Frequently Asked Questions

Our first session will be aimed at getting to know each other. My focus is to create a judgement-free zone where you feel safe to be emotionally open and honest. The first session will consist of finding out what you hope to gain from your time in therapy. Some clients may be feeling stuck and not know what they want to work toward, which is where I come in! I will ask you some questions about your history and interpersonal relationships and assist you in setting goals to achieve a full and happy life. Prior to your first session, I will send you the New Client Intake Form and have you email it back to me prior to our first session. The purpose of this is so that we have a productive initial session and so that I can better prepare to help you work toward your goals.

What if I'm scared? What happens if I cry during sessions? Will I be judged for having emotions during therapy?

These are completely normal feelings and fears. It is normal to feel scared about changing your behaviors and improving your life. So many times we get comfortable being uncomfortable and making the decision to change our thoughts/behaviors can be extremely overwhelming. The decision to seek therapy is extremely brave and I commend you for reaching out.

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I have yet to have a client who didn't cry at some point throughout their therapeutic journey. Having emotions is part of what makes us human and sometimes in order to grow, we need to go through those difficult emotions. I am here to walk you through those.

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Will you be judged? Absolutely not! If I were in the business of judging, I would be wearing a robe and holding a gavel. There is no room for judgement in therapy!

How will I know that therapy is working? What if I feel that we do not have the same personality?

Psychologists have said that "the act of going to therapy can be therapeutic in itself". As a therapist, I believe that therapy is a healthy habit and that you don't have to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. One of the main ways to tell if therapy has been beneficial to your life is to picture something that may have caused you anxiety, depression, anger, etc. After attending sessions, are those same situations now being dealt with better or with a more positive mindset? If so, the therapy sessions may have been positively impacting your life.

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Therapy has both benefits and risks. Risks may include experiencing uncomfortable feelings, such as sadness, guilt, anxiety, anger, frustration, loneliness and helplessness, because the process of psychotherapy often requires discussing the unpleasant aspects of your life.  However, therapy has been shown to have benefits for individuals who undertake it.  Therapy often leads to a significant reduction in feelings of distress, increased satisfaction in interpersonal relationships, greater personal awareness and insight, increased skills for managing stress and resolutions to specific problems.  Psychotherapy requires a very active effort on your part. In order to be most successful, you will have to work on things we discuss outside of sessions.

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​If you are unhappy with what is happening in therapy, I hope you will talk with me so that I can respond to your concerns. Such comments will be taken seriously and handled with care and respect. You may also request that I refer you to another therapist and are free to end therapy at any time. You have the right to considerate, safe and respectful care, without discrimination as to race, ethnicity, color, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, national origin, or source of payment. You have the right to ask questions about any aspects of therapy and about my specific training and experience.

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How often will we have sessions?

The frequency and duration of therapy is different for each individual. Sessions typically start off weekly and then move to bi-weekly. This will be discussed during our sessions and I will work with you to develop a plan for treatment. Initial sessions will be 75 minutes and each subsequent session will be 55 minutes in duration. If needed, couples and family sessions may be longer than 55 minutes.

Does my insurance cover sessions?

I have chosen not to contract with insurance; however, you may be eligible for reimbursement of a significant percentage of out-of-pocket costs through your out-of-network benefits. I’m happy to provide assistance with determining your eligibility for reimbursement through your insurance provider, and assistance in seeking reimbursement.