Hello and welcome!

It's easy to begin the process of therapy. You can call me and simply make an appointment. We can talk a little on the phone so that you can get an idea of who I am and if you feel we are a good fit. You can ask me questions about your particular situation. You can ask me if I have experience in treating the problem you are struggling with, and if my approach is one you think will work for you. You can also email me and I will be happy to answer your questions.

Choosing a therapist can be confusing at first. Any of us who are looking for a therapist are usually struggling with a problem, sometimes in pain or fear, or feeling overwhelmed to begin with.  sometimes we are unsure what to ask, we just know we need help. Sometimes we know what we want, but are having trouble finding what we need and how to ask for it. It takes courage to ask for help. 

Here are some frequently asked questions about how I work:

"Are my phone or email communications with you private?"

Yes. Your phone calls and emails are confidential, only I have access to them. 

"If I begin therapy does it mean I will have to be in therapy for years?"

No. In the beginning of therapy I will talk with you about the nature of your problem and how long it has been going on. Then I will give you an estimate for how much work might be required to alleviate or solve your problem. Because therapy is a process and not a cookbook recipe the time frame for change and solutions varies, as do the difficulties that are presented. The point is, you and I will agree on a time frame before we proceed and you decide how long your therapy will last. 

"Am I going to have to talk about my childhood and blame people and events for the problems I am not experiencing?"

I will ask you to explore the past only as it relates to the present situation in order to have a context for the problem, and to examine patterns of behavior and assumptions that no longer serve you. Blame does not move the process of therapy towards healing. However, discovering the origins of a situation can provide vital information in solving a problem. Therapy is about introspection and mindfulness. I will ask you to examine your life for the meanings you have taken from past relationships and events.

"How do I know if I need therapy?"

 If you've never been in therapy it is hard to imagine what a huge relief it is to have someone who can witness your struggle and offer you support and insight. Profound changes and new awareness can occur when you are willing to take that first step in trusting a skilled and caring therapist with your story. My belief is that we all need therapy during challenging times in our lives, such as the birth of a child, the end of a relationship, coping with addiction in ourselves or a loved one. When we are stuck in a circle of destruction behavior toward ourselves or others we could all use the help of an outside caring person trained in ushering people through growth and change. If you have tried all your own solutions and none of them have worked, if you have asked all of your friends or family for help and that hasn't worked, then it is time to find a professional to help you. You are not alone. Therapy has become less of a stigma and more of an expectable resource for people who are looking to improve their lives. 

"How is therapy different than talking to a trusted friend?"

Therapy is different because it is designed to focus on you. Before each meeting I prepare myself mentally in order to be present for our session. I bring my education and training, knowledge and experience to our therapeutic relationship. While our relationship is real and my care for you is genuine, our connection has specific ethical and professional boundaries. The main boundaries include privacy, confidentiality, regular meetings, an agreed upon goal, and a time limit. I provide a service that is designed especially for you and your wellbeing. Our therapeutic relationship is an opportunity to clarify your interactions and improve your connections with others. 

"How will I know when I am done with therapy?"

In the beginning of therapy I help you make clear goals for our time together. Periodically I review these goals with you to see if you feel you are making headway on them and to make sure your goals remain relevant to the work you are doing. Sometimes within the process of therapy your goals evolve or change from what you thought they would be at the beginning of therapy. I pay attention to this possibility and check in with you from time to time about them. I may advise you on realistic goals, and I may advise you on change I believe will help you, but it is you who decides when therapy is done. 

"Do I need to come weekly?"

In the beginning of therapy while we are getting to know each other and getting clear about the nature of your difficulty it is important to meet weekly. Meeting less frequently results in a loss of momentum. Each session builds upon the next. Once we have a good connection and you are engaged in the process of therapy we can talk about the frequency needed. 

"Do you proscribe?"

No, I do not proscribe. I do have colleagues I can refer you to if you need a prescription. 

"How much is your fee?"

I charge $180 per hour for those with insurance, and $125per hour for clients who wish to pay out of pocket. I keep one slot open at a greatly reduced fee for people experiencing financial hardship. 

"What exactly do I do in therapy?"

Therapy is a collaboration between you and me. Initially what you do is describe what is troubling you and I ask questions to clarify. Your work is to try to explore and convey the problem. Once you and I are clear about the problem then I will begin to make suggestions and recommendations on how to improve your situation. Your work at this time will be to risk making changes to grow in skill and understanding. I often give homework such as reading assignments or certain tasks or behaviors that are designed for you and your particular challenge. Understanding is not enough for most of us; we must take action to improve our lives. Therapy is challenging and requires a commitment to self. It can confront us with our hardest truths and reveal and enhance our most wonderful qualities. 

"What do I do when it is time to end therapy?"

When it is time to end therapy and you have reached your intended goal, you have a feeling of achievement. At this time we review your work and how you have grown and changed. Often clients have a sense that they want to try their new found skills on their own. But not everyone feels happy about ending and many people don't know how to say goodbye. So, when my clients and I have noticed that they have reached their goal, I will talk about having a few ending sessions. In our ending sessions we review your work and talk about the process you have gone through. This is to remind you of your new abilities and it gives you a sense of the whole body of your work. When clients abruptly leave therapy without an ending they cheat themselves of this wholeness and the power that really ending gives us. The process of ending in therapy facilitates our ability to integrate our experiences into our lives. In a sense, an ending is just a beginning, and it is important to acknowledge yourself and be witnessed as you begin a new chapter of your life.