Question 1

HOW DOES TALKING ABOUT MY PROBLEMS HELP ME?

Accepted Answer

While at times it may feel like sharing what you are going through isn’t “productive”, in fact there is insight that is produced in a safe non-judgmental space that is hard to access in your day to day life. While you may be thinking about solutions to your problems constantly, you may wonder why you haven’t seen the change in your life. It may feel like you have tried everything. However what most of us call problem solving is really more an automatic thinking process that may feel like a never ending merry-go-round in your mind. A focused, engaged professional interrupting that thought process and opening up new pathways can be extremely effective for creating change in your life.

Question 2

I HAVE GOOD FRIENDS, WHY CAN’T I JUST TALK TO THEM?

Accepted Answer

Friends and family are an amazing support and not to be discounted as an important part of your life, as we absolutely require social connection. However, while therapy may deceptively feel like just a conversation, or even at times, like you are talking for long stretches of time about “nothing”, a therapist is trained to have their focus and lens on specific opportunities for growth in your time together. It is difficult for friends and family to have the capacity and focus to specifically concentrate on helping you resolve issues in your life when they may have competing priorities. Your loved ones are great, they just aren’t your therapist.

Question 3

WHAT DOES IT SAY ABOUT ME THAT I NEED THERAPY? IS THERE SOMETHING WRONG WITH ME? I FEEL DEFECTIVE.

Accepted Answer

This is one of the most common misconceptions about therapy. I think therapy is slowly losing it’s stigma but it still exists for many people. I believe we have pathologized really common shared human experiences. If someone you love dies, it’s normal to feel sad and depressed. If you think your marriage is in trouble, it is normal to get scared and act in ways you never thought you would. Maybe you feel sad or anxious and it’s seemingly “out of the blue”. This is normal too! I don’t think there are healthy people and sick people. I think most people require emotional support and there are social and cultural reasons we that have conditioned us to feel wrong for needing it. It is helpful to have someone who is a neutral third party that has experience navigating similar waters with others as part of your support team when you are in struggle.

Question 4

DO YOU TAKE INSURANCE?

Accepted Answer

Sliding scale fees may be available. Please note that fee schedules are subject to change. I accept, check, cash, Zelle, and Venmo.

Currently, I am INN network with Aetna and Cigna and I am able to take a limited number of clients with these health insurance plans. For those not in network, or have other PPO plans or no insurance coverage, I am able to provide you with documentation of services rendered which you can then  submit to insurance for possible out-of-network reimbursement.

Email: shanalutskylcsw@gmail.com

West Los Angeles, CA

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