FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I welcome people of all backgrounds into my practice, and enjoy working with a diverse clientele. I have a particular interest in the areas of creativity, gender and sexuality, and cultural identity.

HOW CAN THERAPY HELP ME?

Therapy has the potential to positively change your mood, by lifting your depression, reducing your anxiety, and helping you feel empowered to make decisions that will benefit you. Over time, you can also expect to notice a positive change in your relationships and behaviors.

Therapy can help you gain a greater acceptance of yourself while helping you to recognize and build on the strengths and capacities you possess. I will work to help you have a better understanding of what you want in your life and what’s getting in your way so that new possibilities can begin to emerge.

I will work to help you cultivate new freedoms. Freedom from self-defeating behaviors. Freedom from self-critical feelings. Freedom from self-limiting thoughts. Freedom to discover your passions and pursue them.

Patients make extraordinary changes in their lives as a result of therapy, in large part by investing in an exploration of the issues that have been getting in your way. This exploration can be painful at times, and it takes courage and dedication on your part. You may experience feelings of vulnerability, shame, anger, and sadness as part of the process of change. However, you will not be alone in the exploration, as I will be by your side as you begin to better know all the parts of yourself and find ways to have them work together toward a fulfilling life.

HOW DO I FIND THE RIGHT THERAPIST FOR ME?

Because of the nature of psychotherapy, finding a therapist with whom you feel comfortable and safe is essential to being able to open up about the things that are upsetting you. My approach is compassionate, thoughtful, and engaged. I am curious about your experience and will work with you collaboratively to understand engrained patterns and develop new ways to live a more satisfying life.

I am also committed to helping you receive the treatment that is most beneficial to you. If I am not the right therapist for you, I am happy to give you referrals to other mental health practitioners.

HOW LONG DOES THERAPY TAKE?

The length of therapy varies depending on the nature of your concerns and the goals we set for our work together. Sometimes patients see me for several months for help with distressing symptoms or to work on a particular situation they are facing. More often, my work with patients deepens with time as we explore and work to change long-standing patterns of behavior and relationships.

During our first few meetings, we will decide on the frequency of your sessions; I see clients once to four times weekly. Finding a pace that is manageable for you is important, and that pace may vary during different phases of our work together.

WHAT IF I NEED MEDICATION?

I am not a medical doctor and therefore do not prescribe medication, but I do have a solid working knowledge of psychotropic medications. I am able to work in collaboration with your psychiatrist in order to find the most beneficial combination of psychotherapy and medication for your symptoms. I can also provide you with referrals to psychiatrists with whom I work.

HOW MUCH DO YOU CHARGE?

My fees are comparable to other professionals in the area. Please call or email me for my current fees. I accept payment by check or cash at the time of service. 

DO YOU ACCEPT INSURANCE?

I am not currently on any insurance panels. However, many PPOs offer some coverage for out-of-network mental health providers. Also, mental health services are typically covered by most pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) or Health Spending Accounts (HSAs). I am able to provide you with monthly statements that you may submit to your insurance company or spending accounts manager for reimbursement.

Please feel free to contact me with questions or to discuss how we can get started.