FAQs

Below are some questions and answers that I have taken time to develop to shed light on anything you may be curious about. If you have any additional questions, feel free to reach out and I am happy to answer you.

How is therapy different than talking to a friend or loved one?

Having a support system outside of therapy is highly impactful in healing and recommended to lean into for ongoing help. The difference between seeing a therapist and talking with a friend or loved on is that we, as therapists, have specific training to deal with a variety of mental and emotional concerns that arise. As well, the entire session is devoted to you and your needs so it is your own personal space to make time dedicated solely to you and your needs.

What can I expect during our first session?

During our initial session, I will go over confidentiality, counseling logistics, and answer any questions about the paperwork you completed. I will also go over any assessment results that you filled out. This portion does not take up too much time and the rest of the session is devoted to you, why you have decided to come to therapy at this time, and the goals you would like to set and how we can work together to help you start feeling better.

How often will I need therapy at the beginning?

Initially, if possible, it is beneficial to enter into the therapeutic relationship on a weekly basis for at least the first month in order to build rapport, gain a fuller understand of your needs, experiences, and history and start working towards meeting your goals. However, each situation and person are different, and some clients come weekly, and others commit to biweekly sessions.

How often will I be in therapy?

Since we are working together to meet your goals and help alleviate the symptoms that bring you to therapy, that will depend on a number of factors including frequency of sessions, work between sessions, and our client/clinician agreement about when to end sessions. Clients typically feel relief during the first session as I hold a safe space to validate and normalize your situation, especially if you have been holding it in for a long time. After working together for a few months, you may find relief quickly and go on to practice strategies that you have learned, you may want to remain in therapy longer term to have someone to consistently process your thoughts and emotions on a regular basis, or you may only return as needed after your goals are met in order to maintain your new level of healing and just do periodic check-ins.

How can I keep my positive results going beyond therapy?

Healing is never linear so first and foremost, give yourself grace if you have a rough day or week. The best way to continue to heal and grow is to practice self-compassion and utilize the strategies that you have learned and reach out for help, as needed.

What feedback have you received from clients?

The mental health field is held to strict standards around soliciting client feedback for the purpose of testimonials and endorsements. However, I can share that clients typically have told me that they are grateful to find a therapist that is warm and compassionate, utilizes different approaches customized to meet their needs, and carries a great deal of care and empathy for each client and their situation. The biggest compliment has been continuously getting referrals from current and previous clients. 

How will I know if we are a good fit?

If you walk away from a consultation or our first session feeling comfortable vulnerably sharing what is causing you mental and emotional distress, you feel heard, seen, and hopeful about our work together, those are strong indicators that we would make a good therapeutic team. 

Are there conditions that you do not treat?

Yes. I hold a high degree of personal responsibility and integrity to always refer out when a client has a concern that I am not trained in, experienced in, or that we are not a good fit for, for whatever reason. I am well connected with other therapists in the area and can either offer you referrals or provide resources for you to find a better fit. It is more important to me that I help you find an excellent fit in order to properly heal, rather than retaining you as a client.

Do you offer a free consultation and a sliding scale?

Yes! I am happy to speak to you by phone to answer any additional questions that you may have and decide whether we are a good fit for one another. Since my practice is private pay only, I also offer a sliding scale to hopefully provide you with a fee that works for you.

Please reach out and let's start you off on your healing journey!