. Please be aware that your insurance will not pay for missed appointments. Your consideration of this policy is greatly appreciated, as others may be able to utilize the time slot.