Where Curiosity Creates Change
Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here.
“Your body is not a temple, it’s an amusement park. Enjoy the ride.”
-Anthony Bourdain
Why not both? At Hammer Associates Therapy, I believe that every life is sacred AND we are here to learn, explore, experiment, and PLAY! I am delighted to offer unique therapy services to queer couples, teens, and young adults; students; creatives and artists. I have a special interest in supporting women navigating the connection between mental health and menstruation. I also specialize in relational therapy for siblings and friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach out to jaime@hammerassociatestherapy.com if you cannot find an answer to your question(s)!
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All sessions are 50 minutes (longer sessions are available for an additional fee). In our first session, we will briefly review paperwork and any questions you have. We will discuss your reasons for coming to therapy at this time and collaboratively discuss what goals you would like to achieve.
During subsequent sessions, we will collaboratively work toward your goals. We will discuss any challenges that are holding you back and how to overcome these challenges. As each client has a unique story and unique goals, my therapeutic approach will be adapted to address your specific needs. Therapy interventions I use often are creative writing/journaling, visual art, movement, play, and most importantly - CURIOSITY!
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Whether you come to therapy as an individual or couple, I can help you by providing a safe and supportive environment to work through your concerns and toward the goals you decide on. My years of experience and education can help you improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen your relationships (intimate, marital, friends, etc.).
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Whether you want to try couples therapy with your intimate partner, friend, or sibling, it's not uncommon for one person to be hesitant about attending counseling. I encourage you to schedule a consultation on your own, and we can discuss ways to encourage your person to attend counseling with you.
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Yes! As a marriage and family therapist, I received education and training in relational therapy. I believe our well-being is impacted by the systems (family, culture, religion, work, friend group, etc.) we are a part of. Having members of our support system be a part of the process can be helpful. Prior to bringing someone with you to therapy, we will collaborate on what the goals of the session will be, and how this person fits into the process of you reaching your goals.
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My clients are anywhere from 16 years old and up! I work with teens and young adults on gender and sexuality, identity exploration, life transitions, school-related problems, and social/friendship issues.
With teens through older adults, I also specialize in menstrual health and the relationship between our gender, bodies, and emotions - from first period through post-menopause.
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How long a person remains in therapy depends on a variety of factors. Most importantly, it depends on the goals you are looking to achieve. For short-term goals, most clients are able to see positive change and end therapy in less than six months. If a client is looking to work through deeper issues, this may require more time. Clients are always free to terminate therapy or reduce the frequency of therapy sessions when they feel ready. My job is to help you work toward positive change and prepare to deal with life’s challenges on your own.
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Yes, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate (LMFTA) in the state of South Carolina. I am currently practicing under the supervision of Lisa Rivers, LMFT, Supervisor Candidate as required by the licensing board. My work is guided by ethical standards and the supervision process is to ensure quality care and continued professional development.
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My rate for individual therapy is $150 per 50-minute session. Couples therapy is $180 per 50-minute session. I also offer 80-minute sessions for an extra fee.
I understand that therapy is an investment, and I will do my best to meet you where you are! I have a few openings for reduced fee therapy. Please reach out if you would benefit from a reduced fee and we can discuss what that would look like.
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I understand that using insurance for therapy is important to many clients, and this is a great question. There are a few key reasons many counselors, including me, choose not to bill insurance directly:
🧠 1. Protecting Your Privacy
To use insurance, therapists are required to provide a mental health diagnosis and often submit progress notes. This information becomes part of your permanent medical record.
For many people, therapy is about personal growth, relationships, grief, or stress — not necessarily a mental illness. Not accepting insurance allows me to keep your therapy private and focused on your goals, without needing to “justify” treatment to a third party.
⏳ 2. More Time for You, Not Paperwork
Insurance billing is complex and time-consuming. Submitting claims, managing denials, and verifying coverage can take hours each week — time I’d rather spend supporting my clients and improving the quality of care. By working outside of insurance, I can be fully present in the work we do together.
⚖️ 3. Freedom to Focus on What Matters
Insurance companies may limit the number of sessions or require certain types of treatment. By not working through insurance, I am free to tailor therapy to your needs, without outside restrictions or timelines. You get care based on what’s best for you — not what’s approved by an insurance policy.
💵 4. Fair, Transparent Pricing
Insurance reimbursement rates are often far below the cost of providing quality care. Not relying on insurance allows me to sustain a practice that is ethical, responsive, and personalized — without cutting corners.
I do offer receipts for out-of-network reimbursement (called superbills), which some clients use to get partial reimbursement from their insurance. I am happy to help you explore that option. I also have some openings for reduced fee therapy. If you would benefit from this, please reach out to discuss options.
Contact Me
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and I will be in touch soon!