Charlotte A. Michie, Psychotherapist in Cary, 27511

Charlotte A Michie, LCSW

Profession(s):
Psychotherapy, Psychology, Mental Health Counseling
License Status:
I'm a licensed professional.
Primary License:
Clinical Social Worker - C003789

My Approach to Helping

I take a practical approach by encouraging the client through exploration of their inner world and educating the client by teaching them new skills as a way to change.

More Info About My Practice

I am an out of network provider which means that your insurance may or may not reimburse you for my services. Depending upon the type of insurance, I do take copay in some clients. For SAS employees I will take a copay of $25 and the insurance company will reimburse me direclty. The initial session is 90 minutes for a fee of $190. Follow-up sessions are 60 minutes for $125. I do provide a completed insurance form that you can mail to your insurance company for reimbursement. I do take credit cards (Master Card and Visa). If you are paying out of pocket then my fee is $95 for follow-up sessions.

My View on the Purpose of Psychotherapy

The purpose of psychotherapy is to talk about your inner world where you can learn about your beliefs and how those beliefs drive your life.

Important Factors for Choosing a Therapist

The most important factor is rapport. If you feel you can't open up and talk about some of the things that are bothering you then you need to find another therapist. Also, the surrounding is important. Do you feel safe in their office? Does the space reflect peace? I think the environmental factors can enhance or denigrate the process.

What I Say to People Concerned about the Therapy Process

It is extremely important to be present with the client without judgement. Demonstrating that their story is important to be heard by being attentive. The client resolves the painful feelings by allowing themselves to admit they are in pain and that I am there to support, validate or acknowledge along with them their experiences. I have found that being patient and having no agenda has to how the client needs to resolve their painful feelings will assist them in doing their work. I have found encouraging them to trust their own process is an effective way to work with clients who are experiencing painful feelings.

Why Going to Therapy Does Not Mean You are Weak or Flawed

This point of view of being "weak or flawed" because they have contacted a therapist is quite common. I tell my clients that it's really the opposite of being weak, that they are someone who has a lot of courage to take their time and money to come into therapy and explore their thoughts and feelings about a variety of things. I explain that it's easy to blame others and that it's really hard work to take responsibility for your own thoughts, feelings and actions.