Kelly L. Patton, M.S., LMHC Phone: 727-254-4132 926 16th Street North St. Petersburg, FL 33705
Kelly L. Patton, M.S., LMHC
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions I get about my services:
WHAT IS IMAGO THERAPY? Imago therapy is a model for relationships that was developed by Harville and Helen Hendrix. They have collaborated on several books together related to the theory, primarily Getting the Love You Want. It is a paradigm like no other, in my opinion. I am a marriage and family therapist by training, and my introduction to this model has been one of the greatest gifts to me personally as well as in my practice. It’s chocked full of practical, effective and time proven relationship skills. There are really wonderful and sensible paper-pencil exercises that help you uncover insights into your relationship expectations, your patterns, and the power you have to transform relationships into more of what you want them to be! Imago therapy can provide you with an education about relationships that will leave you energized, encouraged, and inspired! The insights often achieved in the process are life altering and aid in one’s quest to become:
The best magnet for the kind of relationship and partner you desire
The best partner you can be
More confident in ANY relationship
A stronger sense of self
We weave understandings and insights about your upbringing and how you are particularly wired with the current dynamics and issues in your life and relationships. At the same time you are learning and practicing a couple of profound skills. These skills, or tools, are designed to help you create a sense of mutual emotional safety and respect that is conducive to effective communication.
Be seen
Be heard
Be valued
Be honored and learn how to provide that for yourself and your partner (or future partner) at the same time!
WHAT ABOUT INSURANCE? There are a host of glitches in the managed care system. That being said, I am more than happy to provide you with service summaries with regard to your sessions. In the event you choose to pursue filing the claims and seek reimbursement from your insurance company, those summaries will contain all of the proper codes needed to process it. It is your responsibility to check with your insurance company to determine whether the services you are seeking are covered, what the limits are to that coverage, and whether they will accept my credentials. With all of the access other agencies and institutions have to insurance files, I am not an advocate of utilizing managed care systems for mental health purposes if it is not necessary. All managed care companies require a diagnosis, and unfortunately a psychiatric diagnosis, even something as benign as an adjustment disorder of some sort, can impede your’ ability to obtain life insurance or even medical insurance if you are self-employed. If it’s in your file, others have access to it.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT THE FIRST APPOINTMENT? Your first appointment is our opportunity to begin interviewing each other. I really believe that it is essential for the client to feel like there is potential for a good connection with their therapist, and vice versa. I want you to have a sense of knowing that you are in the therapist’s office that is right for you! I’ll have you fill out some basic forms and a couple of questionnaires. Then we’ll briefly discuss what appear to be the highlights on those. I’ll ask you to talk to me about what’s going on in your life right now that led you to seek some services with me. I will also talk with you about what you wish to accomplish or get out of therapy. Then we will discuss a tentative thumb-nail sketch of how we might work together to reach your desired goal. Provided you feel good about the hour you just spent with me, we’ll schedule another appointment.
