COPE fees are set based on treatment specialties and standard rates for doctoral level clinicians. Although our rates vary depending on the clinician and the specific services you are requesting, generally speaking our individual therapy rates begin at $250. Lower fee slots do occasionally become available. We welcome you to contact us to discuss your specific treatment and financial needs. If we are unable to accommodate you, we are happy to provide you referrals to lower fee mental health centers. For specific group rates or rates on IMPROVE: Outpatient Substance Use Treatment Program, please contact us for more information.

Do you take insurance?

COPE is not affiliated with a particular insurance panel and is considered an out-of-network provider. However, Dr. Rubin is a Lyra provider and can see individuals with Lyra benefits. Please check with your insurance company to inquire into possible out-of-network benefits and rates for reimbursement. Upon request, COPE providers can provide a monthly statement documenting services received that can be used for possible reimbursement from your insurance company and/or healthcare spending accounts. Some questions that may be helpful to ask your insurance company: Do I have mental health benefits? Do I have out-of-network benefits? If so, what are the benefits? How would I obtain reimbursement for an out-of-network provider? How many sessions will be covered per calendar year? What is my deductible and has it been met?

How long does therapy last?

Treatment length varies greatly depending on your specific concerns. However, research has shown that significant improvements can be made within 12 weeks and sometimes less. Some concerns may require longer-term treatment and some individuals choose to continue coming to therapy even after initial treatment gains to maintain skills, prevent backsliding, and manage weekly stressors. Your therapist will work with you closely in the initial sessions to clarify your presenting concerns and an expected treatment duration.

How do I know if therapy will work?

Finding the right therapist mixed with the right treatment can sometimes feel like finding a unicorn for those looking to begin therapy. However, at COPE we try to make this process a reality with a number of talented, specialty trained clinicians who work with you to customize a course of treatment that suits your needs.

What can I expect from the first few therapy sessions?

The initial therapy sessions are a great time for your therapist to get to know you and for you to get to know your therapist. Both are equally important. Your therapist will use this time to ask you a variety of questions in many different domains to understand as much breadth and depth of your life as possible in order to develop a thorough treatment plan. It is important to develop a set of goals that will guide treatment during these initial sessions.

The Psychology of Forgiveness: A Journey to Health and Happiness

Forgiveness is often seen as an elusive virtue, but it holds within it a transformative power. Forgiveness is a profound act of releasing resentment and finding solace in letting go of past grievances. Emerging research showcases how the psychology of forgiveness can have a profound impact on both mental and physical well-being, offering a prescription for better health and happiness.

The Psychology of Forgiveness and Physical Well-being

Dr. Fred Luskin, a leading authority on the psychology of forgiveness, sheds light on the intricate interplay between the psychology of forgiveness and our physiological state. According to Dr. Luskin, harboring unforgiveness places a burden on our nervous, cardiovascular, and endocrine systems, manifesting in various physical ailments over time. By embracing forgiveness, individuals can alleviate this burden, fostering a state of inner peace that reverberates throughout their being.

The Conditional Nature of Forgiveness

But is forgiveness conditional? Dr. Luskin suggests that while it may be easier to forgive in the presence of an apology or restitution, true forgiveness transcends external validation. It is a deeply personal journey that liberates us from the shackles of resentment, independent of the actions of the offender. Indeed, the psychology of forgiveness empowers us to reclaim our agency and relinquish the hold that past transgressions may have over our lives.

Dispelling Misconceptions about Forgiveness

Yet, the notion of forgiveness often sparks resistance, with some fearing that it condones wrongdoing. Dr. Luskin dispels this misconception, emphasizing that the psychology of forgiveness does not equate to excusing or justifying harmful behavior. Rather, it acknowledges the pain inflicted while affording us the opportunity to transcend bitterness and reclaim our emotional autonomy.

Challenges of Self-Forgiveness

Forgiving oneself, however, may prove to be the most formidable challenge. Dr. Luskin acknowledges the complexity of self-forgiveness, noting that individuals may readily extend compassion to others while withholding it from themselves. Yet, he underscores the importance of embracing our imperfections, allowing ourselves to feel and express our emotions authentically, and ultimately, forging a path towards self-compassion and healing.

Expanding the Scope of Forgiveness

Expanding the scope of the psychology of forgiveness beyond individual transgressions, Dr. Luskin invites us to consider its broader implications on our relationship with life itself. In times of existential turmoil, such as the current pandemic, forgiveness emerges as a profound attitude towards existence – one that acknowledges suffering, yet fosters resilience, gratitude, and compassion.

Tangible Benefits of Forgiveness in Healing

Forgiveness offers indispensable advantages for both mental and physical well-being, as outlined by Luskin. It brings about a notable decrease in depression, anger, stress, cardiovascular disease, and pain. Simultaneously, the psychology of forgiveness fosters enhancements in hope, compassion, self-confidence, and immune response. Embracing forgiveness not only alleviates the burden of negative emotions but also cultivates a more optimistic outlook and strengthens one’s resilience to life’s challenges, contributing to overall health and vitality.

Dr. Rangan Chatterjee’s pioneering approach underscores the tangible benefits of forgiveness in mitigating disease and illness. By referring a patient to therapy to address unresolved grievances, Dr. Chatterjee facilitated a profound shift in her emotional well-being, ultimately improving her blood pressure and overall health. This additional evidence underscores the transformative potential of forgiveness as a catalyst for healing and holistic wellness.

Essential Skills for Cultivating Forgiveness

To cultivate forgiveness in our lives, we must hone five essential skills, as elucidated by Shauna Shapiro in Rewire Your Mind: Discover the Science + Practice of Mindfulness. Acceptance, emotional regulation, shifting perspectives, empathy, compassion, and radical responsibility form the cornerstone of forgiveness, enabling us to navigate the intricate terrain of forgiveness with grace and resilience.

1. Acceptance

Acceptance forms the cornerstone of forgiveness, allowing us to acknowledge and come to terms with past experiences. It’s important to understand that acceptance is not synonymous with defeat or resignation. Instead, it involves embracing the reality of what has happened without clinging to feelings of resentment or denial.

To practice acceptance, remind yourself that while you cannot change the past, you have the power to change how you perceive and respond to it. Separate the pain of the past from the suffering caused by holding onto it, recognizing that suffering is often a result of our resistance to accepting what has occurred.

2. Emotional Regulation

Emotional regulation is crucial for managing the intense feelings that often accompany forgiveness. When faced with negative emotions such as anger, hurt, or grief, it’s common to experience a “hijacking” of the amygdala – the part of the brain responsible for triggering the fight or flight response.

Instead of suppressing these emotions, practice emotional regulation by acknowledging and labeling them. Say to yourself, “I feel tense,” “My heart is racing,” or “I am scared.” This simple act of recognition creates space between you and your emotions, allowing you to respond calmly and thoughtfully rather than reacting impulsively.

3. Shifting Perspectives

Shifting perspectives enables us to step back from our own subjective narrative and gain a broader understanding of our experiences. By observing our thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations without judgment, we can develop a sense of psychological distance that fosters forgiveness.

Mindfulness practices are particularly effective for cultivating this skill. Engage in activities such as meditation or deep breathing exercises to create a space for observing your thoughts and emotions without becoming entangled in them. Remember that you are not defined by your experiences; instead, you have the power to shape your perspective and choose how to respond.

4. Empathy and Compassion

Empathy and compassion are essential qualities that facilitate the forgiveness process. Empathy allows us to understand the pain of others, while compassion motivates us to take action to alleviate that suffering.

Practice empathy by putting yourself in the shoes of those who have wronged you, striving to understand their motivations and experiences. Cultivate compassion by extending kindness and understanding towards yourself and others, recognizing that forgiveness is a journey that requires patience and self-compassion.

5. Radical Responsibility

Radical responsibility involves taking ownership of our actions, feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. Rather than reacting with blame or denial, embrace accountability and recognize the role you play in shaping your experiences.

To practice radical responsibility, reflect on past behaviors and their consequences without judgment or self-criticism. Identify unhealthy patterns and commit to making positive changes moving forward. By taking responsibility for our actions, we empower ourselves to break free from cycles of resentment and embrace a path of forgiveness and healing.

Incorporating these skills into your daily life can transform your relationship with forgiveness, empowering you to release past grievances and cultivate a deeper sense of peace and well-being. Remember that forgiveness is a journey, and each step you take towards it brings you closer to healing and liberation.

Reach Out Today

Are you struggling to forgive and move forward from past hurts? It’s time to take the first step towards healing and emotional well-being. Reach out to COPE Psychological Center today to access therapy and guidance tailored to help you navigate the journey of forgiveness. Our compassionate and experienced therapists are here to provide you with the support and tools you need to release the burden of resentment and embrace a path of healing and growth.

Don’t let the weight of unforgiveness hold you back any longer. Take action now and embark on a journey towards greater peace, resilience, and self-empowerment. Contact COPE Psychological Center today to start your transformative journey towards forgiveness.