Elizabeth L Stivers LCSW
Find the expert therapy you're looking for in Brentwood TN
(931) 334-0098
1730 General George Patton Dr #204
Brentwood, TN
"The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen."
- Elizabeth Kubler-Ross
Questions about therapy?
Your questions answered here
Therapy has been shown to have many long term benefits. While the therapeutic process is a combination of both science and art, it is not and should not be a mystery. This FAQ page is designed to have your most pressing questions answered clearly and simply. Many clients want these questions answered before they schedule their first session. If after reading these FAQs, you didn't find your questions answered, please reach out to our at 931-3345-0098.
What is therapy like with Elizabeth L Stivers LCSW? This is a great question. Different therapist have different styles, and there's no "one right way" to do therapy. I design therapy sessions to feel relaxed and conversational. Our first few therapy sessions will involve an evaluation of your needs. By the end of the evaluation, I will be able to offer you some first impressions of what our work will include and identify possible treatment goals for our work together. You should evaluate this information along with your own opinions of whether you feel comfortable working with me. Therapy involves a significant commitment of time, money, and energy, so you should be very careful about the therapist you select. If you are uncertain or have questions about my process, we should discuss them whenever they arise. You can have your questions answered at any point during a session. If your doubts persist, I will be happy to help you set up a meeting with another mental health professional for a second opinion. My top priority is getting you the help you need. If you need more questions answered, contact our office at 931-3354-0098.
What happens in therapy? The therapeutic process is not easily described in general statements. It varies depending on the personalities of the therapist and the client and the particular concerns you bring forward. The best therapists understand this process is as much art as it is science. I design my therapy sessions to feel relaxed and conversational. In our early therapy sessions I will be getting to know you, and determining how I may be of the most help to you. There are many different methods I may use to deal with the concerns you hope to address. Therapy often involves discussing unpleasant aspects of your life, so you may experience uncomfortable feelings like sadness, guilt, anger, or frustration. On the other hand, therapy has also been shown to have benefits for people who go through it. Therapy often leads to better relationships, solutions to specific problems, and significant reductions in feelings of distress. But there are no guarantees of what you will experience in therapy. The therapeutic process requires an active effort on your part. In order for therapy to be the most successful you will have to work on things we discuss in our sessions both during our time together and on your own between therapy sessions. Please, take a moment to review our FAQs to get even more questions answered.
How do I know if my therapist is the right fit for me? For some, it will be as simple as trusting your gut. If you need a bit more guidance, here are a few questions you can ask yourself while trying to decide if a particular therapist is a good fit for you. You should be able to get these questions answered within the first few sessions. •Do you feel respected during your time together? •Do you feel they are truly listening to what you have to say? •Do their questions feel relevant? •Do they understand what you are trying to say? •Do their questions lead you to greater insight? •Can you see yourself learning from them? •Are they eventually able to put you at ease during your time together? •Does their availability fit your schedule? •Do you like them? •Do you trust their credentials? •Are they knowledgeable about particular issues you face? If this doesn't answer your question or you have other questions, please contact our office at 931-334-0098
How much does therapy cost? In our area, the average cost for individual therapy sessions ranges from $100 - $250 per session. This price varies based on factors such as the therapist's experience, educations, licensure, expertise and specialties. Elizabeth does offer a reduced rate based on financial hardship. If you think you may qualify, ask about this rate during your free consultation. If you would like more answers to this and other questions, please contact our office at 931-334-0098.
Does Elizabeth L Stivers, LCSW accept insurance? This is one of the first questions about therapy that every therapist gets asked. The short answer is, "No, but..." Elizabeth is considered an out-of-network provider and as such does not accept insurance. Elizabeth can provide a special invoice for services, called a superbill, that can be used by clients to file for reimbursement directly from their insurance provider. If filing for reimbursement is not an option for you, Elizabeth also offers a reduced rate in cases where the session fee creates a financial hardship. If you have questions about the reduced rate, or you think you may qualify for this rate, please ask during your free consultation. Get started by calling us at 931-334-0098
Does Elizabeth treat postpartum depression? Yes, Elizabeth has experience working with mothers in every stage of parenthood. It is not uncommon for mothers to struggle with some low grade depression during the first few weeks of their baby's life. If it last longer, it is important to talk with your OBGYN and consider talking with a therapist like Elizabeth. The loneliness experienced by first time stay-at-home moms is something we don't talk about enough in our society. There is no shame in missing your job, your friends, or even just adult conversations. Sometime we will hear mothers describe feeling as though they have lost themselves to motherhood. You continue to be a whole person with all of the same needs you had before you became a mother. It's ok to want those needs met. It doesn't mean you love your baby any less. In fact, the better you are able to care for yourself, the better you will be able to care for your baby. Don't be afraid to ask for help. If you need additions questions answered about therapy for parents, contact our office at 931-334-0098.
Does Elizabeth work with families of children with special needs? Yes, Elizabeth has worked with families of children with special needs. Raising children with special needs requires support that most families don't have to think about. Having to consult with professionals about how to best help your child is scary, humbling, and exhausting. Elizabeth has experienced these challenges first hand while raising two children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. They are currently 14 and 17 years old. Elizabeth understands the strain it can put on marriage, sibling relationships, finances, careers, even faith communities. If you need to have more specific questions answered, reach out to our office at 931-334-0098.
How long will it take for me to feel better? This is the question that everyone starting therapy wants to know. The honest answer is "it depends." If you are seeking help adjusting to a recent event or to learn how to better manage your stress or anxiety, it may take 4 - 6 weeks (for some it may be less time or more). If you experienced a recent trauma, the duration of treatment will depend on your previous trauma history, your ability to tolerate the stress involved in recalling past trauma, and the treatment modalities you are open to. The more trauma one has experienced the longer and more complex treatment tends be. As a seasoned and empathic clinician, Elizabeth L Stivers LCSW wants you to experiences some degree of relief as quickly as possible. Her ultimate goal is to help you reach a point where you no longer need her support to manage the stressors in your life. That said, it's not uncommon for clients to finish their therapy and reach back out months or years later for a "booster" session. They have learned the value of the therapeutic process and can use it any time they think it will be helpful. If you need to have more specific questions answered, contact our office at 931-334-0098.
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For more questions answered contact the office at 931-334-0098