Frequently Asked Questions
Please note that I am permanently offering video sessions only. By law, clients must be physically located in PA or SC during sessions. I use a secure, HIPAA-compliant website.
I’ve seen other therapists with lower fees; why is your fee $175/session?
My fee is based not on the amount of time we spend in session, but rather on my 20 years of experience and extensive, specialized and ongoing training with some of the foremost experts in the field of psychotherapy today. If you search, you will find few local therapists who have the combination of cutting-edge skills and expertise I offer, and my fee is actually on the lower end of the scale for those who do. Utilizing these powerful, integrative and in-depth techniques, I help clients get to the root of their issues and achieve results much faster than traditional talk therapy allows. My counseling training began by earning both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees Summa Cum Laude (“with highest honors”).
I've heard that EMDR is not as effective as it is claimed to be. What have your results been?
Not all therapists who offer EMDR have proper, sufficient training, nor do they always perform it properly. I completed my training directly with Deany Laliotis, the Director of Training at EMDRIA (EMDR International Association). Some of my clients have described previous EMDR therapy done elsewhere, and I can see that it was not done correctly. My results have been consistently successful, in an average of 10 sessions, by adhering to the proper training protocols.
Unsolicited client testimonial regarding EMDR Therapy:
"EMDR has been life-changing for me, allowing me to move past difficult and stuck feelings from my traumatic past. Nadine’s guidance made a lifelong impression for me, and I am forever grateful to have had this experience. As an experienced EMDR therapist, Nadine truly created a safe and open environment that helped me recognize and understand how the traumas I experienced were still impacting me in subconscious ways. I gained a different perspective and clearer understanding of myself. My traumatic experiences now feel resolved, and I am able to move forward in life feeling more present, with a healthier mind. I would highly recommend Nadine and EMDR Therapy to anyone struggling with a traumatic past."
How does EMDR work?
(Above courtesy of EMDR International Association https://www.emdria.org)
4-minute YouTube clip by the person I trained with, Deany Laliotis, EMDRIA Director of Training:
What other specialized training have you completed?
I am proud to attend on-going training with some of the foremost experts in the field, including:
Bessel Van der Kolk, renowned trauma expert: http://besselvanderkolk.net/index.html
Dan Siegel, internationally acclaimed psychiatrist: https://www.drdansiegel.com/
Gottman Institute, research-proven couples counseling: https://www.gottman.com/
EMDRIA: https://www.emdria.org/
Richard Schwartz, founder of Internal Family Systems: https://selfleadership.org/about-richard-schwartz.html
Laurel Parnell, internationally recognized expert in trauma treatment and EMDR: http://drlaurelparnell.com/
Janina Fisher, internationally known complex trauma expert: https://janinafisher.com/
Esther Perel, international advisor on sex and relationships, Oprah Winfrey's Supersoul 100 list of visionaries and influential leader. https://www.ted.com/speakers/esther_perel
What is Gottman Method couples counseling?
I am Gottman Level II trained. Just as Masters and Johnson were pioneers in the study of human sexuality, so have Drs. John and Julie Gottman revolutionized the study of marriage. For nearly four decades they have conducted research on all facets of relationships. Interventions are designed to help couples strengthen their relationships in three primary areas: friendship, conflict management, and creation of shared meaning. Couples learn to replace negative conflict patterns with positive interactions and to repair past hurts. Interventions designed to increase closeness and intimacy are used to improve friendship, deepen emotional connection, and create changes which enhance the couple’s shared goals.
I don't have any of the health insurance plans you take. What are my options?
If I don't take your health insurance, you can probably still use your insurance on an "out-of-network" basis. This means that you would pay me at each session, then your health plan would send reimbursement directly to you. This is a very simple process of just sending them a receipt that I provide for you. You can call the number on your insurance card to find out more about your specific plan. My fee is $175 per session (see above).
I'm interested in scheduling an appointment. How do I get started?
***Please note that I offer video sessions only.***
You may either call or email me to begin the process of scheduling your first appointment. I will then send you an email confirmation with the paperwork to complete and return to me prior to your appointment. The email will also include a link to our secure, HIPAA-compliant video session. Many clients have found that they prefer meeting this way, in the privacy of their own home with no need to travel.
What can I expect at the first appointment?
The initial appointment consists of exploring the issue that you would like to work on, discussing a bit about your background and history, and identifying your therapy goals. Your goals are simply what you hope to achieve through counseling; in other words, what would be different if you got what you came for. We end by going over the paperwork I emailed to you, collecting payment and scheduling your next appointment(s).
Psychotherapy for Individuals and Couples
Nadine Shandor, M.S., LPC
Mon - Wed: 12 pm - 6 pm Thurs: 9 am - 1 2 pm 908.619.1155