Frequently Asked Questions

We can work by phone, wherever you are.

In New York City, we can also meet in my office.

Following are some frequently asked questions:

- Tell me about yourself

- What is a session like?

- Are you licensed?

- Where is your office?

- How long is a session?

- How much does it cost?

- Is this tax-deductible?

- Is this covered by insurance?

- How do I pay?

- How do I know this is what I'm looking for?

- Contact info

- Do you do groups? workshops? public speaking?

Tell me about yourself and how you work

I see this work as a creative process: I use my creativity, and I appeal to your creativity, to draw out the best from you.

My approach is grounded in an understanding of emotional intelligence, body-mind interaction, psychodynamic processes and mindfulness.

See:
- Serge Prengel bio
- specific issues: see right-hand column

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What is a session like?

Obviously, there is no such thing as a "typical" or "standard" session. It depends on what you're dealing with. Fine, you say... but you still want to know. OK. Here are some descriptions:
- journalist describes communication coaching with me
- radio interview about couple counseling
- radio interview about meaning of dreams

The above descriptions cover only a fraction of the variety of ways a session can be conducted. But there is a common point to all sessions:
My role is to help you see things in a different way, to "get it" in such a way that you're going to be able to do things differently.

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Are you licensed?

Yes:

- Licensed Mental Health Counselor (New York State)

- Licensed Psychoanalyst (New York State)

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Where is your office?

119 W 57th St - Suite 918
New York, NY 10019

This location is convenient to both East Side and West Side subways.

See: printable directions

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How long is a session?

A regular session lasts 50 minutes
(e.g. 10 AM to 10:50 AM).

A short session lasts 30 minutes.

Usually, it makes sense to start with full sessions, once a week.

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How much does it cost?

The fee depends on when the session takes place. For a regular session (50 min.), the lowest fee ($180) is at 10 or 11 AM, and 2, 3 or 4 PM.

The following times are occasionally possible:
- 8 AM or 8 PM: $300
- Weekend: $300

Phone sessions: The cost is based on my time zone , not yours. I'm in New York: Eastern Standard Time.

For a short session (30 min.), the fee is $140.
(weekdays, 10 AM - 5 PM)

How do I pay?

Use a personal check or company check.
All major credit cards are accepted.

- How do I get in touch with you?

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Is this tax-deductible?

Coaching fees may be tax-deductible.

Expenses of continuing education undertaken to maintain and improve business and professional skills may be tax-deductible Please consult your tax advisor.

- How do I get in touch with you?

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Is this covered by insurance?

Your insurance may cover my services as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor.

I do not bill your insurance. You pay me upfront, and you then submit your claim to your insurance. It is your responsibility to notify your insuance, and to check with them whether my services as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor are covered (and how much of the fee they would cover). Please note that your insurance may only cover in-office sessions, as opposed to phone sessions.

- How do I get in touch with you?

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How do I know this is what I'm looking for?

If you're interested, the next step is to see how well we can work together: Will I really help you make the changes you need?

It's easy to see for yourself: contact me for a free consultation, a 10- to 15-minute phone conversation. See contact info below.

Contact Info:

Use the online form to tell me about you. I'll call you for your free phone consultation, usually within a day or two.

If you prefer, you can call me directly, at
212-337-3737.
If I can't take your call right then, I'll call you back at a mutually convenient time.

Do you do groups? workshops? public speaking?

Yes, to all three categories.

I have been running groups on many issues such as feeling stuck, changing habits, coping with divorce... My office (NYC) is comfortable for groups of 4 to 8 people. If you can form a personal growth group with friends and acquaintances, please contact me.

I also enjoy conducting experiential lectures and workshops (half-day, full day and multi-day), in New York City as well as in other settings. If you want to organize such an event, please contact me.

- How do I get in touch with you?

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