Is therapy right for me?
Therapy can provide support and new strategies for dealing with many types of challenges and is right for anyone interested in getting the most out of life by developing greater insight, taking responsibility, and working toward change.

Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle problems on my own.
While you may have successfully navigated through difficulties in the past, life is ripe with challenging situations and there is nothing wrong with seeking assistance from time to time. In fact, in its simplest form, therapy may serve to speed up natural healing processes that could, otherwise, take much longer.

How can I get the most benefit from therapy?
The benefits you obtain may depend on how available you make yourself to the therapeutic process. Showing up on time for appointments and being open, honest, and willing to share your feelings will offer you the best result.     What is discussed in sessions should be processed between sessions as you gradually integrate new concepts and behaviors into your daily life.

What is therapy like?
Every therapy session is unique and caters to the needs of the individual. Generally, it is common to schedule a forty-five to fifty minute session once per week. More frequent meetings may be indicated for more acute situations. Appropriate treatment may be short-term, focusing on a specific situation for only a few weeks, or long-term (perhaps many months) in order to address more complex issues or on-going personal growth.   There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions. These may include reading a relevant book, writing about your feelings in a journal, or keeping records to track specific thoughts or behaviors. Your cooperation with these "homework" assignments will provide the best result. Some things you can expect from treatment include

Respect, compassion, and understanding
Perspectives to illuminate unhealthy patterns
Real strategies for enacting positive change

Is medication a substitute for therapy?
In some cases, a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. I am a psychotherapist, not a psychiatrist and thus cannot prescribe medication. Only your personal physician can help you determine whether medication is right for you.

Do you accept insurance?
I am a provider for most insurance companies but currently I am only accepting private pay clients. My fee may not be much more than your usual co-pay. Please feel free to ask me any questions you might have regarding finances.

Is therapy confidential?
In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and psychotherapist. Under most circumstances, prior written authorization by the client is required before disclosing any information - even the fact that you are my client. There are, however, some exceptions that are mandated by law. These include:

Suspected child abuse, dependent adult or elder abuse - I am required to immediately report my suspicions to social services and/or law enforcement
Threats to harm another person or their property - I am required to immediately notify law enforcement
Intent to harm oneself - I am required to make every effort to ensure your safety

Any more questions?
Please feel free to ask me any questions that haven't been answered here. It is important to me that you have clear and accurate knowledge of my policies and procedures, realistic expectations of the therapeutic process, and especially of the therapist-patient relationship we will be developing.