Share. Connect. Heal.
Connection> Isolation
Welcome to Connected Hearts Therapy, where healing and connection begin.
Therapy for the heart From the Comfort of home
Are you feeling disconnected from your loved ones? Struggling to bridge the gap and cultivate deeper connections within your family or relationships? You’re not alone. As a therapist specializing in working with teens, parents, and individuals, I’m here to help you navigate these challenges and rediscover the closeness you crave.
My name is Darlene Aviles Perez, and I provide virtual therapy services to clients across all counties of Pennsylvania. I am in network with most commercial Highmark and Aetna plans. Through compassionate support, I empower my clients to explore their emotions, improve communication, and foster healthier relationships.
Whether you’re a teen struggling to navigate the complexities of adolescence, a parent seeking guidance in strengthening your family bonds, or an individual yearning for deeper connections, I offer a safe and nonjudgmental space where you can explore your feelings and work towards positive change.
Together, we’ll embark on a journey towards healing and growth, helping you cultivate the meaningful connections you desire. Take the first step towards a more fulfilling life – reach out today to schedule a virtual therapy session.
have questions?
FAQ’s
Connected Hearts Therapy is dedicated to helping families, parents, teens, individuals and couples navigate life’s challenges with empathy and expertise.
Therapy is a collaborative process designed to support you in achieving your personal and emotional goals. Here’s what you can generally expect when you begin therapy at Connected Hearts Therapy:
1. Initial Assessment: In the early sessions, I will work with you to understand your background, current concerns, and goals for therapy. This assessment helps to tailor the therapy process to your specific needs.
2. Goal Setting: Together, you’ll set clear and achievable goals for what you want to work on in therapy. These goals guide the direction of your sessions and help measure progress.
3. Open Dialogue: Therapy provides a safe and confidential space for open dialogue. You’ll have the opportunity to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment, and I will listen actively and empathetically.
4. Exploring Strategies: I will introduce various techniques and strategies based on your needs and goals. These might include experiential strategies, mindfulness practices, or other therapeutic approaches.
5. Regular Reflection: Throughout the therapy process, you’ll regularly reflect on your progress and discuss what’s working well and what might need adjustment. This helps ensure that therapy remains effective and aligned with your evolving needs.
6. Confidentiality and Trust: Building a trusting and confidential relationship with me as your therapist is crucial. I am committed to creating a supportive environment where you feel safe to explore and grow.
Therapy is a journey that requires active participation and openness, but it can lead to significant personal growth and positive change. If you have any specific questions or concerns about what to expect, don’t hesitate to discuss them with me.
I am in network with commercial Highmark and Aetna plans. You would usually pay your insurance deductible, copay, or coinsurance for each session, which vary based on your plan. I am not in network with any state insurance plans. If you would like to work with me and I am out of network, I see individuals for $150/session, and families/couples for $175/session. I can provide you with a “superbill” to submit to attempt to get reimbursed for any out of pocket expenses by your insurance.
The frequency of therapy sessions can vary based on your individual needs, goals, and the specific challenges you’re facing. All sessions, regardless of frequency are about 50-55 minutes in duration and all sessions occur via Telehealth (virtually) via HIPPA compliant software and you (the clients) must be located in Pennsylvania at the time of your session. Generally, the initial recommendation is to meet weekly or biweekly, but this can be adjusted as needed.
1. Weekly Sessions: Many people start with weekly sessions to build momentum, establish a therapeutic relationship, and address immediate concerns. This frequency provides regular support and helps in developing and reinforcing coping strategies.
2. Biweekly or Monthly Sessions: As you make progress, you and I may decide to reduce the frequency of sessions to biweekly or monthly. This can be a natural progression as you gain more tools and confidence to manage challenges independently.
While I enjoy work with people in all of the spectrum of life, my “ideal client” is a parent, teen, or young adult who has experienced hardship in communication with their closest loved ones. Breaking generational patterns is a huge motivator for me; when we can disrupt the pattern, we can infinitely impact the future generations. The work you do, today, can have an impact on the next 5 generations (or more?)! Wow. Talk about legacy! Life is hard and doing it alone is not God’s plan for us. We were created to be deeply interconnected with each other and I want to help you see how you can talk to others about your pain, so that you don’t have to hoard the hurt for yourself.
Many of my clients are the parents who struggle to understand why their child does or says what they do, teens or young adults who don’t think they can talk to their parents/guardians because of the history in the relationship, or any human who is hoping to learn more about their triggers, the disconnection between our thoughts and our emotions, and identifying automatic body cues that inform us of fear, sadness, or shame about circumstances. When we can learn to share our human experience with others, something changes in us, we start to have more trust in ourselves and others. I want you to feel confident, capable, and connected.
It is natural to not trust a new person. We cannot rush the trust building process and I welcome you to share at your comfort about any topic. I listen non judgmentally, and promise to be authentic with you. You do not have to stretch yourself emotionally to do or say “the right thing” ever! I have an easy going personality, will likely laugh at any of your funny jokes, and will challenge you as needed. Every session doesn’t have to be crying or sadness, we will celebrate the joys of life too!
Remember, a strong therapeutic fit is essential for a successful therapy experience. You can also book a complimentary 15 minute call before scheduling if that makes you feel more comfortable! Here are some indicators that you might have a good fit with me or any therapist:
1. Comfort and Trust: You should feel comfortable and safe with your therapist, able to share openly and honestly. Trust is a key component of the therapeutic relationship and helps foster a productive and supportive environment.
2. Understanding and Empathy: A good therapeutic fit is marked by your therapist’s ability to understand your concerns and show empathy. You should feel that your therapist genuinely listens and is attuned to your needs and experiences.
3. Effective Communication: Communication between you and your therapist should be clear and effective. You should feel heard and understood, and your therapist should be able to articulate concepts and strategies in a way that resonates with you.
4. Collaborative Approach: You and your therapist should work together as a team, setting goals and developing a plan that aligns with your personal objectives. A collaborative approach ensures that therapy is tailored to your unique needs.
5. Progress and Comfort: As you progress in therapy, you should notice improvements in your well-being and feel increasingly comfortable discussing your thoughts and feelings. A good fit often results in meaningful progress and a sense of relief or empowerment.
6. Feedback and Flexibility: A good therapeutic fit involves regular feedback and flexibility. You should feel comfortable discussing any concerns or preferences with your therapist, and they should be responsive to your feedback and willing to adjust the approach as needed.
If you ever feel unsure about the fit, it’s important to discuss your feelings with me. I want to hear about any concerns so that we can reconnect and continue to work effectively together.
Confidentiality is a cornerstone of effective therapy, and we prioritize keeping your information private and secure. What you share in therapy is strictly confidential and will not be shared with anyone, unless in very specific cases, such as threat to harm self or someone else, potential child abuse or elderly adult abuse. If you are under 18 years old, we may discuss any threatening or risky behaviors with your parents/caregivers. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of effective therapy, and we prioritize keeping your information private and secure.
I have almost ten years of experience in helping families, teens, parents, couples, and individuals with varied issues, especially depression, anxiety, or trauma symptoms. I am competent at supporting clients seeking closeness with loved ones, exploring life changes and transitions, and increasing self awareness. My goal is to provide compassionate and effective therapy tailored to your unique needs. Here are some common issues I help with:
1. Anxiety and Depression: Addressing symptoms of anxiety and depression, including stress, worry, sadness, and lack of motivation, to help you find relief and improve your emotional well-being.
2. Relationship and Communication Issues: Improving communication, resolving conflicts, and strengthening connections in relationships, whether you’re dealing with romantic partners, family members, or friends.
3. Life Transitions: Navigating significant changes such as job transitions, moving, or major life events, and finding strategies to adapt and thrive during these times.
4. Trauma and PTSD: Providing support for those who have experienced traumatic events and helping you work through trauma-related symptoms and emotions.
5. Self-Esteem and Identity: Exploring and enhancing self-esteem, self-worth, and personal identity to foster a positive self-image and greater self-understanding.
6. Parenting and Family Dynamics: Offering guidance and strategies for parenting challenges, family conflicts, and improving overall family functioning.
7. Stress Management: Developing effective techniques for managing stress and building resilience to handle life’s demands more effectively.
8. Grief and Loss: Supporting you through the grieving process and helping you cope with the emotional impact of losing a loved one.
Forever is a long time! It’s a common question to wonder about the duration of therapy, and the answer can vary greatly depending on your individual needs and goals. Therapy is a personalized journey, and its length can depend on several factors, including the issues you’re addressing, your personal progress, your motivation for change, and the goals you set together with your therapist. On average the typical family/client experiences initial relief from their presenting problem between session number 12-16, roughly, with some needing more and others less session time. Work can continue as long as it is helpful and desired by you!
It’s natural to wonder about the effectiveness of therapy and whether it will work for you. While no therapy can guarantee specific outcomes, many people find it to be a valuable and transformative experience. At Connected Hearts Therapy, our goal is to support you in finding meaningful change and growth. Here’s how you can gauge whether therapy might work for you:
1. Commitment to the Process: Success in therapy often involves a commitment to the process, including attending sessions regularly and engaging in self-reflection and practice outside of sessions.
2. Open Communication: Therapy works best when there is open and honest communication between you and me. Sharing your thoughts, feelings, and concerns helps ensure that the therapy is tailored to your needs and goals.
3. Setting Clear Goals: Establishing clear, achievable goals with me can help you track progress and stay focused on what you want to accomplish.
4. Regular Feedback: Regularly discussing your progress with me and making adjustments as needed can enhance the effectiveness of your therapy.
5. Personal Fit: Finding a therapist with whom you feel comfortable and who understands your unique needs is crucial. A strong therapeutic relationship can significantly impact the effectiveness of therapy.
If you are on this website, it may be possible you need a bit more support than usual right now. Did you have a good fit and feel comfortable with the last therapist? If things felt uncomfortable, boring, like you were “just venting,” or overall dreaded attending sessions, it is likely you did not have a good fit with the provider.
The biggest predictor of success in therapy is about the connection to the therapist. People and relationships are all unique. (Maybe I’m hungry when I use this metaphor) If you had one bad slice of pizza, would you stop eating pizza? Not all therapists are the same, we all have different essences and approaches. I recommend meeting 2-4 times before you decide if a therapist is a good fit for YOU. Life is too hard to not have supports. If you want change, reach out!
Taking the first step toward therapy is a significant decision, and we’re here to guide you through the process in 4 easy steps. Here’s what you can expect when getting connected with a therapist at Connected Hearts Therapy:
1. Reach Out: Contact us via phone, email, or our website to express your interest in starting therapy. You can provide some basic information about yourself and your needs.
2. Schedule Your First Appointment: We will discuss your schedule and find a time for you and me to meet. We offer flexible scheduling options to fit your availability.
3. Complete Intake Forms: Prior to your first session, you’ll receive intake forms to complete. These forms provide essential information about your background, concerns, and goals, helping your therapist prepare for your sessions.
4. Begin Therapy: During your first session, I will work with you to set goals, discuss your concerns, and develop a plan for your therapy journey. This is the start of a collaborative process aimed at achieving positive outcomes.
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Don’t wait to get the support you need. Whether you’re ready to tackle life’s challenges or seeking a fresh perspective, we’re here to help. Connect with us today to book your session and take the next step toward a brighter, more connected future.
Connected Hearts Therapy offers compassionate and expert therapy services to help families, parents, teens, individuals, and couples navigating life’s challenges. Reach out today to begin to focus on strengthening family bonds, supporting parenting, guiding teens, and providing a safe space for healing and growth.