FAQs

While friends and family can offer support, therapy provides something unique:

• Neutral and Nonjudgmental Space: I listen without expectations or judgment, creating a safe environment for you to explore your thoughts and feelings.
• Expert Guidance: As a therapist, I'm trained to help you understand your concerns and teach tools and strategies to improve your symptoms and coping skills.
• Protecting Relationships: Sharing deeply personal struggles with others can sometimes strain relationships.  Therapy allows you to process emotions without that risk.
• Confidentiality: Everything we discuss is private - you don't have to worry about others "knowing your business", excluding HIPAA guidelines around the exceptions to confidentiality.

Therapy isn't just talking - it's learning new perspectives, building resilience, and reconnecting with yourself in a way that promotes lasting change.

Great question-and one many people struggle with. Finding the right therapist is essential because the relationship is the foundation of effective therapy.

A good fit often means:

• You feel comfortable and safe
• You feel heard and understood
• You believe the therapist can help you meet your goals

Sometimes you'll know right away; other times, it may take a few sessions. Think of it as an interview-you're hiring someone to support your well-being. 

Here are some questions you might ask:

• What do you value in therapy?
• Have you worked with people who have concerns like mine?
• How will you approach my situation?
• How long do you recommend therapy?
• How will I know when I'm done?
• What does a typical session look like?

Choosing the right therapist is about finding someone who feels like the right partner for your movement forward.

Medication can be helpful, but it often addresses symptoms - not the underlying causes. While medication may reduce racing thoughts or improve mood, it doesn't resolve the patterns, stressors, or life challenges contributing to those feelings. 

Therapy goes deeper.  Our work together will help you:

• Explore and unpack the concerns behind your symptoms
• Tap into your strengths
• Learn tools and strategies to accomplish your goals

Sometimes medication and therapy work best together, but therapy provides the insight and skills needed for lasting change.

Every person comes to therapy with unique concerns and goals, so sessions are tailored to your specific needs. Together, we'll develop therapeutic goals and choose approaches that fit you best.  

Your role is simple but important:

• Show up and engage in our conversations
• Practice the strategies and tools we discuss in your daily life

Therapy is most effective when you apply what you learn outside of sessions.  I'll guide you every step of the way and help you build skills that create lasting change.

There's no one-size-fits-all answer because every person's circumstances are unique.  The length of therapy depends on several factors, including:

• Your goals and what you want to accomplish
• Your commitment
• The challenges that brought you to therapy

Some people find relief in a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support.  We'll regularly review your progress together to ensure therapy is meeting your needs.

I'm so glad you're committed to making the most of your sessions! Your active participation is key to success.  

Here's what helps:

• Show up and engage fully during sessions
• Apply the skills, strategies, and tools we discuss in your daily life
• Stay open and honest about what's working and what's challenging

The ultimate goal of therapy is to help you feel and function better than when you started.  Your dedication makes that possible?

That's completely okay - and very common. You don't need to have all the answers before starting therapy. All you know is that something isn't working, and you want things to feel different.  That's enough to begin.

Here's where we start:

• Think about what led you to seek therapy.
• What feels "off" or creates barriers for you?  
• If you could imagine life without this concern, what would it look like? 

Together, we'll explore what's keeping you from that desired outcome and create a plan to help you move forward.  Therapy is a process of discovery - you don't have to figure it out alone.

The main differences involve convenience, accessibility, and personal preference. Online therapy eliminates travel time and costs, while in-person therapy offers face-to-face connection.  Both can be effective when you and your therapist have a strong connection and work collaboratively. 

Pros of Online Therapy:

• No driving, parking, or traffic hassles
• Fewer time constraints
• Increased likelihood of attending sessions
• Greater accessibility for rural areas, limited transportation, or physical disabilities  

Cons of Online Therapy:

• Less in-person connection, which can feel isolating for some
• Insurance limitations for virtual coverage
• Privacy concerns in shared spaces
• Possible interruptions due to internet issues or environment

Pros of In-Person Therapy:

• Physical presence of the therapist
• Easier exchange of documents and materials
• Often preferred for severe or complex mental health conditions 
• Broader insurance acceptance
• Lower risk of session interruptions 

Cons of in-person therapy:

• Travel time and costs
• Easier to cancel due to scheduling conflicts
• May feel uncomfortable initially for some people.

Bottom line: The choice depends on what feels most comfortable and practical for you. With planning and open communication, therapy can be effective in either setting.

Great question! Preparing for virtual therapy is simple, and you're already thinking ahead - excellent work

Here's what you'll need:

• High-speed internet connection
• A device (smartphone, laptop or desktop, or tablet) with a camera, microphone, and speakers. 
• A secure platform (I use HIPAA-compliant platforms)

If you've used Teams or Zoom before, you likely have everything you need. If not, try a quick test with a friend or family member to check your camera and audio. These platforms are free and easy to use.  

Optional: 

• A headset or earbuds for privacy
• A comfortable, private space where you feel safe - whether that's a chair, couch, bed, or even outdoors

The goal is to create a setting where you can focus, feel comfortable, and maintain confidentiality.

Great questions!  Coverage for mental health services varies by plan.  Not all insurance plans include benefits for psychotherapy or psychiatry, so it's important to check early.  

Here's what you can do:

• Call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card.  
• Ask about coverage for mental health or behavioral health services, your co-pay, deductibles, and any session limits.  

When you schedule an appointment with me, I'll also verify your benefits and provide details about your deductible, co-pay, and the number of sessions allowed. Please note this information is often preliminary and may change claims are processed - but I'll keep you updated with the most accurate details available.  

Please visit my Rates & Insurance page.

My hours are listed in Eastern Standard Time (EST).  

Availability:

• Monday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM (unavailable 2-5 PM)
• Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• Thursday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM (unavailable 2-5 PM)
• Every other Friday & Sunday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
• Closed: Saturdays

Periodically, I will have times I am unavailable due to other commitments.