Ellen Kessel Phd
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Frequently Asked Questions

I draw on various evidence-based therapies, tailoring my approach to what works best for each client. I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all solution.

The initial consultation for adults consists of two 45-minute sessions, and the fee is $450 per session. For children and adolescents, the initial consultation includes one 45-minute session with the child/adolescent, one 45-minute session with the parent(s), and one 45-minute session with both the child/adolescent and parent(s) together. The fee for each child/adolescent consultation session is $500. You can book the first two sessions back-to-back or. on separate days, depending on your preferences and availability.

After the initial consultation, my standard fee is $400 per 45-50 minute session. I reserve a limited number of reduced-fee slots for individuals with financial limitations. Please contact me to discuss your situation and see if we can find a workable arrangement.

I maintain a strict 24-hour cancellation policy to ensure responsible use of my time and resources. Late cancellations or no-shows will result in the full session fee.

I am an out-of-network provider. While I don't accept insurance directly, I can provide invoices for you to submit for out-of-network reimbursement.

Yes, I offer teletherapy sessions for your convenience. Please inquire for more information.

I see clients Monday through Friday, with both daytime and evening appointments available. Please contact me to discuss scheduling options.

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Emotion-focused therapy (EFT) is a therapeutic approach that emphasizes the importance of understanding, accepting, and transforming emotional experiences. By learning to identify, express, and regulate emotions in healthy ways, individuals can develop greater self-compassion, improve relationships, and experience deep, lasting change. EFT incorporates techniques such as chair work, empathic reflection, and experiential exercises to help clients process and make sense of their emotional experiences.

In therapy, teens can learn effective communication skills, practice asserting their needs, and establish healthy boundaries in their relationships. By developing these skills, teens can improve their interpersonal relationships, advocate for themselves, and foster a sense of safety and well-being.

Therapy provides a supportive space for teens to explore various aspects of their identity, express themselves authentically, and develop self-acceptance and confidence. By affirming their unique identities, teens can build a strong sense of self, which is essential for navigating the challenges of growing up and leading fulfilling lives.

In therapy, teens can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a safe, non-judgmental space. By processing these experiences with a supportive therapist, they can gain self-awareness, insight, and a clearer understanding of themselves and their relationships, laying the foundation for personal growth and positive change.

Exposure therapy is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that helps individuals confront their fears and anxieties in a safe and controlled environment. By gradually exposing oneself to feared situations or objects, individuals learn to manage their anxiety and build resilience. Exposure therapy has been proven highly effective in treating various anxiety disorders, phobias, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a goal-oriented, short-term treatment approach that helps individuals identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to emotional distress. CBT provides practical tools and strategies to manage symptoms, build resilience, and improve daily functioning. It has been extensively researched and proven effective for treating a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, and stress-related issues.

I have extensive experience helping children and teens navigate the struggles of growing up, such as anxiety, low self-esteem, academic stress, and family conflicts. When working with youth with anxiety disorders, I utilize cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy tailored to their developmental stage, often incorporating parents into the treatment process.

For adolescents in particular, therapy offers a safe place to make sense of their experiences, affirm their identity, and learn to effectively communicate their needs. Drawing from the latest research, I provide a pragmatic, strengths-based approach that empowers young people with the self-awareness and skills to thrive.