FAQ

Individual Session (60 Minutes) $150- $200
Couples/Family (60 Minutes) $250
Initial Intake (90 Minutes) $200

Sliding Scale available to those who qualify.

Yes, I accept HUSKY Health of Connecticut.

Call me at (203) 441-7060, Ext. 701 or email me at cliffordlamotta@gmail.com for a free confidential consultation. Fill out the Contact form below.

I do a lot of work on relationship issues; navigating relationships of any kind is a large part of my practice. Honest, compassionate, hopeful, AND realistic. I will layout options, paths, and potential barrier or consequences.

However, I will not subscribe to any traditional or strict couples’ clinical framework. I do what works. This means I may work at times with each individual and move back to work with couples together, and if I deem it beneficial. I will also meet individually with each party with a common goal.

When working with couples, each party must commit to working as a ‘WE.’ While an ideal outcome is a fulfilling and healthier relationship, there are most certainly times when a relationship is not sustainable.

Anyone who tells you they stick to one modality is confused. It is rare and restrictive in most cases.

However, if it makes you feel more comfortable or informed, I tend to meet the client where they are moving between Strength-Based Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Existential Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Positive Psychology, among others.

But in layman’s terms, I create an atmosphere of trust and compassion where we are unafraid to challenge ourselves to be honest and vulnerable, but also how we see and use the strengths we have in self-actualization; i.e., create our own success using strengths and attributes with maximum effect.

Clinical training, interpersonal skills, and life skills are the foundation of my work.

• Fordham University: Honors; Master of Social Work
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker CT 010214
• Colgate University / Bachelor’s/1987
• Certificate: National Association of Social Workers / 886627195
• Certified Positive Parenting Coach
• Advisory Board: Ridgefield Visiting Nurses Association

Well, that depends. I can sit silently for 60 minutes and be perfectly comfortable with it. But that will not happen, you will have to trust in that. There is NO JUDGMENT, criticizing, dismissing, EVER.

No session is exactly alike. But in a nutshell, you know why you sought some support, and it’s your job to tell me first, FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE. My job is determining the source of that discontent. It might be obvious, or it might not.

There are many factors that affect our thoughts, hence our feelings, and hence our behaviors. We explore what you can control and what you cannot. I help you explore and identify your strengths and how to implement them to reduce the influence of the problems you are facing. None of the above happens until you feel comfortable, safe, and heard.

When you leave my office, I have not done my job if you feel any significant stigma about coming for support.

Good question! The answer is a solid MAYBE. Some therapists feel obligated to provide some. It depends on the type of therapy.

I decide on an individual basis if it would be helpful; certainly, there are many forms of common therapies; there are skills that we would like to put into real-life practice. I mean, that is the point, correct?

Putting certain skills to paper can open emotions that give perspective and are healing. What I do not do is offer assignments that cause undue stress! They are designed to be therapeutic.

Can they put you outside your comfort zone? If your comfort zone is holding you back, then, yes, they will.

By being as honest as you are able – I will ask you to observe yourself, your patterns, behaviors, thoughts, value system, etc. You can lie or deny if you want to; it’s your money.

I will challenge (compassionately) distorted thoughts or irrational thoughts/behavior, but I do not, WILL not work harder than you are willing to work.

My job is to help direct you to what you may already know. Acknowledge what you do well and own your flaws. We all have them!

Not only is that not true, but it is also proven that the strongest, most content, successful people get or have received support, or advice endlessly during their lifetime.

I can virtually guarantee that the strongest people you meet have SOUGHT out advice or therapy. I can tell you that I work with many clients who are the strongest of the strong!!

People who ask for help know when they need it and dare to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. I know I have!! I will repeat from above. When you leave my office after a few sessions, I have not done my job if you feel any significant stigma about coming for support.

A mental health professional has years of clinical training and experience to help you approach your situation in a new way; to teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself.

Furthermore, counseling is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, and you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better, you could start avoiding that person, so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.

Medication can be effective, but it alone cannot solve all issues. Sometimes medication is needed in conjunction with counseling. Our work together is designed to explore and unpack the problems you are experiencing and expand on your strengths that can help you accomplish your personal goals.

Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQ page.

Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time it takes in counseling to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek counseling in the first place.

If being honest, I think I am more effective (and charming lol) in person. For those times when getting to the office is not practical or desired for whatever reason (traveling, distance, lack of transport, at school, last-minute sessions), it is terrific.

Essentially, Telehealth allows an online counseling session. Through audio and video over the Internet, you can meet with your clinician on-the-go from your desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile device – it’s your choice! It is HIPPA compliant (very private and secure).

Telehealth allows us to connect anywhere with safe and convenient appointments that save you time and hassle. There’s no need to deal with traffic when you can schedule and attend your sessions directly from a laptop or mobile device.

I do believe I can derive a better picture FASTER of who you are, your body language, your reactions, your presentation, outlook, etc. in person. But, we have a top-notch telehealth setup, and I utilize it often!

No, you do not HAVE to tell the truth. The real question is, “Why would you not?” Makes sense though that if you’re lying to me, or lying by omission, that you may be lying to yourself or others, and that could be a source of issues.

Of course, that’s where the good work begins! It’s your money. I hope to make you comfortable enough that you want to be truthful. But I go at your pace.

P.S. I am good at knowing if you’re less than honest, even if I don’t say it!

I prefer to call it challenging you. In a very caring way, YES, I will confront or challenge thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that are causing you distress based on my less than infinite wisdom.

But NO, I won’t yell at you!

I might think you’re crazy, but I won’t say it out loud. I’M KIDDING!

If I cannot use humor occasionally, then you best not call me. I joke but NEVER make fun, EVER. If we can laugh about things or ourselves occasionally, to me, even clinically speaking, that is a symptom of your discontent, and we will address it.

No such thing. It is that simple. If it matters to you, it is not stupid. If it is irrational or you cannot support it by some facts or logic, we can work on that.

If you believe it’s stupid, at the very least when you decide it’s stupid but it NO LONGER bothers you, then perhaps we have done our job!