My Approach to Helping
In therapy, I help people become personally more effective to create more successful lives. Since problems, history, strengths, and challenges vary between clients, I may approach this in a different way for different people to find what is most useful to them. We work together to find a resolution that works for each individual, couple, or family. I believe in the ability of every person to lead a happy, successful life, and know as human beings at times we each may need a helper to be successful in navigating life's challenges. I help people identify what a happy, successful life looks like to them, and then go about assisting them to develop a plan and the skills to achieve their vision.
I am also a trained Child Psychologist and Child Specialist, and have extensive experience helping separating couples mediate child related divorce issues such as custody schedule parenting plan, and overall how to protect the children in the process.
More Info About My Practice
For convenience for our clients, we are open weekdays, evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays, and clients can schedule appointments on-line from our Home page. In addition to therapy we offer psychiatrymedication for all ages, and have an extensive Testing Center for all forms of psychological, educational, and forensic evaluations. I am privileged to work with a team of clinicians, so that when you come to Lepage Associates for help, while working 1-1 with one therapist, a team of trained professionals may (with your permission) also hear about your challenges and offer suggestions through your therapist; you can get several doctors helping you for no extra charge! Our therapy space is beautiful and in addition to our upscale offices offers outdoor walking trails, open lawns to sit on, benches around a fountain, and for children even a media room and pool table in addition to many games and toys. We have offices in Durham, Raleigh, and Chapel Hill.
Why Going to Therapy Does Not Mean You are Weak or Flawed
Not only does going to therapy not mean a person is weak or flawed, quite the opposite it means they are strong enough and smart enough to reach out for help. The most well-balanced, emotionally healthy people utilize support from others as needed. In addition, writings over centuries show the most enlightened, healthy people seek self understanding, understanding of others, and personal growth.
The Duration and Frequency of Therapy
This differs of course per client, but in general clients come for 2-6 months, with some folks coming less and others choosing to come longer. In general you want to go to enough sessions to learn, whether that be new to learn new ways of thinking, feeling, or behaving; neurological research has shown therapy is effective because it changes the brain the same way learning does.
Clinicians who offer sliding scale payment structures may offer lower or reduced fees based on an individual's ability to pay. Please contact this clinician for more details regarding their fees or sliding scale policy.