FAQs
Do you take insurance?
What do I need to do prior to my first session?
Before your first session, you will receive an email with a link to complete your new client paperwork through a secure HIPAA compliant patient portal, via Simple Practice, and it will need to be completed in its entirety prior to scheduling your appointment.
What should I bring to my first session?
Please bring your photo ID and a form of payment. If you take medications please be prepared to provide a list of these as well as the name of the prescribing doctor. You have the opportunity to add this information when you fill out the new patient forms ahead of time which are provided to your email.
I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?
Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and possess the ability to reach out. Everyone needs every now and then. You already have some strengths that you’ve used before, that for whatever reason isn’t working at the present time. Perhaps this problem feels overwhelming and is making it difficult to use your past strengths. In our work together, we’ll help you identify what those strengths are and how to implement them again in what is happening now.
What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?
The difference is between someone who can do something, and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, therapy is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, if you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.
Do you prescribe medication?
No, we are not medical doctors. Many of our patients find medication is helpful, but many of them also progress well in therapy without medication. If you want to be evaluated for psychiatric medication, either contact your primary care physician or a psychiatrist. If you are already taking medication, we can coordinate care with your doctor.
Why shouldn’t I just take medication?
Medication alone cannot solve all issues. What medication does is treat the symptoms. Our work together is designed to explore the root of the issue, dig deep into your behavior and teach strategies that can help you accomplish your personal and/or relational goals.
Medication can be effective and is sometimes needed in conjunction with therapy.
How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?
Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual. We tailor our therapeutic approach to your specific needs
How often and for how long do I need to attend therapy sessions to receive benefit?
Many people find that one session per week is just right – it provides enough frequency that the therapeutic process maintains good continuity and momentum, yet there is time to digest the last session before coming in for the next one. Some people find that a session every other week is sufficient. There are also times when more than one session a week is indicated, such as during a crisis or when one wants to focus even more intensively on the therapeutic process.
Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time therapy can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek therapy in the first place.
I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?
We are so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication is crucial to your success. After all, we only see each other for a session a week. It’s the work you do outside of our sessions that will really help you see your personal growth and development.
My partner and I are having problems. Should we be in individual counseling or come together? How long will it take?
If you are concerned about your relationship, and you would both like to work with a specific therapist, a therapist would initially work with both of you together. After this work, if one of you would like to continue in individual sessions, the therapist could work with only one of you. It is not helpful to move from individual into couple’s work with the same therapist because of potential trust issues.
How will I know if you are the right therapist for me?
The only way to know for sure is to come in for a session. Most people have a good sense of whether their therapist is the right professional to help them within the first two sessions. Reading about me will give you a sense of who we are and how we work.
What can I expect from therapy?
Once you have made a decision to see a therapist, you still might be apprehensive about the process. Many people feel nervous before their first appointment. Therapy is a shared journey; a shared process. And, although you and your therapist will travel together, it is ultimately your journey and you will make your own decisions. We do not have answers to all your concerns, but we do have the ability to listen carefully and will ask thoughtful questions. Your answers to these questions will help shape the direction of our work. You can expect to be respected. You can expect that we will offer opinions and suggestions from time to time but we will not tell you what to do.