FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?
I've Never Been in Therapy and Usually Handle Things on My Own. Does Going to Therapy Make Me Weak?
Not at all! It takes courage to recognize when you need help and even more strength and courage to reach out for that help!
How does therapy work? What do I have to do in sessions?
During your first session, I will collect information about your reasons for seeking therapy, along with a detailed social history. This will help me to determine a diagnosis and treatment recommendations. We will also collaborate on a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs in the initial session, which will guide us in moving forward. Because each person has different issues and goals for counseling, everyone's treatment plan is different and my therapeutic approach will be tailored to your specific needs.
How long will I need to be in therapy?
Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time counseling can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, consistency, and the factors that are driving you to seek counseling in the first place.
How do appointments work? Will I have the same appointment time every week so that I can plan my schedule?
Therapy works best when it is consistent and offers some predictability. You would have the same standing appointment day and time each week so that you, and all of my clients, can have that consistency and stability, along with the assurance of knowing that you don't need to worry about scheduling each week or losing out on a time that works for you by not scheduling in time. I understand that sometimes things come up and you may occasionally need a different day and time from your standing appointment; I will try my best to accommodate these situations when there are other appointments available.
Do you offer session times that would work with my schedule?
I understand that many people have busy schedules and limited flexibility, which can make it difficult to make mental health a priority if it doesn't fit into your life. To accommodate this, my schedule is designed to offer appointment times that can fit within most schedules. I offer evening hours, with appointment slots as late as 8:30pm, midday times that generally align with "lunch hours" and have morning times for people who would prefer to have a session before the start of the workday or after dropping their kids off at school. I also offer times on Saturday mornings for people who can't fit therapy into a weekday schedule. Some time slots, such as evenings and Saturdays are in higher demand and may have less availability.
Can I come to therapy every other week, or once a month, or only once-in-a-while when I feel like I need it?
When I first start seeing clients for therapy, it is helpful to see them at least once a week. This will ensure that I get a full picture of their symptoms and how they affect you ongoingly, as well as us a chance to build a solid therapeutic relationship so that they can get the most out of treatment. In some rare situations, a client may require more than one session a week; for example, a client who is experiencing a crisis may need a second weekly session during that time.
As clients make progress with achieving their treatment goals, sessions are spread out to see how they are sustaining their progress without therapy. At this time, sessions may occur on alternate weeks for a few weeks, and, if clients sustain their progress, may move to once a month before completing treatment. I reserve a few slots in my schedule for clients that require alternate week or monthly "maintenance" sessions. Due to the high demand of certain appointment slots (such as evenings and weekends), clients who require ongoing sessions that are less frequent than once-a-week, may need to switch from their original appointment day/time to another time slot so that their recurring time slot can be freed up for someone with more urgent treatment needs.
Do therapists prescribe medication?
Medication can only be prescribed by certain healthcare providers, such as a physician, psychiatrist, Advance Practice Nurse (APN), or Nurse Practitioner (NP). While some psychiatrists and APNs prescribe medication and provider therapy, many just see patients for medication management and recommend that clients see a Psychologist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Professional Counselor, or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for therapy.
Do you work with kids?
At this time, I work with adults and student athletes, starting at the high school level. I do not work with individuals under the age of 18 who are not competitive athletes and are not struggling with issues related to or impacting their sport. I am not currently working with athletes younger than high school age.