FAQ
Where is your office?
All my sessions are conducted online through a HIPAA-compliant platform.
What are the benefits of online therapy?
You can be in your most comfortable space when you have therapy online. You also don’t have to commute anywhere, which saves drive time, stress, and awkward waiting room encounters. You can have therapy in your living room, office, kitchen, pajamas, or whatever works best for you.
How long is a typical session?
Sessions are meant to be 50 minutes. Depending on the conversation, we may come in a little below that or a bit above, but 50 minutes is the standard.
How do I make an appointment?
We can set your initial appointment during our first phone call. If you prefer a standing time, we can arrange that. If your schedule varies, we will schedule your sessions at the end of the previous one. I am easily accessible by message on the HIPPA-compliant platform I use, so if something changes, we can reschedule.
Can I cancel the appointment? What is your cancellation policy?
I require at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel appointments. Anything with shorter notice is subject to a full fee charge. That said, we are human, and things happen. Therefore, I allow one late cancellation without charge.
How early/late do you have sessions?
If you’re an early bird, I can start at 6:00 a.m. some days. I am flexible during the day, offering noon appointments for clients who want to meet during lunch. My last appointment for the day is 5:00 p.m.
What is a free phone consultation?
In a free phone consultation, we explore what feeling better would look like for you and the general issues you seek help with. It is an opportunity to see if we connect well and are a good match regarding personality and style.
What if we aren’t a good fit?
If, for whatever reason, we determine during the phone consultation or even later that we aren’t a good match, I have a network of highly qualified and excellent therapists I can refer you to. Reaching out to me doesn’t mean we’re married, and my main concern is that you’re getting the best care possible.
Do you work with men? Women? Couples? Adolescents?
I work with adult men and women. I don’t work with couples, though we address relationship issues individually. I will refer you to other highly qualified therapists if you seek couples counseling or help with adolescents or children.
Do you work with people from diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, religions? Are you LGBTQIA-friendly?
My job is to meet people where they are and pay attention to what it’s like to be them. I never assume I know anything about a person, even someone with a similar background. This means I can help people identify their values and where they come from and mine their strengths without jumping to conclusions. This helps to listen to diverse backgrounds and provide the best care possible no matter where someone comes from.
Do I have to tell you everything?
We go at your pace. I will not push you to discuss something you’re not ready to discuss. I hope you feel safe sharing more complex things as our relationship grows. If I sense there are underlying things you’re not prepared to address, I may gently allude to that, but I will never insist.
Is there anyone who you will not see?
I refer people who have a primary issue of substance dependence to providers with more expertise in that area. Substance use and its interface with mental health require a nuanced background, and I have some excellent therapists who are skilled in this area.
What can I expect in the first session?
The first session builds on our initial phone contact. We will continue to develop your vision for what you want to get from therapy and start to gather pertinent background information. This gives us an idea of where to start and where our work will lead. My style is conversational. I ask many questions initially, but I do so in a way that does not make you feel “grilled.”
Do I have to lie on a couch?
If you’re comfortable, go for it! I’ve had sessions with people on couches, beds, cars, and offices. Get a sense of your ideal space, and I am right there with you.
What apps make your life better?
Hands down, it must be the Finch app. Check it out. There is nothing like a small bird to root for you and make your day. You can set goals, access ideas to ground yourself, enjoy affirmations, and even decorate your house and travel to far-off lands. Worth a look.
Am I allowed to ask personal questions?
Absolutely. Just know I am not on the other end often, so please forgive me if I’m awkward.
Do you have a book or movie that’s a comfort go-to?
The movie would have to be ‘Hot Fuzz.’ It makes me laugh every time. Book, that’s a tough one. How to pick? Probably A Wrinkle in Time. Always inspiring.
Cats or Dogs?
Why not both?