Frequently Asked Questions
Where is your office located?
In East Fort Lauderdale, nestled just outside of Coral Ridge, across from the Galleria Mall. Specifically, at the intersection of Bayview Dr. and Sunrise Blvd.
Address: 1040 Bayview Drive, Suite 110, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
How long are sessions?
50 minutes. One exception is your first session, which I sometimes recommend be scheduled for an hour and a half. There is a lot of information to cover when you first come into therapy, and I want you to be comfortable to give all the information you’d like to share in a safe and relaxed environment.
How do I set up an initial appointment?
Setting up an initial appointment is a huge step toward making change a reality in your life, so I commend you for even asking the question! Seriously. Contact me at (754) 300-6232, and I’ll ask you a few questions about what concern you’re bringing in and what you hope to get out of working together. If it’s clear we would be a good fit, I will give you three options for my soonest availability and schedule you for the time of your choice. Within 24-hours of that phone call, you will receive an email from me with instructions for arrival to session as well as attached Intake Forms to complete.
What is your cancellation policy?
Any cancellations made with less than 24-hour notice will be billed the full session fee. A record of your credit card will be kept on file for this purpose. This applies to group sessions as well as individual.
Can I text you every night before bed?
I think you’re really great and all, but texting with clients is something I limit strictly to matters of scheduling. That goes for all technology (email included). Please do not text or email me any information that could be considered therapeutic (because when you send it to me that way, I don’t have the power to protect your confidential information). So, in short – no bedtime texts, please.
The Therapeutic Process
How long will I be in therapy?
I’m not one of those therapists who wants you to sit on my couch for 10 years talking about your childhood. Trust me. However, it’s impossible to say how long the therapy process will take for any given individual because everyone is different. I am trained in Brief Therapy, but sometimes clients’ goals can require more than “brief” work. The process of uncovering hope in your story is engaging, dynamic, and meaningful. Sometimes it takes 3 sessions, and sometimes it takes 30. We will figure out what your timeline should look like together.
How will I feel when I leave therapy sessions?
Clients often leave my office saying they feel lighter, hopeful and energized.
However, everyone could answer this question differently. Therapy is not a guarantee of warm and fuzzy feelings. In fact, often we will dive into heavy parts of your story that make you uncomfortable, sad, or angry. This is necessary and good for the therapeutic process to take its full course. Here’s my message: no matter what comes up for you, we will walk through it together.
How often should I come in?
I find, overwhelmingly and without exception, that clients are most likely to succeed in their therapeutic goals when they choose to prioritize attending sessions every week. On the topic of succeeding, keep in mind I only get you in my office 50 minutes out of the 10,080 in the week. This means you must apply the work from our sessions into your everyday life to get the best results.
Should I wear waterproof mascara?
Maybe? Okay, seriously – crying in session is 100% normal and 100% okay. We’ve got the soft tissues here for a reason! Expect to show emotion in session and don’t be freaked out when it comes. If you’re not a crier, no worries. And if you don’t wear mascara at all, you’re already winning this question.
Group Therapy
How long is the Life-After-Loss Grief Group?
Eight weeks. Joining this group means committing to attend eight, 50-minute sessions weekly. The commitment here is key, as the group atmosphere can only be supportive if all members are dedicated to providing support for each other consistently. This is not a “try it out” type of group. You are committing to both yourself and the other group members by joining, and it is a commitment I believe you will not regret.
What should I expect in the Life-After-Loss group?
Group therapy is a beautiful experience of shared human connection through the deepest kind of pain. Group activities vary each week. Sometimes we will discuss and learn coping strategies, and other times we will engage in creative grief-processing exercises. Each week you need only come with an open mind and give yourself permission to feel what you’re feeling when you’re feeling it. We are here to support you in the rest.
What ages are the group participants?
Anyone who has lost their husband, partner or significant other can join this group. I’ve seen women in the range of late twenties to late eighties in the Life-After-Loss group. It is a beautiful thing to watch women of all ages connect through the shared grief experience and move into a new normal together.
Can I come back for a second group?
Women often return for more than one group after their first experience. Nothing makes me happier than when clients return to continue doing the beautiful work of supporting each other and writing hope into their futures. It is healthy to continue receiving support for as long as you would like it.
About Courtney
I saw you offer Christian therapy. Should I call someone else if I’m not religious?
If Christianity and you don’t get along, there is a great chance you and me will still get along very well. I love doing therapy with all kinds of people, and I only practice from a Christian perspective when specifically asked.
What is your title?
I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (MT 3462).
How long have you been in practice?
I have been practicing for six years in the field since getting my Master’s Degree in Family Therapy from Nova Southeastern University. I have worked in this office all that time, and it is my joy and privilege to do the transformative work you allow me to do in and through your story.