Frequently Asked Questions

I’m new to therapy, what should I expect when we first meet? 

All my sessions are 50 minutes, including the intake session. Our first session is about getting to know each other. We will start with reviewing paperwork and talking about the therapy process. We’ll talk about why you are coming to therapy, the goals you want to work on and your history. I believe it’s important to understand how your past influences who you are today. I’ll also answer any questions you may have about me or therapy in general.

From there, what we do from then on is 100 percent personalized to you. It all depends on what we are working on together and where you want to start. My style is supportive and warm and I work to create a safe and accepting environment. I view our work together as a collaboration. We can always talk about goals, the process or any questions or concerns you may have throughout our time together.

How long will therapy last?  

The recommended number of sessions will be something we will discuss upfront from the beginning and it will depend on your goals and the modalities we use.  While I will weigh in with my recommendations, it is of course always the decision of the client to end therapy at any time. Statistics show that the majority of psychotherapy clients reported feeling better after about three months. I often work with clients for six months to a year or more. I recommend sticking with it at least three months and discussing your thoughts and feelings about how it is going. Regardless of length, I strongly encouraged clients to have a final session (or a few wrap-up sessions, depending on our work together) in order to review progress and explore what goals were met.  

Is what we talk about in therapy kept confidential? 

Everything we talk about is confidential and protected by law. The confidential nature of therapy is important for the work we do, so that you can feel safe being honest about what is going on in your life. I would only release information about our work together with your written consent. For example, if we wanted to coordinate with your doctor or nutritionist. There are some exceptions when I’m legally obligated to reveal information we discussed, such as if you were at imminent risk for seriously harming yourself or someone else or if you told me about a situation where there was reasonable suspicion that child or elder abuse is occurring.

It’s important to note that if you are using your insurance to cover therapy that this limits your confidentiality. I would have to make a diagnosis and possibly share information/records about your treatment plan with the insurance company. 

Is therapy effective?

According to the American Psychological Association, about 75% of therapy clients surveyed reported some benefit to them from going to therapy. Tangible reported outcomes included improved sleep, more fulfilling relationships, fewer sick days, less medical disability, higher levels of confidence, and increased work satisfaction.  In my experience, I find that like most things in life, what effort you put in to it is what you’ll get out of it.  Meaning, beneficial therapy is not a passive experience.  In fact, it requires a lot from you. But it is also really important that you trust the therapist, and that their professional & communication style, tools and experience meet your needs.