Common questions before starting counseling:
Q. What should I do to prepare for our first appointment?
A. To make the best use of our time together, please complete the new client forms ahead of time. Once we set a time to meet I will email you web based forms to fill out. If you have questions after reading the forms bring them to our first session so we can clarify them. Most importantly, realize that there is no pressure and it will be a welcoming environment.
Q. What happens at our first appointment?
A. The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another. I will learn about what is bringing you in to counseling, and you can learn about my style and what to expect. This is a time for you to share your story and then we can determine if I will be a good fit for your needs. If so, we can discuss how and with what frequency we will work together.
Q. What if you are not a good fit for me?
A. I understand that finding a counseling relationship that “feels” right is important. If you decide you could work better with someone else, I will not take it personally. I would love to help you find a therapist who would be a good fit for you.
Q. What’s special about your practice?
A. My aim is to be warm, relatable and approachable. I do not aim to place a label on you or pathologize what are likely basic human experiences of stress or discord. I want to get to the source of distress in your life and help you find the inner resources to guide you through all of life's ups and downs. I welcome people of all faiths, no faith at all and all sexual orientations and will not impose my personal beliefs on anyone in any way.
I also have a strong background in mindfulness practices from the Buddhist tradition. One of my specific modalities is Internal Family Systems which uses mindfulness skills in a very powerful way to learn about the make up your inner personality. This is a transformative method for understanding and integrating past wounds into your present life. My couples work is informed by my current training program in the PACT and EFT models. You can learn more about those at the resources page.
Q. What happens at future appointments?
A. After the first appointment, we will both have a better understanding of what direction to take and what to explore, so we will begin to have more focused conversations specifically addressing those areas of most importance to you. Sometimes, however, we will wind up in a very different place than what we thought was the original problem area. We will mainly be using talk oriented therapy and at times I will integrate more experiential versions of talk therapy – see link for Internal Family Systems on the Resources page. I will always check in with your comfort level before we try any new approaches. Overall I want to create a relaxed, open, and inviting atmosphere.
Q. How often will I need to see you?
A. The answer is different for every client so we’ll decide together what makes sense for you. Most people meet with me every week or every other week, but we can discuss what works for your particular circumstances. We will typically meet for a few months, a full year, or longer, depending upon your needs. Some clients even schedule “tune ups” once a year just to recalibrate their life's direction.
Q. What are your fees?
A. Payment by credit card is due at the end of each session. Fees are $150/hour.
Q. Do you accept insurance?
A. I do not bill insurance companies directly or take responsibility for collecting from your insurance carrier. However, I will provide you with a super bill that you can submit to your insurance company. Many insurance companies will offer out-of-network benefits, so you may decide to contact your insurance company for specific details of your coverage.
Q. How do I get started?
A. The best way to get started is to email so we can set up a time to discuss some of your needs over the phone. If I believe my skills and areas of focus will be of help to you, then meeting for an initial session will help us both decide the best course of action. I look forward to working with you.