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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