About Betsy

Am I the right therapist for you?

Whether your relationship has been damaged by infidelity, loss, illness, or just plan boredom, if you're highly motivated and willing to work hard, I can help you take your relationship to the next level. First, we'll figure out what you really want, right now in this moment, and talk about what's keeping you from getting it. Then you'll learn techniques that will help you regain trust and break the patterns of defensiveness and blame that create tension, pain, and distance in your relationships. You'll learn how to talk about even the most difficult issues in a less reactive and more respectful way. And you'll experience the power of taking greater responsibility for your own behavior to elicit more openness and flexibility from your partner.

Between sessions, you'll be practicing whatever skills you've been working on, so you're always making progress--even when I'm not around. Each time we meet, we'll figure out what's working, what's not, and what's next. My job is to make each session challenging and relevant, and to give you tools to help you be your brightest selves--both inside and outside the therapy setting.

A note to Individuals suffering from depression or anxiety:

Research has shown that isolating, avoiding, and worrying only prolong suffering in those struggling with depression or anxiety. I can help you navigate these troubled waters. I know them well. I can teach you effective mindfulness techniques to help you navigate through fear and pain, and prevent relapse once you're well again. You do not have to suffer alone.

You can expect me to:
* Ask direct questions
* Notice what others miss
* Tell you what I really think
* Care about your well-being and your relationships
* Insist you do your homework
* Make each step as easy as possible

Don't expect me to:
* Sit and nod
* Agree with you all the time
* Avoid difficult topics
* Work harder than you do
* Perform miracles very often

Clients' feedback:

"We got more out of our first session with Betsy than we did in 3 years of marriage counseling with someone else."

"Just a quick update...things are going FABULOUS!! It is like I am living with a totally different person...well, the person that I always knew was in there - the person that I once fell in love with!! He's back!! Truly amazing...I am grateful to you and Al for that every day!!"

"My husband and I were talking about you tonight. You did amazing things for us. We've had a great couple of months realizing how much we love each other. Couples like us could put you out of business!"

"After our first session, my husband said 'This is the most hopeful I've felt in ages.' Thanks, Betsy!"

"Being with Betsy was always like getting a great mental flossing.  I always left sessions with more to think about."

"You are not just helping M. and me, but are helping to give our beautiful girls the gift of a peaceful, happy home that they can feel loved in. I thank you both for that! "

"We worked hard, but you gave us the tools. Without them, we could have worked just as hard and gotten nowhere--except divorced."

"Thank you for your intense curiosity, intelligence, humor, and compassion."

"Betsy didn't turn away, judge, or silence me when things got uncomfortable or difficult."

"Thank you for all you have done, and all that you do. I believe your work is truly PRICELESS! I hope you know how much it is appreciated."

"Betsy pulled the truth from an ocean of craziness."

"Hi Betsy!  Our kids love the OuchKit.  So do we all!  They come in quite handy here, as we 'Ouch' each other on a regular basis. :)"

Credentials and Experience:

Master of Science in Counseling (Marriage & Family) 1983, California State University; Minnesota Board-Approved Supervisor of Marriage & Family Therapists. Bachelor of Science, University of California at Davis 1979. Scripps College, Claremont, CA, 1974. University of Minnesota, 1973.

Over 25 years of clinical experience. Clinical Memberships: American Association for Marriage & Family Therapy, Midwest Association of Marriage & Family Therapy.

Office hours and setting:

I work out of a lovely home-office, perched on a hill, and surrounded by trees. I work: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays, from 9 a.m. to noon. I answer my own phones. I do not work evenings. I also I offer phone and email sessions for people who need tune-ups between sessions, travel a lot, or have trouble getting to my office.  I can usually return calls within a couple of hours.

Fees:

Therapists typically charge for what's called a "therapeutic hour," which lasts 45-50 minutes, instead of 60. This strange and misleading convention makes sense in busy clinics where therapists have to return calls between sessions in order to leave work on time. I don't charge this way. It's not only misleading to charge for an hour that's not really an hour, but I find that 45 minutes is not long enough to get much work done. My fees are based on either a 60-minute or a 90-minute session. 

My fees: A 60-minute session is $140.  A 90-minute session is $200.  Payment is due at the time of service.  Although I do not accept insurance, some clients have been successful at getting their insurance carrier (including Blue Cross and Medica Choice) to cover a percentage of their therapy on an "out-of-network" basis.  I'm happy to provide you with claims forms you can submit to your insurance company.  I also accept VISA and MasterCard payments.