Services
Beginning Therapy
The decision to seek therapy is a courageous first step on a path towards increased self-understanding and self-empathy. An important aspect of this journey is finding a therapist whose approach is a good fit for you at this time in your life. Since all clients and therapists are unique, it is important to give yourself the time and trust to find a therapist with whom you feel comfortable, yet challenged in ways that foster your growth and support your progress towards your individual goals.
During your first few sessions, you and your therapist will work collaboratively to determine how you might benefit from therapy with this therapist at this time. This evaluation will either include the development of a treatment plan for work with this therapist or the provision of referrals to therapists who may better fit your needs at this time. Please call with any additional questions or to schedule an appointment.
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy can be helpful when you are struggling with concerns such as: loneliness, loss of direction, motivation, and worries, or with difficulties in your relationships, including: assertiveness, anger, communication, and expectations. Anxiety and depression are two common reasons an individual may choose to seek therapy; the symptoms associated with these are often interdependent with one's overall approach to and valuation of relationships. For this reason, therapy often begins with exploration of the relationship each client has with him/herself before expanding to other important relationships in the client's life. Each client's treatment plan will be tailored to the client's individual needs and, as those needs evolve, discussed and adjusted throughout the course of therapy.
Couple & Family Therapy
Each couple and family is unique; you know what works for your family or relationship, and what does not. When something is not working, therapy can be a useful tool to help each member of the family/couple to identify and understand the differing perspectives and patterns of interaction within your relationships. Therapy creates a space for each person to gain a better understanding of him/herself and of their loved ones; this process includes encouraging dynamics that work well and challenging dynamics that do not. Increased understanding does not always mean maintaining a romantic relationship. The process of couple therapy is designed with the goal of helping both persons to interact in ways that enhance each person's life; at times, this may mean that a couple decides to end their relationship. Therapy can provide a supportive and objective place to work through relationship dissolution in a healthy way that fosters an ongoing working relationship, particularly if partners will continue to co-parent.
Walking Therapy
Walking therapy extends the traditional framework of psychotherapy to include the physical and psychological benefits of walking and nature. During walking therapy, the client and therapist walk beside one another, both physically and metaphorically. This is reflective of the client's central role and the therapist's supportive role, throughout the client's treatment process. For some clients, walking may feel more comfortable than sitting in a traditional therapy office. Walking therapy also increases activity level during the sessions, and, for some clients, walking becomes a method of reflective self-care that extends outside of sessions and even beyond the course of therapy.
Walking therapy is not a good fit for all clients at all times. Since walking therapy occurs outside of the traditional therapy office, the client and therapist may encounter passersby during therapy sessions. For some clients, this possibility may create anxiety or discomfort that is not in the best interest of the therapeutic process. For this reason, all clients are first seen for seated therapy during the initial intake and evaluation sessions. Walking therapy can be discussed on an individual basis during these evaluation sessions (and as appropriate throughout the client and therapist's work together).
Psychologist
Marciana J. Ramos, PhD earned her PhD in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Couple & Family Therapy. She works with individuals, couples, and families to assess and improve patterns of self-talk, behavior, and relationships that may be interfering with the client's overall quality of life. Her work with clients is seated, walking, or a combination of the two.
Location
611 Main St. Suite 302D Winchester, MA 01890
Therapy can occur seated in Winchester Center office or walking on several nearby trails. Please see above for information on Walking Therapy.
Policies
Accepted Forms of Payment
Cash (please do not mail), check, credit card (Visa, MasterCard & Discover), or FSA/HSA card may be used for payment.
Insurance
Walk With Me Psychology is an in-network provider for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. Since specific benefits can vary, please have your insurance information available when scheduling your initial appointment so that your benefits can be verified prior to your appointment. If your insurance changes, please notify your provider as soon as possible to verify continued benefits. Client will be responsible for fees for services provided that are not covered by insurance.
An itemized receipt for out-of network insurance reimbursement is available upon request.
Automatic Payments
Clients who pay by credit card may choose to have automatic payments charged to their credit card following each session or if a fee is incurred.
Cancellations
If you are unable to keep an appointment, please call to cancel or reschedule 24 hours in advance of your scheduled appointment time.
A fee of $50 will be charged for appointments that are missed (without cancellation) or those that are cancelled less than 24 hours in advance.
Payment Due
Payment is due at the time of service.