Joan Burley, LCSW

I work with individuals who are experiencing a wide variety of adjustment, trauma and social functioning issues.  These include: anger, anxiety, co-dependency, domestice violence [victim or offender], gay/lesbian/transexual social adjustment, grief, sexual abuse, stress, and spirituality.

One-on-one conversations are sometimes difficult, and the job of the therapist is help you develop more resilience, patience and compassion [for yourself first], and to expand the number of thoughtful responses to every day life situations.  It is worth risking exposure to a caring counselor to attain a freer, fuller life.  My approach incorporates strong ethics, personal boundaries and acceptance of cultural differences.  My goal is to help you succeed in life with the personal tools and skills best suited for you.

As the need arises I offer group therapy and life expansion experiences.  Sample topics addressed are grief and mourning, coming out [social adjustment] support for LGBTQ clients, alcohol or other substance abuse, and major life transitions like divorce, blending families, military discharge, etc.

Often a group experience can be more comfortable for participants.  Clients can find 'kindred spirits' in groups, have an easier time disclosing information critical to making life changes, and have access to a wide variety of perspectives on the issue.

There is no requirement that a person be in individual therapy prior or subsequent to joining a therapeutic group.

To get started, you will be asked to provide your name, phone number and e-mail address where you can receive personal messages.  Intake 'paperwork' is done through a link to my practice management system.  Text messages and/or e-mail messaging is used to remind you of appointments and provide a link to each session.

Client confidentiality is a cornerstone to creating the trusting and open communication needed for the delivery of effective mental health treatment.  Your clinician respects your privacy, honors your decision to seek treatment, and acknowledges the strengths that you bring to each session.

Individual counseling clients experience an initial visit of 90 minutes [$150], with 50 minute subsequent sessions [$125].  A longer initial visit is offered to allow time to clearly define the immediate problem and to determine the best course of treatment for the client.  Subsequent sessions are scheduled as needed until the client and practitioner agree to discontinue.  Many clients experience relief of acute symptoms within a few weeks, and at times more than one session is needed to completely assess the client's current condition[s].  The fifty minute face-to-face time is considered an hour of service to allow for the paperwork required to accurately document the session.  Payment in full is expected at the time of service [cash or credit card] for individual sesssions, and appointments cancelled or re-scheduled more than 24 hours in advance will not be charged.

Treating emergency psychiatric conditions is not within our scope of practice.  
Should such an emergency arise, please call 911 for assistance.