What's the first session like?

I think of the first 1- 3 therapy sessions like we're laying a foundation for future work. I'll have lots of questions to ask to get to know you, your background, and what brings you to therapy. We can create an initial plan for therapy, including expectations, goals, and frequency of sessions.

Will you tell anyone what I share with you?

Your privacy is my utmost priority. I take whatever reasonable measures I can to ensure confidentiality and protect your private information. There are some exceptions to your confidentiality. If I suspect abuse or neglect of a child or a person who is elderly or disabled (by you or someone you know) or if I deem you to be a threat to your own life or the life of someone else, I am legally obligated to notify the appropriate authorities. In addition, if I am subpoenaed (most common in custody proceedings) I may be legally obligated to provide records I've kept pertaining to our sessions.

How much does it cost? Do you offer sliding scale rates? Do you take insurance?

Each 50-minute session is $160. When available, a sliding scale fee can be applied based on your income and dependents. You may be asked to provide documentation in this event. I do not work with any insurance companies directly, but I can provide a "superbill" which you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.

How long should I be in therapy?

The Short and Sweet: It really depends on each person! The Ins and Outs: I typically recommend we meet 1x every 1-2 weeks. This fosters a stronger therapy alliance which can be utilized as part of your therapy process. Less frequent sessions can still be helpful, though the bond between therapist and client likely will not fully form and therefore more subtle, relational issues cannot be effectively explored. Some of the factors that determine the length of time in therapy include severity of symptoms, end goals, motivation for change, availability, and financial priorities. One person may view therapy as a temporary support during a crisis or significant life transition, while another may view it part of their life-long personal development process.

What's your treatment approach?

Using a variety of research-supported techniques and the therapist-client relationship, therapy is tailored to your individual needs. Together we work to strengthen your "real self" - the self that is balanced, self-compassionate, and realistically disciplined. We will revise distressing feelings and patterns of thinking and coping that no longer serve you.

How do I know if therapy is right for me?

Are you a human being? Yes? Then therapy is right for you. You may come to therapy intially because you're in crisis - a major life change, an ended relationship, a traumatic event... But your life doesn't have to feel like it's in shambles to qualify. Outpatient therapy makes the most sense for those who are "highly functioning" but feeling stuck in unhelpful life patterns that impact their relationships and self-image. More often than not, these pervasive life-traps originate from emotionally painful experiences in childhood and adolescence that are in need of attention and healing.

How can therapy help me?

As a therapist, my job is to enter your world with you and explore the parts of yourself that may be confusing, dark, or scary and help you make peace with those parts. From this process you can gain the insight and perspective needed to release yourself from the constraints preventing your growth.

In a confidential and boundaried setting, I can provide the support, accountability, guidance, and compassion needed for change. These parameters often allow for growth in ways our personal relationships cannot.

How do I start? What is the first step?

If you're ready to start, schedule a session here.

What is your cancellation policy?

48-hours. If you cancel your appointment within less than 48-hours of your scheduled time, regardless of the circumstances, you will be charged the full fee. If my availability allows, I will attempt to reschedule within the same week, in which case the fee may be waived. You can easily cancel or reschedule your appointments online using the secure client portal.

What is your availability?

It varies within the week, but in general my hours are Mon - Fri , 8am - 6pm.

What do I need to do before my first session?

You'll be sent the intitial paperwork electronically through the secure client portal after you've made an appointment. Just make sure to review and complete everything prior to our first meeting. Whether we're meeting in-person or online, the forms will outline how to gain access, how to prepare, and what to expect.