Elizabeth Rae Larson: Information for My Clients

INTRODUCTION

If you are considering, entering, or already engaged in education, counseling or therapy with me, I hope the following information helps you utilize my services effectively and efficiently.

I believe it takes two factors to build a successful working relationship: I must have competence in the areas you need assistance with, and you and I must be comfortable working together. Therefore, in this document I will outline my areas of training and expertise and my methods of practice. I will be happy to give you more information on any of these areas; please ask.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

My primary clinical specialization is in cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy and education. Cognitive-behavioral theory and techniques have been demonstrated effective in helping remedy a wide range of human problems. The techniques can assist you in clarifying your goals and learning how to act effectively to get what you wish accomplished. This form of therapy focuses on identifying and changing pivotal behaviors. Regular homework is an essential part of the process. In some circumstances it is necessary to include this form of intervention within a larger treatment context. Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT), therefore, can be an accompaniment to long-term psychotherapy or psychiatric treatment. Consultation with referring or other relevant health professionals is strongly recommended.

My greatest depth of knowledge is in sexuality. Over more than 50 years, I have made this field my primary focus of study. I have applied this knowledge clinically as a sex therapist, assisting clients to understand and support their sexual development. As a sexuality counselor, I have helped clients to acquire and analyze information relevant to their lives. I have also worked with sexual trauma and exploitation victims, and with sex offenders and others who find their sexual behavior to be out of control. I help clients learn a set of self-management skills that will put them in charge of their lives. I work, clinically and educationally, with couples in long-term committed relationships to help revitalize their intimate and erotic connections.

I have worked, as a teacher, with other professionals, graduate and undergraduate students, and the general public. I am certified as a sexologist by the American Board of Sexology, and I was a founding Fellow of the American Academy of Clinical Sexology. I have been an active member of the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality, serving twice as Western Region representative on the Board of Directors and as Program Chair for three conferences. I am also a member of the Society for Sex Therapy and Research and have been active as well in international, interdisciplinary groups which focus partly or wholly on sexuality.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

I received a Bachelor of Arts from Stanford University in 1963: a pre-medical psychology major with a specialty in learning theory. I began the study of theory and practice in behavior modification during the following year when I worked as a research assistant. I received a Master of Science in Psychology from Washington State University in 1967. My interest was in experimental-clinical psychology, for example, assessment of treatment effectiveness and the examination of conscious vs. unconscious control in behavior modification. My interests extended also to the study of sociology and philosophy. In the following years I (1) designed social skill and behavioral control programs for institutionalized children, adolescents and adults (Rainier School); (2) did telephone and drop-in counseling with adults (Seattle Counseling Service for Sexual Minorities); (3) read Masters and Johnson and their predecessors and began to study human sexuality more deeply.

I enrolled in trainings in sexuality, principally through the National Sex Forum of the Methodist Church. In 1975, I was one of the co-founders of Seattle Institute for Sex Therapy, Education, and Research. Today I am its Director. In 2001 I received a Doctor of Human Sexuality degree from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality. I have led classes or workshops on a wide variety of topics, including: organizing your life, dating and relationship development, sexual enhancement in relationship, sex and violence, remedies for trauma survivors and their partners, sex and spirituality, sexual minorities, and erotica/pornography. I teach clinicians and train interns in cognitive-behavioral therapy and sex therapy. I have a long-time interest in ancient civilizations, other cultures, and the origins of Homo sapiens which inform my opinions about “human nature.”

ACCESSIBILITY

My primary office is in the Wallingford/Greenlake neighborhood at the northeast corner of NE 56th St. and First Avenue NE. I share a reception area and office with several others. I see clients through telehealth.

OFFICE HOURS

TELEPHONE: I am available to take brief calls directly from 9 – 10 AM weekday mornings. You may leave VM or text messages 24 hours per day, 206-822-5702.

TELE-HEALTH CONSULTATION: I offer tele-health appointments via Zoom. Telephone consultation is also available for therapists dealing with sexuality issues.

IN-PERSON: I do not see people on a drop-in basis.

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY: I am available for scheduled appointments on weekday afternoons and evenings. The appointment time I give you, for example 6 PM, is the time I intend to start the session. Please be available and ready to begin 5 minutes before the scheduled time.

NOTE: My schedule is noted for its variability. I work at several locations, travel for professional reasons and write. All of these activities can result in my being inaccessible to you on an emergency basis. Clients who need emotional support between sessions should either have a primary clinician also, with whom I consult, or consult another practitioner.

TYPICAL COSTS/PAYMENT PLANS/TREATMENT LENGTH

My standard fee is $210 per clinical hour (50 minutes). This fee remains the same whether you schedule an individual or couple appointment. For shorter sessions, I  charge at the rate of $5 per minute. Small group fees vary.

Some fee reductions may be negotiated in advance; please ask. I am committed to helping to address affordability since the work I do is rarely covered by insurance. Feel free to discuss these financing questions by phone rather than use your clinical time to do so.

Treatment length is hard to predict, but commonly a year or more may be needed; sometimes up to three years. Much of the work I do is with couples, which multiplies the variables we are addressing. I typically recommend starting with a commitment to 12 sessions before assessing progress since habit training/retraining is often involved. I typically space appointments at every other week as soon as possible in treatment both to save you expense and to provide optimal time for homework.

CONFIDENTIALITY

I offer extensive protection of your right to privacy in my private practice and at Seattle Institute. State and federal HIPAA law requires us to request signed statements from our clients affirming they have been given information such as you are reading; this law intends to protect you as the consumer of counseling or therapy services. Because I must keep these records on file in my office and make them available to the state, if requested, they represent a potential breach in confidentiality. Discuss this with me before signing if you have any concerns.

If you are receiving third-party reimbursements, you should be aware that the reimburser is entitled to review your clinical records; again, discuss your concerns.

If I become convinced that a minor or a disabled person is at risk of exploitation by you, or that any adult is in mortal danger, I will take action including notifying proper authorities.

SCHEDULING, CANCELING AND MISSED APPOINTMENTS

I schedule, change or accept cancellations of appointments by TELEPHONE ONLY, 206-822-5702. I am available to take calls “live” on weekday mornings, 9 – 10 AM. At other times (24/7), please use text or voicemail.

I charge full fee for appointments that are canceled less than 24 hours in advance. If you notify me 24 or more hours in advance, there is no charge. I do NOT use email or fax to schedule or cancel appointments.

LICENSING BY WASHINGTON STATE

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LH#00005994) and am legally bound by the ethical code in the Washington state mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, social workers law (RCW 18.225). You may obtain additional information regarding these standards from the Department of Health by contacting the Health Systems Quality Assurance Center, 310 Israel Rd. SE, P.O. Box 47865, Olympia, WA 98504; telephone (360) 236-4700.

“A person must not represent himself or herself as a licensed advanced social worker, licensed independent clinical social worker, licensed mental health counselor, or licensed marriage and family therapist, without being licensed by the department.”