Common Questions
Family Therapy FAQs
Here you’ll find answers to some of the most common inquiries about the family consulting services. Whether you’re new or a returning client, I hope these answers help you get the most out of the resources.
Why did you create this business?
I started this business because I love kids. I love hyper, exuberant kids. I love argumentative, opinionated kids. I love bashful, introverted kids. I love the kids in between. I think the world can benefit from every personality type despite our society’s need to force our little square pegs into round holes. Unfortunately, some of our kids receive messages that they are not good enough, and they need to change. I want to help these kids round off their edges just a little bit so that their charm, wit, beauty, intelligence, and uniqueness shine through. I want families to hone their kids’ lovely attributes so that their teachers and relatives don’t get mad at them because they are just too darned considerate, sweet and thoughtful (even if they are LOUD, or mousy, or frustrating in some other way). I want family members to know how to communicate with each other to model healthy relationships for their kids and the future of our society. I want to help families find the middle ground where all is manageable.
How much does family consulting cost and is it covered by insurance?
Initial Consultation: no charge
Hourly Consulting Fee: $75 – $125 – sliding scale
Private Consulting Basic Program: $500 Includes: In-depth consultation visit, 4 hrs of data collection, Comprehensive Action Plan Development, and 2 follow up visits to go over step-by-step details of the Action Plan. ($900 value)
Private Consulting Comprehensive Program: $1200 Includes entire Basic Program, plus an additional follow up visit (either in-person or video conference) each month for one full year to facilitate accountability and support. ($1800 value) This is by far the best bang for your buck. It works out to just $100/month for a full year of uniquely tailored support!
Retreats by Mia/Classes: Prices vary
*Payment Plans/Sliding Scale Rates Available
Insurance Companies won’t cover parenting education/prevention so far. The National Council on Family Relations is working on it and as soon as things change, I’ll update it here.
Do you come to my home for the initial meeting?
The initial meeting is nearly always set up in a public place (typically a coffee shop or library). If we come to know each other through a mutual friend or something, we may choose to forego the formal public setting, but home visits, while recommended, are never mandatory.
Is my information kept confidential?
Your information, including name, address, all observation notes, Action Plans, etc. are kept completely confidential according to HIPAA requirements. I would never disclose your personal information to anyone and if I see you out, I will not refer to our working relationship. It is completely your business, and though I hope you will tell all your friends about me, I understand 100% the delicacy of this work. I may use components of your circumstances in a blog/column post, but I will make sure to change all identifying characteristics. I adhere to the code of ethics of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy as well as the National Council on Family Relations.
I’m embarrassed to let my family act normal in front of someone else. Are you going to judge us?
I absolutely will not judge you. It takes courage to ask for help and the last thing I want to do is to make anyone uncomfortable. I want you to be at your worst so that I can be at my best. I need to see the real truth in order to make good suggestions. I am not a perfect parent either. I have learned so much about parenting from my own mistakes. We all make mistakes. No worries. I’m here to help.
Can you accommodate our schedule?
Yes. I do work a few evenings a week and usually one weekend a month to accommodate working parents’ schedules.
