Frequently Asked Questions

I do not prescribe medications, as I am not a certified physician. I acknowledge that some clients may find it beneficial to complement their psychotherapy with psychotropic medications to alleviate symptoms. If you are considering medication, I recommend consulting with your primary care doctor or a psychiatrist who can provide appropriate guidance. If you are my client and would like assistance in finding a psychiatrist, I am happy to offer referrals. For clients who are currently taking medications or have plans to initiate medication during our sessions, I highly encourage you to sign a release of information. This will enable me to collaborate with your prescribing physician and ensure that your care remains well-coordinated.

When assessing whether a therapist is the right fit for you, there are several key considerations to keep in mind. I encourage clients to ask questions as it empowers them to make informed decisions. Firstly, it is essential to inquire about the therapist's areas of expertise and their background in effectively addressing your specific concerns. This allows you to evaluate their competence and determine if their treatment approaches align with your preferences. Secondly, take a moment to reflect on the therapist's age, background, culture, and gender, as they can greatly influence the sense of connection and rapport you feel.

A strong therapeutic relationship is built upon a foundation of trust. Evaluate whether you genuinely feel safe, heard, and truly understood in the presence of the therapist. Can you comfortably express your thoughts and emotions, or do you find yourself holding back due to feelings of shame or apprehension? Do you sense that your therapist genuinely cares about you? Are they able to establish and maintain healthy boundaries while providing accountability?

Equally significant is the ongoing evaluation of your own progress in therapy. Take the time to regularly check in with yourself and assess whether you are making tangible strides towards meeting your goals. Reflect on your overall satisfaction with the therapeutic style employed by your therapist and whether it resonates with your preferences and learning style.

In my professional experience, clients have found it challenging to identify what didn't work in previous therapy experiences. This can understandably result in feelings of disappointment when considering further counseling. If possible, approach the process with patience and maintain open communication with your therapist. Express your needs, desires, and any concerns you may have. Remember, therapy is an investment in your own well-being, and you are an active participant in the therapeutic journey.

Prior to your first in-person or tele-therapy/virtual therapy session, you will need to complete several intake forms. These forms will be sent to you via email through the client portal in SimplePractice, which is an electronic health record system.

In the initial stages of therapy it is important to build a solid foundation for our work together. Our primary focus is on cultivating rapport, nurturing trust, pinpointing your specific needs, and formulating a personalized plan. In the first few sessions, my utmost priority is to gain a deep understanding of your reasons for seeking therapy and what you hope to achieve on your journey. Sharing details about your past therapy experiences, effective coping mechanisms you have utilized, and any obstacles that may have hindered your progress would be highly beneficial.

Additionally, the intake process involves exploring pertinent life circumstances and conducting a thorough assessment of your biological, social, occupational, physical, mental health, and substance use history. This collaborative assessment helps me gain a holistic understanding of your background and current situation.

Furthermore, the initial sessions provide an opportunity for you to express your expectations of the therapeutic relationship. Engaging in open and honest discussions about your preferred learning style and how you best receive information is crucial. Together, we will assess whether we are a good fit for each other. If it becomes apparent that your needs fall outside of my area of expertise, it is my ethical obligation to provide you with appropriate referrals to therapists who are better suited to support you.

The frequency of our sessions is individualized and depends on several factors, including the intensity of your symptoms and the specific issues we are addressing. In the early stages of therapy, it is typically beneficial for clients to meet once a week. This regular cadence allows for consistent progress and provides a solid framework for establishing therapeutic momentum. As clients start to experience, we collaboratively determine the optimal frequency of sessions, whether it be bi-weekly or monthly. The aim is to find a balance that best supports your ongoing progress and well-being.

Individual therapy sessions are typically 60 minutes. However, 90-minute sessions are required for trauma processing or recommended when a client needs additional support.

Couples sessions are scheduled for 90 minutes.

Please provide a 24-hour notice if you need to cancel an appointment. If a cancellation is made with less than 24 hours' notice, you will be responsible for the full session fee. Occasionally, exceptions can be made for unexpected emergencies. Consistency in attending appointments is essential for making progress in therapy and is part of the agreement between you and your therapist.

The duration of therapy can vary significantly based on individual goals and circumstances. Short-term therapy typically lasts for a few weeks to several months and is beneficial for individuals who wish to address targeted goals or immediate challenges.

On the other hand, long-term therapy may span over several months or even years. It is particularly helpful for individuals dealing with complex and deep-rooted concerns such as trauma, chronic mental health conditions, addictions, or self-discovery. Long-term therapy provides the opportunity for in-depth exploration, healing, and transformative growth to occur at a sustainable pace.

For couples, the duration of therapy also varies based on the concerns being addressed—whether the focus is on communication, rebuilding trust, navigating conflict patterns, or healing from relational ruptures. Some couples benefit from short-term, goal-oriented work, while others engage in longer-term therapy to support deeper relational change and ongoing connection.

Ultimately, the length of therapy is determined collaboratively between the therapist and the client. Regular discussions with your therapist will allow you to consider the nature of the issues being addressed, individual goals, and the progress made. By taking these factors into account, the duration of therapy can be customized using a flexible and adaptive approach that meets your evolving needs.