Please click on the below links to find the answers you are looking for. If you do not find the answers you need, please feel free to send an e-mail (Julie@juliemastin.com). I will do my best to get back to you in a timely fashion.

01
Is therapy right for me?

Seeking out therapy is an individual choice. There are many reasons why people come to therapy. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing psychological issues, or problems with anxiety or depression. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one's life such as a divorce or work transition. Many seek the advice of counsel as they pursue their own personal exploration and growth. Working with a therapist can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Therapy can help address many types of issues including depression, anxiety, conflict, grief, stress management, body-image issues, and general life transitions. Therapy is right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards change in their lives.

02
Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.

Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you're at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.

03
How can therapy help me?

A number of benefits are available from participating in psychotherapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:

  • Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
  • Developing skills for improving your relationships
  • Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
  • Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
  • Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
  • Improving communications and listening skills
  • Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
  • Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
  • Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
04
How Does Therapy Work?

My role as therapist is to provide a comfortable and trusting atmosphere, which combined with my expertise will assists you in learning to cope with change and handle difficult situations. 

Individual Therapy allows one to one discussions with someone you can trust with your problems and concerns.  The sessions promote the opportunity for you to be heard and understood with confidence that the therapist will help you work out your challenges. 

Couples therapy allows me the opportunity to observe first-hand the couple’s interactions.  I provide instant validation of each partner's statements, while promoting the proven skills and methods recommended by Dr. John Gottman to facilitate healthy change.  I welcome the opportunity to help you change the difficult parts of your relationship.  You can create a successful and happy relationship together.

Family therapy creates a rewarding and challenging experience.  It allows family members to talk about their worries and concerns openly in the presence of an objective observer who can facilitate productive discussion and problem solving.

Equine Assisted Counseling includes horses, EAGALA Certified therapist and equine specialist.  All sessions are conducted “on the ground”, which means there is no riding involved.  The person may be given a task to conduct during the session.  The tasks vary depending on the issue the person is experiencing.  In this type of counseling, the horse acts as a metaphor for relationships, which provides clients the opportunity to look at what works, what doesn’t work, whose problem it is, and to recognize and take responsibility for how personal actions affect others.

Often, making small changes provides opportunity to improve and make our lives more satisfying.  Be prepared to recognize and take responsibility for how personal actions affect you and others and apply that knowledge to your daily life.

05
Is medication a substitute for therapy?

In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. Working with your medical doctor you can determine what's best for you. It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well being with an integrative approach to wellness.

06
Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work?

I am available as an out of -network provider. I will provide paperwork, allowing you to file for your own insurance reimbursements. I will also assist you in filling out the paperwork for the initial submission to the provider if you desire. Many successful, established mental health professionals do not join insurance panels for a number of reasons. The most important being in-network filing process usually requires a significant breach of client confidentiality. For example: to meet the requirements for in-network reimbursement, the counselor must submit an official client diagnosis and an ongoing progress report, treatment plan, etc. Such information requires that the therapist divulge a good deal of personal information about the client, which then becomes part of his or her permanent medical record.

07
Is therapy confidential?

In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and psychotherapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client. However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:

  • Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
  • If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The therapist is required to notify the police.
  • If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.
08
What is the cancellation policy?

Sessions canceled 24 hours in advance will not be billed for the appointment. Late cancellations or missed appointments will be charged the full scheduled appointment fee, and must be paid prior to, or at, the next appointment.