FAQs: Therapy

  • Choosing the right therapist is a very personal decision. Ultimately, the right therapist for you is someone you feel comfortable opening up to. Knowledge about diagnoses and treatment approaches is important, but the foundation for growth is the therapeutic relationship.

  • Many people find relief after just a few sessions. Many need more than that and that is OK. Most people start out weekly and decrease in frequency when they’re ready.

    The point is not to be in therapy forever. My job is to help you feel better as quickly as possible, so you have the skills to manage on your own the challenges you face in life.

  • I incorporate various evidence-based practices, which may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and others, depending on your situation. Part of our work together will be continuously looking at how the therapy is going and making adjustments as needed.

    You have taken a very positive step by deciding to seek therapy. Personal growth is rewarding, but it can also be challenging. I will support you and help you clarify what you want for yourself and what steps you can take to get there. My goal is to help you identify strengths within yourself and develop self-awareness.

    The therapeutic relationship is unique in that it is highly personal and, at the same time, it is a contractual agreement. Feel free to discuss with me how our relationship will work and what each of us can expect.

  • I get it. Talking about difficult things can be, well…difficult. The session is for you, and I am here to support you with your goals. I will not give you advice. I may make suggestions from time to time, which may include exploring painful things. But you decide what we talk about, and how and when.

    We can work together to find a way to approach your issue. There are ways to process things from the past, even painful ones, that can bring you some peace of mind. But you decide!

  • Absolutely. This is a judgment free zone! Substances can have a profound effect on our physical health, mental health, relationships, and more. As we work together, it will be important to look at everything that may be affecting your well-being.

    As an example, frequent alcohol use can trigger symptoms that mimic depression or anxiety, so it is important to understand anything that can affect mood or behaviors.

  • Yes, absolutely. No one needs to struggle with these feelings alone. Being suicidal doesn’t automatically mean you need to go to the hospital. We can work together to assess your risk and find a treatment plan that will meet your needs.

  • By state law, a therapist is required to keep client information confidential unless a client is a danger to themselves or others.

    In addition, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a federal law that provides protections and patients’ rights in regard to the use and disclosure of Protected Health Information.

FAQs: Other

  • At this time, I only offer sessions online.

  • Generally, my hours are 8 a.m.-7 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Fridays.

  • When you contact me via the scheduling form, you can specify whether you want a phone consultation or a full session.

    For a consultation, I will email you to schedule a time when we can talk on the phone for about 15 minutes.

    For a session, I will email you a link to sign paperwork; to provide your insurance information, as well as credit card information for any co-pays or deductibles; and to arrange a time for your first appointment. Then I will send a second email with the link for the session. It’s that easy!