Margo Steinfeld, LCSW, MA, CGP
The Center for Relational Therapy
Brooklyn, NY 11217
718-783-5066
My Policy Statement
Often clients ask me:
*What’s your theoretical approach?
*What do you do in a therapy session?
*What is expected of me as a client?
*How can I get the most out of therapy with you?
I will attempt to answer these questions to help you prepare for an effective therapy experience. Perhaps this policy statement will stimulate other questions you wish to ask me for you to benefit the most from therapy.
Each person entering into a therapy situation needs to understand that there are no easy answers or solutions. Therapy requires a commitment on the part of the client to time and hard work. We will discuss these issues in more detail during the first few sessions. There are, however, some general guidelines which I would like you to know about.
I integrate many different approaches. There is no set plan, no agenda that I use to guide you. I use different techniques, depending on each situation, to help you increase your self-awareness and understanding of your behavior patterns and belief systems, and to function better in social situations. With awareness comes choice – the opportunity to choose more satisfying and healthier ways of living.
What modalities are available?
Your goals and issues will determine which modality is preferable: individual, couple, group, or a combination.
Individual Therapy explores the beliefs and adaptive behaviors that may have worked in childhood but no longer serve you as an adult. You will talk about feelings, thoughts, fantasies, dreams, and current emotions. With the tools of focusing inward, you will learn to listen and respond to your inner wise voice.We will work together to determine the goals you wish to achieve. I will serve as your guide, shining a light on aspects of yourself that may be hidden from your conscious awareness, enabling you to understand what they mean, how various parts of your self fit together, and how you want to achieve your chosen goals.
Couples Therapy helps each partner discover the expectations they bring to intimate relationships and understand their behavior patterns of relating. Communication skills are practiced to enhance being heard, validated, and empathized with. Disagreements and differences become opportunities to discover where they originate. They also provide an opportunity for growth and deepening the intimacy as you choose to be more vulnerable with your partner. Behavior change processes and re-romanticizing your relationship are some of the skills practiced to enhance intimacy and authenticity. Connection with compassion and empathy are the ultimate goals.
Ongoing workshops and groups in relationships are also available.
Group Therapy provides direct practice of relational skills and a deepening awareness of behavioral patterns and belief systems that keep you stuck. Within a safe, supportive environment of six to eight participants who are motivated to make their lives work more effectively, each member learns the skills of the making of a “functional family.” Group therapy is available for individuals as well as for committed couples. A special group for parents is also available.
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How do we begin?
New clients usually spend the first few sessions defining their goals and reviewing their life history and present situation. My intention is to help you progress toward your goals and support you in making the changes you’re ready for. Once your beliefs can be consciously explored, you may choose more satisfying and healthier ways of living. Although I can’t guarantee you will make all the changes you want or want all the results of changes made, I will use my best professional skills for you. I recommend that you have regular physical exams so any organic conditions burdening your emotional well-being can be treated by your physician and alternative healing therapies.
You are important. I will listen as best I can and respond when and how I think it will be helpful. At some time you might feel hurt or angry because something I said or did seemed scary or painful. It will benefit you to talk about times of discomfort during therapy, as well as past and present experiences elsewhere. You will move at your own pace and I will work as quickly as possible, but as slowly as necessary to help you effect change. I believe change takes place from a combination of emotional and insightful shifts within.
Payment:
Therapy sessions are reserved specifically for each client. Continuity and reserving sessions are important for your progress. Please notify me at least 48 hours in advance if you must cancel your appointment. In your best interest and for continuity, we can agree on another time, preferably within a week’s period. I will not charge you for the missed session if it is beyond the 48 hours notice. I will not charge for extreme extenuating circumstances, such as a sudden illness or accident, once per year. Without 48 hours advance notice, I charge for the session since I cannot use it to see another client. I will give you several weeks notice of my vacations and ask that you do the same. Termination should be discussed in full. Generally, a termination that gradually tapers off therapy is advisable.
Your fee is sufficient payment. For the sake of your growth, I do not accept gifts for holidays or special events, nor socialize at social gatherings. You may pay weekly, preferably at the beginning of each session, or at the beginning of each month. Special arrangements may be made by mutual agreement. You will be charged a $25 service charge for bounced checks.
Please call me at 718-783-5066. I will return your calls as soon as possible. Please do not email me as I may not check my emails soon enough, unless we have agreed to do so. Please do not call me on my cell phone unless I have asked you to do so. My service is excellent, but not perfect, so please call again if you do not hear from me within 24 hours.
After hours crisis care:
I am not available 100% of the time. I do not provide after hours crisis care (11:00 pm-8:30 am). In crisis, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You may contact my office should there be an urgent need. However, there could be a substantial delay in call-back time. I will call back as soon as possible. After-hours calls are billed if they require a substantial amount of time (over 15 minutes) or if they are often. The client is responsible for the fee, not the insurance company. During vacation I check my messages daily; however, I will only return urgent calls. There is no charge for phone calls to make or reschedule an appointment.
Margo Steinfeld, LCSW, MA, CGP
*This policy statement includes a large amount of material, so it is recommended that you review it every few months throughout your therapy experience.