Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know that therapy is right for me?

Therapy is an individual choice. There are many reasons people come to therapy. Sometimes it is to deal with long term struggles; other times it is in response to changes in one's life such as a divorce, a death, or difficulty in a relationship. Some people seek therapy to help relieve symptoms such as sadness, anxiety or hopelessness; others seek support as they pursue their own personal exploration and growth.

If you are struggling to make the changes you want in your life, to heal from past hurts and to find insights and techniques to help you move forward, therapy can be very helpful.

How do I know therapy will be successful for me?

There are two major factors that influence the success of therapy. The first is your connection with your therapist. The second is that you begin to feel hopeful that things will change early in the therapy process. I strongly believe you have the strength and skills to make change in your life. That belief and optimism helps to motivate you to do the work that is needed to improve the quality of your life and your relationships. If you are interested in finding solutions that work for you; if you are willing to explore how to change behaviors that are less effective for you, if you connect with a therapist that feels hopeful about your future, therapy can help you to reach your goals.

What can I expect from the first session?

Please arrive for your first session 15 minutes before your appointment time. You will find paperwork to be completed on the coffee table. There is water, coffee and tea available, help yourself. I will come out to greet you at your scheduled appointment time.

Sessions last about 50 minutes. The first part of the this first session will be spent talking about how the process works as well as answering any questions you might have. The bulk of the session will be spent talking about what brings you to therapy as we begin to talk about your goals for success. The final part of the session will focus on "what next". If I feel I can be helpful and you feel I am a good fit for you we will set the next appointment. We may also discuss what other steps may be available to you to help you reach your goals.

How does insurance work?

I am an out-of-network insurance provider. To determine if you have out-of-network mental health coverage, you need to check with your insurance carrier. Check your coverage carefully and find the answers to the following questions:

• Do I have out-of-network mental health benefits?

• Is my coverage for individual therapy and/or family therapy?

• How much does my insurance reimburse for an out-of-network provider?

At the end of each session as I accept payment in cash, check or credit card, I will give you a two-part receipt that you can use to file a claim should you be eligible for insurance and/or flexible spending reimbursement.