Vanessa Bell, PhD  Individual Therapy, Couples Therapy, Family Therapy
Therapy in Encino California
Individual Therapy, Couples Therapy, Family Therapy  
   

Frequently Asked Questions

Dr. Bell answers some of your most frequently asked questions.

Questions about our Office

Questions about Therapy

 

Do you have evening appointments available?

Evening appointments are available Monday through Thursday evening.

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How do I get more information or make an appointment?

My answering machine receives messages 24 hours a day. Normally calls are returned on the same day they are received, during normal business hours or in the early evening.

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How can I be sure that our conversation is confidential?

All personal information discussed in therapy is completely confidential and cannot be released to a third party without your written permission, except under special circumstances when the law requires disclosure.

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Will my insurance cover your services?

It is best to find out about your benefits as they differ from person to person. I provide documentation for you so that your insurance carrier may reimburse you if you have coverage for psychotherapy. Unless special arrangements have been made in advance, payment is due at the end of each session.

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Do you offer online sessions?

Online sessions are available, either occasionally as needed or on a regular basis, but only to residents of California.

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Is there a difference between having a male or a female therapist? Is it better to see a man or a woman?

Some people feel more comfortable talking about their problems with a woman, others with a man. A qualified therapist of either gender can be helpful. The important part is how comfortable you are with a particular therapist and if both you and the therapist think that she (or he) can be useful to you.

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How long have you been doing this work? Do you have enough experience to help me?

I have been in private practice treating individual adults, adolescents, and couples for over twenty years. Part of my practice includes teaching and supervising interns and newly licensed therapists.

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Can psychotherapy enhance my creative talents and abilities?

Yes. Artists, actors, writers and others often discover they are more creative, generative and productive as a result of psychotherapy or psychoanalysis.

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My spouse and I have a hard time communicating. Can you help us find a way to talk to each other without fighting?

Yes I can. Therapy can be extremely useful in helping partners learn to listen, understand and negotiate differences with each other.

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I’m having problems with my spouse who won’t go to therapy with me. Will it help if I see you by myself?

Many people have happily improved their relationships as a result of their individual therapy. Change in one partner always affects the other and the relationship.

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I grew up in a dysfunctional family. I worry that I have a tendency toward self-destructive behavior. Can you help?

Yes I can. Therapy can help you find better solutions for a richer more fulfilling life.

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Can you help me with my parenting skills?

Therapy can help you learn realistic and practical approaches to the challenge of parenting that lead to enjoyable and more effective ways of relating to your children.

 

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Encino Therapy for individuals, couples, families
Vanessa Bell, Ph.D.
16550 Ventura Blvd.
Suite 405
Encino, CA 91436
Tel: (818) 986-3993
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