FAQs

Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions to help with the process of starting therapy:  

How do I get started?       

Before scheduling an initial session, we will schedule a 15-minute phone consultation. Our call will be used to discuss needs/goals, logistics, insurance/fees, and any questions you may have.

How do I choose a therapist? 

Therapists come in many varieties - theoretical orientations, degrees/licenses, personalities. It’s important to consider your personal preferences, needs, goals, and the therapist’s style. I believe that the therapy relationship has the ability to provide growth, healing, and change so it is important to find a therapist that best fits your needs.  

How long/frequent are sessions?  

Individual sessions are 50 minutes. To get the most out of our work together, I often recommend meeting on a weekly basis.  

If I commit to therapy, what can I expect? How can I get the most out of therapy? 

You can expect dynamic and collaborative weekly sessions. From me, you can expect professionalism, warmth, curiosity, honesty, and empathy, as well as, a full commitment to provide you with the best and most effective possible care. 

It is important to understand that you will get more results from therapy if you actively participate in the process. Beyond the work you do in our sessions, I can suggest some things you can do outside of therapy to support your progress – such as practicing breathing techniques, journaling on a specific topic, reading a pertinent book, noting particular behaviors or taking action on your goals.

How does therapy work? What do I have to do in sessions?

Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual. I will tailor their therapeutic approach to your specific needs. In general, you can expect to discuss the current events happening in your life, your personal history, and report progress (or any new insights gained) from the previous therapy session(s).

How does therapy begin? 

In the first session, we will talk more about what brought you to therapy, history and goals/areas of growth and start to build rapport. I will continue to gather more information in subsequent sessions and discuss recommendations.  

How long should I expect to be in therapy?  

Depending on your specific needs and goals, therapy can be short-term, for a specific issue, or longer-term, to deal with more difficult patterns or your desire for more personal development.

What types of therapy do you offer?  

My approach is eclectic and tailored to serve your unique needs, not a specific modality. I am trained in a variety of therapeutic approaches, including psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, body-centered therapies and trauma-focused approaches.

Should I take medication or go into psychotherapy?

Medication alone cannot solve all issues. Medication can help by reducing symptoms, while psychotherapy helps one gain insight and self-awareness and identify innate strengths; develop healthier coping skills, habits and boundaries; improve communication and relationships, etc. For some individuals, the combination of psychotherapy and medication will be more beneficial than either treatment on its own.

How does confidentiality work in therapy?  

Client confidentiality is the requirement that therapists protect their client’s privacy by not revealing the contents of therapy, or that the client is in therapy. For licensed mental health clinicians, confidentiality is protected by state laws and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). There are some exceptions to confidentiality: when a person is a risk to themselves or others, or when the therapist has reason to suspect abuse of a child, elder, or disabled individual. If you have any questions about confidentiality, please discuss this with me.

How does virtual therapy work? 

With convenient online therapy services, you can access our sessions from the comfort of your own space. I will see you via the secure and HIPAA-compliant video platform through my patient portal, SimplePractice.