1. What is the cost range for marriage counseling services in Sioux Falls, SD?
Lisa J. Stellinga MS, LPC-MH, LAC - LIGHTING A NEW WAY COUNSELING SERVICES
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Kristiana E. Benson, MA, LMFT
I am credentialed with most major health insurance plans and some EAP programs (Employee Assistance Programs). However, if health insurance can't be used or a person doesn't want to use health insurance, I offer a flat rate of $150/session.
Kimberly Keiser MA, LPC-MH, CST, CST-S - KIMBERLY KEISER & ASSOCIATES
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2. What types of therapy approaches do you use for couples?
Lisa J. Stellinga MS, LPC-MH, LAC - LIGHTING A NEW WAY COUNSELING SERVICES
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Kristiana E. Benson, MA, LMFT
I help a couple attempt to uncover the "groundwork" of the present concerns and problems. I attempt to look at "how" the problems started and have persisted throughout the years. However, it is just as important to explore with the couple what will help the problems and concerns become less frequent and less impactful. I explain to couples that conflict or problems don't have to completely stop, but they can become less frequent and less intense. I follow the model from the research of Dr. John Gottman.
Kimberly Keiser MA, LPC-MH, CST, CST-S - KIMBERLY KEISER & ASSOCIATES
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3. What qualifications and licenses do you hold in Sioux Falls, SD?
Lisa J. Stellinga MS, LPC-MH, LAC - LIGHTING A NEW WAY COUNSELING SERVICES
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Kristiana E. Benson, MA, LMFT
I hold my LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) and QMHP (Qualified Mental Health Professional) licenses.
Kimberly Keiser MA, LPC-MH, CST, CST-S - KIMBERLY KEISER & ASSOCIATES
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4. How do you help couples strengthen their relationship?
Lisa J. Stellinga MS, LPC-MH, LAC - LIGHTING A NEW WAY COUNSELING SERVICES
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Kristiana E. Benson, MA, LMFT
I follow the research of Dr. John Gottman and help couples identify when certain negative habits appear as they attempt to talk about problems. I instruct them on Dr. John Gottman's research regarding Criticism, Contempt, Defense, and Stonewalling, and how to navigate away from these behaviors that will annihilate any attempt to talk about a problem(s). I try to model and instruct behaviors that are needed in order to hear the other person. Additionally, I try to help a couple increase their friendship with one another, which can naturally help to reduce conflict through the strength of their friendship.
Kimberly Keiser MA, LPC-MH, CST, CST-S - KIMBERLY KEISER & ASSOCIATES
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5. Do you offer online counselling?
Lisa J. Stellinga MS, LPC-MH, LAC - LIGHTING A NEW WAY COUNSELING SERVICES
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Kristiana E. Benson, MA, LMFT
I offer telehealth services in the states of SD and MN through my HIPAA compliant EHR platform.
Kimberly Keiser MA, LPC-MH, CST, CST-S - KIMBERLY KEISER & ASSOCIATES
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6. How many couples have you helped through counseling sessions?
Lisa J. Stellinga MS, LPC-MH, LAC - LIGHTING A NEW WAY COUNSELING SERVICES
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Kristiana E. Benson, MA, LMFT
I have extensive experience providing relationship and marital counseling throughout the past 20 years.
Kimberly Keiser MA, LPC-MH, CST, CST-S - KIMBERLY KEISER & ASSOCIATES
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7. How can couples prepare for a marriage counseling session?
Lisa J. Stellinga MS, LPC-MH, LAC - LIGHTING A NEW WAY COUNSELING SERVICES
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Kristiana E. Benson, MA, LMFT
Please be open-minded about the therapy session and try not to "map out" where the session should go. Additionally, it can be helpful for one or both spouses to write down any concerning situation that occurred and bring them to the session to try to process them. In my experience, it can be extremely helpful for couples to talk about the problem with a neutral third party. It's almost as if the third party can reflect back the problem and give insight, as if it hasn't been heard before and is now understandable.
Kimberly Keiser MA, LPC-MH, CST, CST-S - KIMBERLY KEISER & ASSOCIATES
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8. How do you maintain client confidentiality during sessions?
Lisa J. Stellinga MS, LPC-MH, LAC - LIGHTING A NEW WAY COUNSELING SERVICES
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Kristiana E. Benson, MA, LMFT
I prefer to see couples together in sessions as frequently as possible. I see the couple's relationship as the "client," and I want to protect it. As a relationship therapist, I want to reduce any bias toward either of the parties. If I do see a party of the couple for an individual session, I inform the individual that I need to be able to bring up information learned from the individual session, if need be, so I don't encounter a conflict of interest or "secret keeping."
Kimberly Keiser MA, LPC-MH, CST, CST-S - KIMBERLY KEISER & ASSOCIATES
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9. How long does marriage counseling usually take?
Lisa J. Stellinga MS, LPC-MH, LAC - LIGHTING A NEW WAY COUNSELING SERVICES
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Kristiana E. Benson, MA, LMFT
A typical session runs 55 - 60 minutes in length.
Kimberly Keiser MA, LPC-MH, CST, CST-S - KIMBERLY KEISER & ASSOCIATES
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10. What can couples expect during their first counseling session?
Lisa J. Stellinga MS, LPC-MH, LAC - LIGHTING A NEW WAY COUNSELING SERVICES
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Kristiana E. Benson, MA, LMFT
The first session is about getting a "lay of the land" regarding each of the person's concerns, feelings, how long the problems have occurred, and when the problems first began. I ask a lot of questions regarding "how" this problem became a problem and "how" it affects the other person. I identify each person's feelings, responses, and normalize them. Additionally, I try to explain that how a person responds the way he/she does is not out of malice, but out of past distressing situations that appear in the present day.
Kimberly Keiser MA, LPC-MH, CST, CST-S - KIMBERLY KEISER & ASSOCIATES
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