I've never done therapy. What's it really like? 

Therapy is different for everyone, depending on the client and the therapist, and it’s common to be nervous about the therapeutic process. I try to explore that initial anxiety and put those fears on the table. I encourage clients to lead the sessions by bringing in whatever they want to work on instead of deciding what issues they should be working on. It’s not uncommon for there to be both tears and laughter in a session with the goal of each client leaving the session feeling better than when they walked through the door. We will challenge some of your thinking and enhance the strengths you already possess to help you overcome whatever has brought you in the door. You already have everything you need to be successful in therapy, it’s just a matter of uncovering those strengths.

What do telehealth appointments entail? 

Telehealth appointments are just like in-person sessions, but through your computer or phone. Of course, to make sure your appointment is confidential, you’ll be asked to be somewhere private. Privacy options are endless! I’ve had clients have their sessions anywhere from their bedroom, to their car, to a park…the world is your oyster!

What's the normal process for someone going through therapy for the first time? 

Many new clients think they will just dive into therapy the first session, but it is really important for me to get to know you and for you to get a sense of my personality as well. You will initially complete paperwork electronically to share some basic information so I can review it before your first session. This provides me with the opportunity to gather more information to get a good clinical picture of your wants and needs in therapy. Then we’ll set therapy goals and schedule your first therapy session if we both agree it is a good fit.

What's your therapy style? 

I am really straight-forward with clients and try to be as transparent as possible. However, I do adapt my approach for each individual. Some clients benefit from someone “calling them out,” while others benefit from a gentler approach. As we get to know each other, it will be easier to identify which style helps you thrive in your recovery. My main goal is for you to not feel like you’re getting “treatment.” I want you to feel like you’re speaking to a trusted person who has the skills to get you through your toughest times without feeling stigmatized.

What is EMDR? 

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) was initially developed to alleviate distressing memories associated with traumatic events. By utilizing bilateral eye movements (and other forms of bilateral stimulation), we are able to access and process past memories with the goal of creative new, adaptive pathways. Though it was initially developed for the treatment of trauma, EMDR has been found to be effective with other challenges such as depression,, anxiety, panic disorders, phobias, and more.

What is schema therapy? 

Schema therapy is an integrative treatment approach that combines cognitive-behavioral, experiential, interpersonal, and psychoanalytic therapies. It works to modify maladaptive patterns, also known as “schemas,” which impede one’s goals and ability to meet one’s needs.

What is solution-focused brief therapy? 

Solution-focused therapy concentrates on finding solutions to present-day problems. Setting goals and breaking down those goals into more reasonable steps is the cornerstone of this type of treatment. You will work with a therapist to identify barriers to achieving your goals so you can overcome these challenges and successfully make changes in your life.

Can I pay out of pocket? 

Of course! Whether I am in-network with your insurance company or not, you can always pay for therapy out of pocket. If I am in-network with your insurance company, but you don’t want to utilize your insurance I will have you sign an opt-out form. The investment in therapy out of pocket is here.

How will I know if you're a good fit for me? 

The only way to know is try! Kind of like eating a new food for the first time. I would encourage you to give therapy at least a few sessions before deciding whether we (or any therapist) is a good fit. The initial session is an information gathering session (intake) so it is often difficult to get a good assessment of a therapist’s counseling style without actually having a therapy session. It is also completely normal to ask questions about my style and to express your expectations during our phone consultation. That will give both of us an idea if we’ll be a good fit for each other. If you’ve been in therapy before ask yourself what you liked and didn’t like about that therapist and find someone (hopefully me!) who meets those expectations.

I'm not feeling 100% confident about doing therapy. Is there a less intimidating way to test whether it's right for me? 

I would encourage you to contact me for a telephone consultation to get a sense of what to expect and to ask your questions. People often come to therapy because their past coping skills are no longer working for the challenges they’re having or they’re ready to tackle some of challenges they’ve suppressed for a long time. If you’re open to self-discovery, therapy is right for you! Even if you’re hesitant that it’s the route you should go down, it doesn’t hurt to give it a try. If you find after a few sessions that it’s not what you need, we can certainly part ways.

What kind of commitment do you require? 

There is no commitment apart from you showing up to your sessions ready to dig in. I always encourage people to give your therapist at least two session to get a good feel for how things will go. If you decide that it’s not right for you, for whatever reason, you do not have to reschedule. It’s certainly ok to test the water before you dive in head first!

I can talk to a friend for free - why pay someone?

You’re absolutely right! Friends are great resources when you need extra support. However, advice from friends can only go so far. Your friend may have problems of their own that interfere with how they help you or the advice they give. Your challenges may be negatively impacting the friendship or your friend may not be able to be as transparent with you in order to protect the friendship. If you find yourself going in circles about the same topic, unable to break your negative thought processes, it’s time to seek professional help.