FAQ
Therapy Process
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Q: How does this therapy thing work?
A: During initial visits, the emphasis will be on understanding the nature of your concerns and exploring if this feels like a good therapeutic match. We will also be identifying realistic and measurable goals that you would like to work towards, and developing a course of action to achieve them. You may want to talk about long-standing issues, want to discuss recent stressors, or a combo of both. The priority of each session may vary although I find that the core issues/themes will be present in all sessions even if their presentation may differ.
Q: Will there be homework?
A: "Homework" or "setting an intention" will be offered and encouraged. This is to help carry on the work in between sessions, as it is important to have practical application in ‘real life’ to solidify the changes you are creating. This may include reading, tracking behaviors, feelings and attitudes, practicing new techniques, or saying an affirmation to yourself , such as 'It's okay for me to take care of myself.' The aim is for this exercise to be achievable and purposeful. And no, you will not be punished or shamed for not doing the homework offered or not setting an intention.
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Q: Is it okay if I take notes?
A: YES!!!! As you may have guessed by the many exclamation points, I very much encourage note taking during sessions. It is so easy to forget about what realizations you've had or intentions you want to set once you get back to your day-to-day stuff.
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Q: Should I think of what I want to talk about in each session?
A: You are certainly encouraged to take some time to reflect on what you would like to talk about in each session. This is your therapy after all. Oftentimes, what you'd like to talk about is inspired by what we've discussed in a prior session, a homework/intention setting exercise, or what's come up for you in between sessions. Through the goals you have identified that you'd like to towards, we'll have a framework and direction to achieve that although if something comes up in your world that trumps what brought you to therapy, then that is what needs attending to.
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Q: Don't you have a magic wand?
A: Unfortunately, no. I tried but Amazon has been out of stock for years.
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Q: Do I have to talk about the stuff that I don't want to talk about?
A: No, you absolutely do not. It is your choice. Also, you are encouraged to honor your own pace in sharing information or talking about any topic. Something to consider is that topic you want to avoid may actually be an area asking to be healed.
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Q: Is it normal to want to avoid therapy sometimes?
A: You mean you don't always look forward to possibly talking about challenging stuff that may lead you to cry? Yes, it is normal and I would encourage you to bring it up in session. You may be surprised by what magic comes from that.
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Q: Is it "normal" to feel unsettled after a therapy session?
A: Yes, it is. Sometimes, you will feel lighter at the end of a session and other times, not so much. We may be talk about an emotionally heavy topic or you've had a realization that shakes you up a bit. Either way, I'll check in with you about how you're feeling and we'll engage in a lighter exercise if needed to provide some relief.
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Q: Are you a mind reader?
A: No....I am sometimes a really good guesser, my intuition may be on point that day, and/or have had similar conversations with others (or myself) about that topic and may have a sense of what you may be experiencing.
Q: Is it okay if I take breaks from therapy?
A: Yes! Sometimes we need to take a break to allow what we've learned to integrate and then put into practice. And other times, we may not be ready to go down certain roads. I say honor what you need!
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Q: What if we are not a good match?
A: I will provide you with referrals for other providers who may be an appropriate match for you! It is so important to feel that you gel with the person that you, most likely, will be talking about some seriously vulnerable stuff with.
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Q: Do you take insurance?
A: Yes, I do! I accept Aetna, Compsych, Cigna/Evernorth, Highmark/BCBS PPO, Quest Behavioral Health and United Behavioral Health/Optum.
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Q: How do I find a mental health provider?
A: You can search on your insurance's provider directory or Visit Psychology Today.
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Q: Is therapy confidential?
A: Therapy is confidential except for the following situations: Where there is a reasonable suspicion of child, dependent, or elder abuse or neglect; Where you present a danger to yourself or others; Disclosure may also be required pursuant to a legal proceeding by or against you. If you place your mental status at issue in litigation initiated by you, the defendant may have the right to obtain the psychotherapy records and/or testimony by this psychologist.
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Q: Where do I need to be be in order to receive telehealth therapy services?
A: There are two parts to this equation. First, you need to be present in a state where I am licensed or authorized to provide Telehealth therapy services. You can check to see if the state you will be in falls within that scope through this link: Check the map. Secondly, you need to be in a secure space for your session (room with closed door where your privacy can be protected, using headphones can add another layer of privacy as well). We will not be able to meet if another individual is present in the room, you are in, you can't ensure that you're in a private space, or driving a vehicle/riding a bike/etc.
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Q: How long can I expect to be in therapy?
A: The length of time that you may be in therapy entirely depends on your individual needs. Clients may be seen from a few weeks to over the course of a year or more depending on what brought them to therapy, what occurred in their lives while they are in therapy, and other factors. Some clients find that they continue in therapy for years in varying degrees, such as biweekly, monthly, or whenever they need a "tune up" or maintenance session.
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Communication
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Q: How quickly do you respond to outreaches?
A: I do my best to respond to all outreaches within 1 to 2 business days Monday through Thursday. Please note that I do not respond over the weekend or after 7pm EST. I strongly believe in maintaining healthy work-life boundaries/balance, and encourage you to do the same. *Therapy will never be provided via text or email.
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Emergencies
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Q: What do I do if I'm experiencing a mental health emergency?
A: Please immediately call 911, go to your nearest ER, or reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting *988.*
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