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Psychotherapyseek&summon provides both individual and relationship therapy work. Mary-Margaret is affirming of, and trained to provide for, clients in polyam/consensual non-monogamous relationships, those in the kink community, and LGBTQ+ clients.
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Individual & Relationship Therapy
"It is my deep belief that in talking about the past, in understanding the things that have happened to us we can heal and go forward. Some people believe that it is best to put the past behind you, to never speak about the events that have happened that have hurt or wounded us, and this is their way of coping--but coping is not healing. By confronting the past without shame we are free of its hold on us." --bell hooks
The decision to engage in psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is very personal. You have to decide for yourself that you are ready for commit to deep inner work, trying on new ways of thinking, and making space to integrate therapy into the rest of your daily living. Depending on the study you read, it is estimated that about 10% of change comes from the therapy hour--the other 90% is by putting the work into action the rest of the week.
What does that work look like? I start all of my clients with an exploration of their core values, and an assessment of how well they feel they are honoring those values by the way they are living their lives. We will set goals based on your values, to ensure they are meaningful and resonant for your life. You can expect to be asked challenging questions, given some behavior and thought pattern change exercises to complete between sessions, and be provided with a non-judgmental space to process the events of your past, challenges of your present, and to make a healthy plan for the future.
It is my practice to start all clients with once a week sessions. We may move to every other week down the road, but I know that I work best when I have at least the first six weeks of consistency to get to know my client and establish a solid working relationship.
The decision to engage in psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is very personal. You have to decide for yourself that you are ready for commit to deep inner work, trying on new ways of thinking, and making space to integrate therapy into the rest of your daily living. Depending on the study you read, it is estimated that about 10% of change comes from the therapy hour--the other 90% is by putting the work into action the rest of the week.
What does that work look like? I start all of my clients with an exploration of their core values, and an assessment of how well they feel they are honoring those values by the way they are living their lives. We will set goals based on your values, to ensure they are meaningful and resonant for your life. You can expect to be asked challenging questions, given some behavior and thought pattern change exercises to complete between sessions, and be provided with a non-judgmental space to process the events of your past, challenges of your present, and to make a healthy plan for the future.
It is my practice to start all clients with once a week sessions. We may move to every other week down the road, but I know that I work best when I have at least the first six weeks of consistency to get to know my client and establish a solid working relationship.
What is Sex Therapy?
By training and experience, my specialty is sex therapy. Sex therapy is truly a biospychosocial approach to wellness. You will experience what you traditionally think of when you hear "therapy"; talk therapy, processing thoughts and feelings, and learning new skills. However, sex therapists must also take many courses in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and other medical areas. Many sexual issues are due to physical health concerns, and we must know to assess for those things, and know when to refer you to a physician partner in the community. Sex therapy can take a wrap-around care team approach, working to address all of your needs. When you are interviewing potential sex therapists, ask about their referral network. If they do not have a solid list of providers in urology, OBGYN, physical therapy, and psychiatry, they will not be able to holistically address your concerns. Not all of my clients need another provider on board, but it is crucial that your sex therapist can help in this way if it is necessary.
Sex therapy does not involve the therapist having any kind of sexual contact with the client. This practice is referred to sexual surrogacy, or somatic sexuality professionals, and is not an approach offered by seek&summon. Therapists operate under a very strict code of ethics that prohibits sexual relationships between client and provider.
If you have been doing Internet research about sex therapy, you may have encountered articles that state that sex therapy is not covered by health insurance, and must be paid for out of pocket. If your sexual concern is causing you distress, like anxiety or depression, your sex therapist can bill for it. You may also receive a diagnosis specific to your sexual concern. Insurance companies need a diagnosis in order to reimburse your therapist. So that means that the time you went to talk to a therapist about your bad breakup or toxic boss and your insurance paid for it, your therapist diagnosed you with something--even if they never told you about it. I will always discuss your diagnosis(es) with you, talk about their implications, and ensure you are aware of my clinical impressions and how I am billing your insurance.
Some reasons people seek sex therapy:
Sex therapy does not involve the therapist having any kind of sexual contact with the client. This practice is referred to sexual surrogacy, or somatic sexuality professionals, and is not an approach offered by seek&summon. Therapists operate under a very strict code of ethics that prohibits sexual relationships between client and provider.
If you have been doing Internet research about sex therapy, you may have encountered articles that state that sex therapy is not covered by health insurance, and must be paid for out of pocket. If your sexual concern is causing you distress, like anxiety or depression, your sex therapist can bill for it. You may also receive a diagnosis specific to your sexual concern. Insurance companies need a diagnosis in order to reimburse your therapist. So that means that the time you went to talk to a therapist about your bad breakup or toxic boss and your insurance paid for it, your therapist diagnosed you with something--even if they never told you about it. I will always discuss your diagnosis(es) with you, talk about their implications, and ensure you are aware of my clinical impressions and how I am billing your insurance.
Some reasons people seek sex therapy:
- mismatched levels of desire for sex with partner
- physical pain during sexual activity
- sexual functioning concerns such as inability to orgasm, erectile dysfunction (ED), vaginismus, and pain during sex
- major life and role shifts that impact our sexuality such as becoming a parent, change in spiritual identity, acquired disability
- questioning sexual orientation or gender identity, and navigating these changes individually or as a couple
- history of sexual trauma
- having a partner with a history of sexual trauma
- navigating sexual desires such as kink and fetish with a partner
Insurance and Fees
I am currently able to accept Anthem BCBS insurance as well as self-pay clients. This, unfortunately, does not include Anthem HIP/Medicaid plans at this time. The practice has a standard self-pay rate of $95 per 50 minute session. The first intake session is 60 minutes, and is $125, to reflect the time invested by the practice in treatment planning, paperwork processing, etc. If you are using Anthem BCBS, please call the customer service line to ask what your co-pay will be. Every plan is different, so calling them and asking is best. Additionally, check with them on telehealth coverage. I am currently only meeting with clients via telehealth due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, and plan to do so for the foreseeable future.
Releveant Training
I am required by the state to receive continuing education for my licensure renewal. I believe life-long learning is the most important part of my work as a therapist. Some of my recent trainings listed below may also give you an idea of my areas of specialty and interest.
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Proficiency Course: Master the Core Components & Skills of ACT Across Diagnoses with Dr. Michael C. May, MA, LCPC
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy with Eric Comstock, M.A., LMFT, LCAC
- Teletherapy: Start It Up! with University of Michigan School of Social Work
- Gottman Method Level 1 with Dr. Adam Smithey (couple therapy)
- Abortion Companion/Doula training with Chicago Women's Health Center
- University of Michigan School of Social Work Sexual Health Certificate Program (expected completion March 2021)
- Certificate in Sex Therapy
- Certificate in Sex Education
- Ongoing clinical supervision and case consultation with Kathy Slaughter, LCSW and Dr. Thomas Wood, LCSW
