FAQ

In short, we talk about whatever is on your mind. Often therapy works best when you are able to spontaneously share whatever thoughts or feelings are arising in the moment, including things you might feel uncomfortable, ashamed, embarrassed, or afraid to share with friends and family. This does not mean you need to spill out all of your deepest, darkest secrets, but rather, there is a level of safety granted by therapy that often makes it easier to share things that are hard to express to those with which we have a long history. Ultimately, we go at your own pace. I am also flexible in how we approach counseling. If I or you feel that a more structured approach is indicated, we can take that route as well. 

Research thus far indicates no clear difference in terms of outcome. This does not necessarily mean there is no difference, but no empirical studies have detected one. My clinical experience has suggested that in person sessions can feel more connected, with fewer distractions than virtual therapy. However, it is really a matter of preference. Important questions to ask are under what conditions would you feel that you could most fully be yourself? Where would you likely feel most safe to take healthy risks and try new things as a part of therapy? Remember, nothing is set in stone. You can always change your mind and we can switch to another format. 

Yes, therapy does work! Substantial research supports this claim, as well as my own experience working as a psychologist. Generally speaking, as with anything, you get what you put in. At the same time, your unique history (both your biology, personal experiences, and how the two interact) is also going to play a major role in the change process, both the amount of change and how long it takes to come about. 

Therapy is hard work and the process can take time depending on your goals. However, change and growth are very much reachable. There is hope! 

This is a difficult question to an extent, because it largely depends on what you hope to change and depends largely on the individual. Contrary to what you may think, an absence of symptoms, such as being "anxiety free" is generally not the best, nor a realistic indicator of therapy being effective. More likely, you may find that you are more confident in your ability to manage painful emotions, both on your own and through asking support from others. Relatedy, it often becomes easier to ask others for support in the first place. You may find that you are also able to have fun, play, and connect with more artistic, creative parts of yourself. Additionally, you may find yourself with an increased awareness of your feelings and other experiences related to being alive in the present moment that allow you more freedom and possibilities for doing what you value most. However, everyone is unique, and these changes just scratch the surface. As mentioned, lasting change often takes time; there is simply no other way around it. 

While some may disagree, I believe that everything we do, feel, or even think has some kind of purpose or reason for coming about. Often that purpose is to achieve some goal or get some need met. Sometimes what we do used to help us meet our needs but no longer works well. This is likely something we will end up working on together. So, what we may fear others seeing as "crazy" often is one of the most sane things we could think, feel, or do, given our unique histories, backgrounds, and cultural upbringings. 

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a specific form of treatment that is generally not used in isolation, except with certain providers who offer more treatment for specific diagnoses, such as outpatient anxiety treatment centers for OCD. Most therapists offer multiple, integrated approaches. While I will utilize some components of CBT, such as experimenting with new behaviors and reflecting on the results, as well as helping you flesh out what certain thoughts mean to you, I tend to take a more mindfulness-based approach, helping you understand and relate to your thoughts in a different way rather than trying to change them directly, a common CBT strategy. 

The short answer is, no I absolutely will not! Retelling the same or a similar story can help us make more sense of it, helping us more clearly weave it into our life history sense of who we are, and of whom we aspire to be. 

Moreover, we are never telling the same story in the same context. Often, as therapy progresses, new perspectives and emotions will arise upon telling what appears to be the "same" story, offering new insights. At the same time, if I believe that your telling of the story is serving to get in the way of moving forward or facing challenging emotions, I may point this out, and we can talk through it together.

I do not currently take insurance. However, I can provide you with documentation that you can present to your insurance company for potential partial or full reimbursement for sessions. You can always contact your insurance provider ahead of time to help them determine the extent of your coverage.

I may provide documentation indicating that you have seen me in treatment, depending upon your circumstances. However, I cannot guarantee you any kind of documentation solely by virtue of our having a therapeutic relationship. Nor will I make specific recommendations regarding dropping classes, or leaves of absence from work or school. I am happy to discuss this further with you at any time.

Unfortunately, I do not provide evaluations or letters for emotional support animals.