So……. How does therapy actually work?
Let’s demystify the process. The first step to getting started with therapy is to reach out via phone or email to schedule a free 15 minute consultation to determine whether we are a good fit. If we decide that I’m the right person to support you at this time, then we’ll come up with a regular schedule for our sessions. Our first session will be dedicated to the intake process, which is a semi-structured interview designed to give us a full picture of your life, including formative relationships and events from your past that have helped shape who you are today. From there, we create a treatment plan, naming the most important presenting issues that you’d like to tackle, and the steps we will take together to reach your goals. I view therapy as a collaboration between client and therapist and am committed to your role as an equal partner in this process.
The idea of bracing for psyche-shattering breakthroughs is not everyone’s cup of tea. Some modalities are powerful channels for tapping into a tumultuous ocean of unconscious material, and you may not feel ready to go there. If you are new to therapy (and even if you aren’t) I take care to create a solid foundation of psycho-education, cognitive skills, and tools for self regulations before treading into experiential waters. We will move at whatever pace feels right for you. Many clients do tremendous work squarely within the realm of traditional talk therapy, and I support that.
After 6-8 sessions, we will check in on the progress you’ve made toward your goals, and can decide whether you are in a place to end therapy, or if you are ready to deepen your inquiry and continue to work on new questions that have arisen. Therapy is something that you can discontinue at any time, however I highly value the process of conscious closure. The end of a therapeutic relationship can illuminate how you do endings in other relationships in your life, be that with friendships, jobs, and intimate partnerships. Creating a good, reflective, and conscious ending can be a transformative experience in itself, and be instructive on how to create positive closure in all of your future endings.
Who do I work with?
I don’t identify as specializing in a specific population, nor do I necessarily believe in having a niche, since no one I work with fits neatly into any box. Rarely does a person seek therapy with a single presenting issue, and I enjoy being surprised by what each individual brings to the table. That being said, I’ve worked with parents, step-parents, grandparents, students, high performing professionals, survivors of complex trauma, incarcerated folks, combat veterans, and folks across the spectrum of gender identity and sexual orientation. If you are struggling in the areas of life/role/identity transition, grief and loss, relationship issues, PTSD and trauma related concerns, patterns of dissociation, or trauma related to religious/spiritual/cultural communities, I am happy to work with you.
What are my hours of availability?
Because of family commitments, my working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:45am until 2:45pm.
Do I see clients in person or online?
I am able to see clients virtually via telehealth as well as in person in my office.
What are my rates?
My rate is $125 for a 55 minute session.
I am not accepting insurance at this time, however I can provide a superbill to be submitted to your insurance for reimbursement.