Frequently Asked Questions

The purpose of seeing a therapist is to learn some new tools (coping/communication skills) or new ways of thinking about yourself/your struggles that reduces stress, improves relationships, supports healthier functioning, or heals emotional wounds. For example, maybe you have noticed yourself more irritable or tearful lately and you're uncomfortable with how it is affecting your relationships or work performance. Maybe you have chronic conflict with a family member and you'd like to figure out how to make it better. Maybe you have just lost your spouse, parent, child, or a friend and you're struggling to adjust to life without him/her.  Or maybe you have long been dealing with a painful childhood experience and you're ready to start feeling better - about yourself, your life, or your future. No matter your struggle, if you're visiting this website you've already taken an important first step. I hope you'll consider scheduling an appointment so that I can help you along your way. 

Absolutely not. It helps to think of seeing a therapist in the same way that you think of seeing any other health provider: if something hurts or stops you from doing the things you like to do, you get it checked out. Therapists are healthcare providers who specialize in emotional injuries. While some individuals in therapy have been diagnosed with serious mental illnesses, most are taking care of their mental health.  The majority of people who come to my practice are well-functioning individuals who are looking to improve some aspect of their emotional life or relationships. 

Therapy is a private experience and I am committed to protecting your privacy. My office is intentionally situated in a location with multiple entries and exits - you may be as inconspicuous as you would like with regard to your entry and departure in the building. I also generally schedule a 10 minute buffer between appointments to support client privacy.  Please call me to discuss scheduling if you are particularly concerned about your privacy or would like special accommodations. Please know that I am legally required to maintain a record of the care and services you receive from me. This information is disclosed to insurance providers or other payors for the sake of reimbursement for services. If you prefer this information to remain private you may pay out of pocket for treatment. I will never release your private information (or even acknowledge you as a client) without your consent/knowledge, unless mandated by a court of law.

Frequency and duration vary from person to person based on a variety of factors, including the intensity and depth of the presenting problem, scheduling/availability, and finances/insurance coverage. Most clients can expect to be seen once weekly or every other week initially, with sessions gradually tapering off over time.  Many clients continue therapy for 6 or more months (6-12 sessions); some need only a few sessions to achieve meaningful results and others will continue in therapy for years. The frequency and duration of your counseling will be discussed during the intake session and will be a decision that we make together based on your specific circumstances and needs.

When you've connected with the "right" therapist - someone you feel comfortable talking to and someone whose education and expertise aligns with your needs/challenges - you will almost certainly benefit from that experience. The outcome of your treatment depends largely on your willingness to engage fully and openly in the process. Therapy can be difficult and uncomfortable. Remembering unpleasant events and becoming aware of feelings attached to those events can bring on strong feelings of anger, depression, anxiety, etc. Unfortunately, there are no miracle cures. I cannot promise that your behavior or circumstance will change. However, I can promise to support you and do my very best to understand you and guide you through the process of identifying and reaching your emotional and relational wellness goals. I train in a variety of approaches and treatment modalities so that I can tailor your therapy to your specific personality and needs.

Children and teens deserve assurance that their feelings and experiences will be respected and held private - just as adults do.  For this reason I do not make a practice of reporting detailed therapeutic content to parents or caregivers.  However, I am happy to provide you with updates on your child's general engagement in session and overall progress towards goals.  When appropriate, I invite parents and caregivers into session so that they can learn of their child's strengths, struggles, feelings, and needs directly. My goal is not to become your child's new best friend or confidant, but to create a space where he/she can openly process experiences and honestly explore attitudes and values. Rest assured that you will be invited to participate in the process of setting goals for your child in therapy, and if you child's safety is in danger I will absolutely and immediately inform you.

Simply put, no. This type of scenario is what I call, "agenda-driven" therapy.  I don't like it. It feels disingenuine and often requires me to make judgements about people, which is the complete opposite of how I view my role as a therapist. Please do not contact me if you intend to use our experience together to prove a point in a court of law.  Please know that if I am called to testify in court, I will charge you accordingly for my time and the inconvenience.