What is a MFT?
A Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) is a mental health professional licensed by the state of California. MFTs have completed extensive education, 3,000 hours of supervised experience, and completed two rigorous exams to demonstrate professional competency. MFTs work with individuals, as well as couples and families, in a variety of settings to relieve mental, emotional, and relational concerns of all kinds.
How do I choose a good therapist?
No therapist is the right fit for every client. Due to the collaborative aspect of therapy, it benefits the client to interview a prospective therapist, questioning his/her clinical orientation, years of experience, and familiarity with issues similar to the client's. The information obtained will allow the client to make an informed decision about their level of trust and comfort in moving forward with the therapist.
If the client is interested in moving beyond the initial session, I encourage the client to commit to four sessions with a therapist. During this time frame, the client will have enough experience with the therapist to determine if they feel safe, supported and accepted. These qualities are essential when doing therapy and addressing unresolved issues.
What happens in therapy?
During the initial session, an assessment will be completed in collaboration with the client to identify the problems and underlying issues that bring the client into therapy. Therapeutic goals and a course of treatment will be outlined and agreed upon by both the therapist and client. The therapist will review their office policies, discuss confidentiality and its exceptions and the fee schedule. The client will be given the opportunity to ask questions, strengthening their ability to make an informed decision about entering into the therapeutic relationship.
Moving forward, the focus will be on treatment and the attainment of the therapeutic goals. The length of treatment is dependent on the severity of the client’s issues and the therapist’s orientation. The therapeutic process is driven by the client’s ability to “think out loud” without censorship, regardless of how simple or unimportant the thought seems in the moment. The therapist, now having a better understanding and appreciation of the client’s internal experience, can offer greater clarity and understanding, allowing the client to develop healthier strategies to enact positive change.
Will my conversations be Confidential?
Information disclosed by clients is generally held as confidential except for disclosure required or permitted by law. This will be further discussed in the first session.
What kinds of issues do you treat in your practice?
I treat a wide variety of issues including, but not limited to: depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship issues (trust, conflict with family, in-laws, co-workers, finding a partner), anger management, trauma and PTSD, chronic pain, loss and grief, parenting, divorce, family conflict, difficult adolescents, behavioral issues, oppositional defiance, peer relationships, bullying and academic underachievement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Terri De Long, MA, LMFT
Cancellation Policy
If you miss your appointment or cancel with less
than 24 hours notice, you will be billed according to the scheduled fee.
Payment & Insurance
Accepted Insurance Plans: Anthem Blue Cross, United Health Care, Optum, Magellan, MHN and CA Blue Shield.
Cash, checks and credit cards are accepted.
Psychotherapy
Terri De Long, MA, LMFT
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