What can I expect from therapy?

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Therapy is different for everyone, but you tend to get out of it what you put into it.

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This just means that the more open and honest and vulnerable you can be with me, the further we will get in helping you meet your goals. A good therapy experience depends on the therapeutic relationship, so I have to earn your trust and confidence, which inherently takes a little time — as your psychologist, I have to listen to you and understand your experience.

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We will work together to establish your goals for coming to therapy and make sure we are moving towards them, or adjusting as needed. Therapy sessions are a time to focus on you and speak candidly about your life and experiences with someone trained in understanding human behavior, cognition, and emotion.

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My duties as a psychologist are to track your patterns and experiences. Through this observation, we can then discuss trends and outliers to help you be more effective and empowered. Therapy allows space for a greater understanding of who you are and how you are moving through this life. Self-insight provides the foundation for making changes that enhance life and give it meaning, rather than passively experiencing it or living with ongoing, significant stress and pain.

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Expect to understand yourself better and learn skills and strategies for deriving joy and gratitude in your life. 

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How long is someone in therapy?

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Some people come to therapy for only a handful of sessions, to sort through a situational issue while others are seeking out treatment for a more long-standing issue that can take time to work on.

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I generally let the client give a timeframe they are hoping to work within, and give feedback to how that can be achieved when we meet.

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There is so much variation but generally, I like to meet with someone once a week for about 4 weeks to get to know them and learn about their life and goals, and then determine the frequency and duration at that point.

 

For many of my clients, therapy is a lifetime endeavor.

 

That doesn’t mean we meet every week for the rest of their lives, but we meet with more frequency when they need it, and less when they don’t. I don't see some clients for years and they reach out when something comes up. We will figure out what is best for you.

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What is your approach as a psychologist?

 

I am collaborative, direct, and mindful.

 

I do not rush to conclusions, I respond well to feedback and criticism, and I utilize humor wholeheartedly. I am curious but will listen and let there be silence if there needs to be. I tend to focus on negative automatic thought cycles we struggle with and understanding their origins and enablers.

 

I focus on relationships: with our parents or caregivers, our siblings, friendships, loved ones, and relationships that have caused us pain or grief or suffering; as well as growth, gratitude, and grace.

 

I incorporate evidence-based strategies for improving relationships, coping with stress, and regulating emotions. I teach mindfulness skills and often use assessments to gather data and track progress.

 

I am not for everyone, but I work with a wide enough variety of clientele, that I would say I am very adaptable. I look forward to us learning more about one another. 

 

How often do we meet?

 

In my experience as a psychologist, I typically like to begin meeting with someone once a week, for at least 3-6 weeks, and then determine whether weekly feels like a good rhythm or not.

 

Sometimes people need to meet more frequently initially to build rapport or momentum, and other times it’s perfectly fine and comfortable to meet bi-weekly. Depending on your needs, wants, expectations, and goals we will adjust a time frame for meeting that works for you.

 

I see this as a collaborative effort and do not dictate how frequently we need to meet. However, therapy becomes less useful when sessions are sporadic and widely spaced apart.

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How much does therapy cost?

 

Therapy is a financial commitment. Part of the cost is to get your buy-in and motivation to make use of it and participate fully.

 

Without that emotional commitment, therapy can be slogging and ineffective.

 

My fees reflect my training, my experience, and my commitment to you. However, I also feel therapy is something everyone can benefit from and I will take into account each person’s situation to determine whether a reduced fee for service makes sense. 

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Where do we meet? 

 

I meet with you at my office, unless circumstances arise such that we must meet remotely or virtually—known as teletherapy.

 

I use a HIPPA secured platform for my virtual sessions and will provide that information to you prior to our sessions. If we meet virtually I will still be in my office, and expect you to find a private, distraction-free, and comfortable place that is conducive to therapy.

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What would our first session look like?

 

For our first session, I will typically ask what brings you to therapy, or what has been going on in your life lately.

 

The first session allows us to meet to see if it feels comfortable to work together, and for me to learn more about why you are seeking out therapy. I’ll ask about your support systems, your school or work, your history of trauma or stress, what other medication or therapy you have received, and about your interests and motivations.

 

I’ll allow you to ask me questions too. We can discuss what your goals are for therapy and what your timeline or time frame is for working together— if there is one.

 

I may give you some things to work on or think about, prior to our next meeting.

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Disclaimer:

Appointments are 45 minutes long. 90-minute appointments are available upon request.

Late cancellation and no-show fees may apply.

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