Why Does Therapy Cost So Much, Part 2

You saw the fee for counseling and freaked out, now what? Today I continue my discussion on why therapy costs so much. This is a four part series because I want to address some common reactions to the fee associated with therapy. In part 2, I talk about how therapy is an investment.

You may still be thinking $125 is a lot of money, and trust me I understand. But let’s look at what an investment in therapy gets you.

• Therapy gives you hope. Through the process of counseling you will learn you are not alone and that you can overcome the pain and upset you are feeling. You will find feeling so terrible will not last forever.

• Therapy gives you understanding. By engaging in therapy you learn about yourself and gain a deeper understanding of how you think, what you do, and why you do it.

• Therapy reduces your pain. By talking about your fears, deepest thoughts, and concerns you allow yourself to let go of the hurt and pain you experience. I have worked with individuals and have seen them overcome years of hurt and pain. They entered counseling assuming they would never feel any better but as they engaged and shared they experienced feeling less pain and emotional upset.

• Therapy reduces symptoms of anorexia and bulimia and other eating disorders. Therapy reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety, and can often eliminate thoughts of suicide and self-harm. Don’t believe me? Ask anyone that has seriously worked in therapy and they will tell you their symptoms improved.

• Therapy improves your confidence and self-esteem. By reflecting and allowing yourself to share with another individual you learn to appreciate and love your qualities. Therapy can help you learn to love and value even your weaknesses. Therapy can help you face and overcome shame. Imagine the quality of your life if you had improved confidence and self-esteem?
  Would your job improve? Would you have greater relationship satisfaction? Would you sleep better at night?

• Therapy helps! Bottom line therapy can and does work. I have had the privilege to see hundreds of people improve. If they can do it, you can overcome too.

Therapy is an investment! – It takes time and energy

I will be honest and tell you I may not be the right therapist for you and if that is the case $125 is a lot of money.

But what if I am the right therapist for you?

And what if you can experience improved happiness, hope, and confidence?

What if you can overcome your eating disorder?

Eating disorders kill people – but what if $125 a session for a few months of therapy could save your life?

It may seem like a large investment – but it takes care and time to help you overcome your eating disorder. It takes time and effort to overcome your mental illness and suffering. What is totally awesome is that with an investment and some time you can be be well and happy.

WHAT IS TRULY IMPORTANT TO YOU??

Is spending $500 on a bag worth more than investing in yourself, your happiness or your relationship? What is more important to you? A $500 bag or your happiness and wellbeing? When you consider the benefits of therapy and what therapy can offer you the investment is worth the time and the money.

It is possible you are still thinking, “But $125 per session is still a lot of money!”?”

It’s time to change perspective. Instead of thinking it’s too much money, start thinking of it as an investment in YOU. In an earlier blog I discussed how much we invest in “things” in our lives and if we are willing to invest in quality products, why wouldn’t we want to invest in quality care for our mental well being?

So what will I get for my investment?

Just as you are considering investing in yourself, I have also invested heavily and continue to do so in order to provide the best quality therapy you deserve. I have been a Licensed Professional Counselor for over 10 years, but you will likely find several therapists in our area with even greater experience. So what sets me apart from others? My education, training and experience is what allows me to be qualified to help you.

I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Baylor University and my Masters degree from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. After I graduated from graduate school I started working at Timberline Knolls. Being one of the first individuals hired to work with a team to develop the eating disorder program at Timberline Knolls.

For months we sat in trainings with experts around the country in addiction and eating disorders. We planned and developed a program that is now nationally recognized as a top eating disorder program. I personally sat with brave and courageous women and walked with them as they overcame anorexia and bulimia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, self-harming behaviors, anxiety, sexual and family trauma. I sat with young woman and witnessed the struggle to eat and then try to avoid eating disorder behaviors. For more about my education, background, and experience visit Get to Know Dr. Steph page.

My training, licensing, and supervision were expensive and I continue to train, educate and keep my skills current each year.

So I’m paying for your education?

No way! But just as you want the right doctor for what ales you, the same is true for your mental health!

For example: Let’s say you drive a BMW. Your car takes a lot of care and requires special services to maintain and keep it in working order. You are not able to service your car at a Ford dealership and must service your car at a specialized dealership. You know your car is in good hands at the speciality dealership and service department. Even if you do not drive a BMW you can trust this dealership to service your car well. You will most certainly pay more for servicing your car at the BMW dealership but you know your car will receive qualified and specialized care.

The point I am trying to make is that my special training and education qualifies me to treat not only eating disorders but other mental health conditions. You can trust that you are in good hands when you work with me.

What is important for you to know is that I have personally helped people overcome anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, and depression. I am also working toward a specialized certification in eating disorders, which will qualify me even further to treat individuals with eating disorders, and other mental health conditions. It is not easy to find this type of education, training and experience in a therapist. Again there are really great therapists out there but do you want a Ford dealer working on your BMW?

You may not feel like a BMW now, but after working with me, you may. Give us a call today and learn how you can start to feel better.

Check back next week for Part 3 of – Why Does Therapy Cost So Much?