Frequently Asked Questions

Do you work with anyone other than couples?

Yes. While adoption and attachment related couples work is my primary focus, I also work with individuals, families and other relationship dynamics such as friends and co-workers. The life issues we tackle are as varied and unique as my clients themselves.

Do you work with children?

Unfortunatley, I don’t. Treating children is a very specialized skill and my care for children will only allow me to refer them to the best  of the best. Fortunately, I happen to know the best therapist for children in the country. You can find her and her practice here.

Connected Life Center

Do you treat issues other than adoption and attachment?

Yes. Adoption and attachment with couples is my speciality however, I treat a wide variety of life challenges. Please reach out and let me know what you are struggling with and how I can help. Rest assured, if I am not confident that I am the best to help you, I will refer you to someone in my network, that I feel would be a great connection for you.

What is the difference between you and another couples therapist?

There are many wonderfully skilled therapists who treat couples and do incredible work. I refer many clients to them and often hear back about how much they liked working with their therapist. The difference with me and the work I do is the strong attachment lens I use in navigating how broken attachment and trauma are playing into your relationship. We often want our insecurities to decrease or our partner to simply change their behavior. However, attachment tells me that the behavior and insecurity are there for a reason. Let’s find out why. 

What would a session look like?

From the outside our sessions will look like a typical therapy session. We will be talking and experiencing together. However, the work we will be doing will be anyting but typical. In our couples work I will be slowly walking you both through where you are struggling, changing the dynamic and rebuilding connection. The main focus of my work is based on Sue Johnson’s Emotionally Focused Therapy.

What is your cancellation policy?

24 hours. I make our time together a top priority and the clients I work with do the same. Of course, life happens and sometimes we have to miss a session. When that happens I ask for 24 hour notice in order to not be charged for the session. This allows me time to open the appointment to other couples or clients in need.

If you need to cancel please call, text or email.

Are online sessions just as good as in-person?

Unfortunately, I don’t believe so. I know there is a lot of talk about how online sessions are just as effective as in-person sessions, however my experience does not show that to be true. Yes, online can be very effective and in a few cases actually the preferred model. Those are rare in my experience. Being in the room together allows our nervous systems to connect providing a much deeper, fuller and more connected experience. I believe in the healing power of attachment and that is largely an in-person experience.

What issues do you treat?

My primary focus is couples adoption and attachment related issues. However, here is a list of topics where I have found success.

  • Adoption
  • Attachment
  • Couples
  • Relationship Trauma
  • Religious Trauma 
  • Deconversion
What methods do you use in treating clients?

I use a wide variety of methods to aid you in reaching your goals. I lean most heavily on Sue Johnson’s Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), however I may add any number of styles to follow what you are needing in session. Some of the techniques I use are listed here.

– EFT (Emotionally Focused  Therapy)

– Attachment

– Trauma Focus

– Brainspotting

– Experiential

– Psychodrama

– Somatic

 

Does my partner have to come with me to do couples work?

Yes. Couples work would require that both you and your partner attend together. There may be sessions where together we determine that doing individual work is necessary. I will always let you know when I think that is needed, discuss it with you and plan ahead.

However, if the work you want to do is focused on you and how you function in relationships, then yes, we can work without your partner attending. Give me a call and we will discuss what is best for your goals.

What if I am not married?

You do not need to be married to do couples therapy. If you have a partner and you both want to improve your connection, reduce conflict, improve communication,  address intimacy issues or something else, you are welcome.

If you are single or married and want to work on personal challenges and growth, you are also welcome.

Do you accept insurance?

Unfortunately, no, I don’t accept insurance. However, I can provide a monthly superbill that you can submit to your insurance. Every insurance carrier is different and you will need to check directly with your plan to see if, what and how much they will reimburse.

Below are the codes I most often use on superbills. Feel free to ask your insurance about these codes to see if they will reimburse you for them. Depending on your treatment additional or different codes may be required.

90837 – Individual Therapy Session

90847- Couple or Family Therapy

 

How much do you charge?

$225 per 45 minute session

Any additional time will be prorated.

For most couples I recommend 75-90 minute sessions. We will discuss and find what is right for you and your partner.

I do not offer a sliding scale. However, I can recommend some wonderful therapists and programs that are able to adjust their rates.

What is your confidentiality policy?

Your confidentiality is a top priority. Everything shared between you and I is confidential and will not be shared unless first approved by you.

In order to continually grow and improve as a therapist, I will, at times, seek supervision or consutlation from colleagues. During those consultations, if I discuss our work,  all of your identifying information is withheld, and I will only share the details necessary to receive the appropriate input.

However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:

  • Suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
  • If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The therapist is required to notify the police.
  • If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.
Are you in person or online?

I currently only see client’s in-person.

Am I, are we, a good fit to work with you?

Let’s talk and found out! But it might help to know who I am most able to help. 

I work with clients who are ready for healing and change in their lives. My clients understand that something in life has not been working they way they would like and it is takes hard work to change things we have been doing for years. They are ready to look at and feel hard and uncomfortable feelings, emotions and personal beliefs. Each session we are ready to explore whatever growth or healing is necessary to get you out of therapy and back to your life, only better this time. 

Transform your Relationship

Are you ready to start your journey towards a healthier, more connected relationship?

 

Karl Stenske, MA, Adoption Specialist, LMFT 150804

“Family leaves an indelible mark on your life; demanding to be noticed and woven into every piece of your story”