I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?

Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the courage to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. In our work together, I’ll help you explore and identify your strengths and how to implement them to reduce the influence of the problems you are facing.

What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?

The difference is between someone who can do something, and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, counseling is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.”

Why shouldn’t I just take medication?

Medication can be effective but it alone cannot solve all issues. Sometimes medication is needed in conjunction with counseling. Our work together is designed to explore and unpack the problems you are experiencing and expand on your strengths that can help you accomplish your personal goals.

How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?

Because each person has different issues and goals for counseling, it will be different depending on the individual.

The first step is an initial consultation.  At this appointment we’ll gather information from you to ensure that we understand what is happening with you. After the first consultation if you choose to continue, we’ll make a plan together to reach your goals as efficiently as possible.  We’ll be honest about how long and how much work we expect it to take, and you’ll make your own decision about when and how to do the work.  A typical course of therapy begins with weekly appointments of 45-50 minutes in length and transitions to bimonthly or monthly appointments as you enter a maintenance phase.

How do I talk to my child about coming to therapy?

Try this:  We go to therapy to learn about our feelings and how to take care of them.   The therapist is like a teacher or coach.  She helps us learn about ourselves and each other so that our family can be a good team.   I’m excited to go to therapy with you and be the best mom/dad I can be.   If you have a specific behavior you’d like your child to work on, let them know without judging or criticizing.  You might say “I’ve noticed that you get really upset when your friends play with someone else.  A therapist can help you to feel better.” or “Your teacher has been saying it’s hard for you to get your work done.   A therapist will have ideas for how we can help you with that.”

How can therapy help my parenting?

By attending therapy to talk about your parenting, you can become a therapeutic resource for your child and help him or her to grow into an emotionally healthy adult.   This can often be the most efficient way to teach your child new coping skills, as he’ll have your expertise every day (not just for an hour a week).  Plus, when you can experience and process your own emotions effectively you naturally model that for your child.

How long will it take?

Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. 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, and the factors that are driving you to seek counseling in the first place.

I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?

I am so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication will be crucial to your success.

How do I schedule a session or consultation call?

You can schedule your initial consultation call by contacting me through email or calling me directly at the contact number listed on the website. In addition you are able to schedule consultation calls and other sessions through the secure client portal located on the website.

Will my privacy and information be protected?

Absolutely! We follow the same HIPAA guidelines that every physical counseling service follows. You don’t have to worry about any of the information you share during a session getting out. Our system uses the latest technology and security features to ensure that your privacy is 100% protected and every piece of information we have about you is safeguarded.

The platform we’ll use to connect is 100% HIPAA compliant and completely secure so you can be sure that our interactions, case notes, and correspondences are covered under HIPAA. FaceTime, Skype, and other similar systems do not meet HIPAA’s standard and therefore will not be used during our sessions. Your privacy is of the utmost importance to us.

How will I communicate with you during our counseling sessions?

All communication will be done through a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform. All you’ll need to do is click on a provided link immediately before our arranged session time. You’ll be brought into our virtual space and our session will begin. If it would be more convenient for you, video conferencing can also be conducted using your smartphone.

Phone Sessions are also available, if you prefer to have your session over the phone. Much like video sessions we will schedule a phone call and conduct our session at your selected time.

Email sessions are conducted through a secure and encrypted email platform which protects the information that is exchanged on both ends. When selecting email counseling, the initial assessment and all other paperwork and conversations between us will be conducted through secure email. When you receive an email from me, you will be prompted to enter a password which you select in order to unlock the email to be read. With Email counseling you will have unlimited access to contact me anytime you need, I will respond during normal business hours and guarantee a response within 48 hours or less. This mode of therapy allows you to have more access to your therapist because you have the ability to check in whenever you want and receive feedback often within a few hours.