FAQ

  • What will our first session look like?

    During our first session, I will ask you a lot of questions about yourself, such as your background, when you first started dealing with the issue that brought you therapy, and yes, possibly about your childhood, too. Some may feel dismayed in wanting to feel immediate change after a first session, which is not something I can guarantee. I will, however, give you a better sense of what to expect down the line as we plan your treatment together. A first session is also a wonderful time for you to gain information about what it feels like to sit with me, and if that’s something you’d like to do more of.

  • What do therapists mean by “good fit”?

    Finding a therapist can feel a lot like dating, with specific qualities that need to add up: is your therapist available at a time that works for you? Does your therapist specialize in the specific issue you are looking to work on? Is their office not impossible for you to get to? I’d describe “good fit” as a therapist not only fitting your needs on paper, but also being someone you vibe with. You are revealing parts of yourself to someone, and feeling a level of comfort is necessary, especially when you are investing your time, attention, and money into this type of self-work. And like dating, “good fit” can be tough to assess after a short meeting, and sometimes needs a bit more time to figure out. Throughout your journey of finding a therapist, don’t be afraid to trust your gut, as it likely holds a wealth of information about what feels right.

  • How often can we meet?

    As a relational therapist, I see the relationship we build as an important instrument to change. This means that the beginning stage of therapy is when we set a foundation for the work by building our relationship. Meeting consistently each week will lead to feeling more of a difference in therapy. Once this foundation has been laid, meeting biweekly, or monthly, may make more sense.

  • How long until I will feel a change?

    It’s hard to say, and largely depends! I aim to provide tools that will assist with feelings of intense overwhelm, or feeling shut-down, and hopefully help you to feel more stable. Often, there is no specified timeline for when we get to the deeper work of exploring how we got to that place of overwhelm or shut-down. The saying “healing is not linear” hugely applies to the work you do in therapy, and like the rollercoaster of life, we will experience some ups and downs, and hopefully find some acceptance for the rollercoaster. Some may perceive therapy as an hour block of time where you can vent your thoughts, and that’s that. To truly feel a sense of change, it does also require a willingness to try things differently in your day-to-day. The amount of work you are willing to put in can make a huge impact on the type of change you experience.

  • Do you take insurance?

    I do not take insurance, and provide out-of-network services. I can provide you with a superbill, or a document that you later submit to your insurance provider. A superbill offers a review of services offered each month, alongside a diagnostic code. The money you invest in therapy will then go towards your deductible for possible reimbursement. This largely depends on your specific plan. I recommend reaching out to your insurance company using the number on the back of your insurance card to learn more about what benefits your plan offers for mental health, and if your plan covers you for out-of-network providers.

  • What is a “good faith estimate”?

    In compliance with the No Surprises Act, you are entitled to a good faith estimate for any medical service that is paid out-of-pocket (so without the use of your insurance). These documents are available upon request, and provide a review of specific services, the fees of those specific services, alongside diagnostic and health codes. Click here for more information.

  • How do we get started?

    After speaking on the phone with a parent, I recommend an in-person or telehealth consultation, giving me and your child or teen a chance to meet and get a sense for whether I would be a good and appropriate fit. This also gives your child a fuller sense of what therapy feels like, which can be helpful if this is their first time. If it’s determined to be a great fit, then I will proceed by conducting two intake sessions: one with your teen individually, as well as an intake session with parents. An intake involves me asking a ton of questions to learn as much as I can about your child, as well as your family.

  • How does confidentiality work with parents and their child/teen?

    Feeling safe in the relationship that your child and I build is crucial, and involves a sense of trust that the information, even the minute details, is protected. I keep in touch with parents when it is necessary, such as a critical matter, emergency, or a possible report.  Otherwise, I consult with your child or teen who provides me with specifics regarding what feels okay for me to share with their parents. Upon request, or when relevant, I will provide a synopsis of the work we have done, and my clinical understanding of your child’s symptoms.

  • What does collaboration between parent and therapist look like?

    In working with children and teens, I feel it’s important to build an alliance between myself and their parents. I aspire to work collaboratively so that we are on the same page, creating congruency between the work that your child and I do in therapy, and the environment they receive when they are at home. Part of this collaboration may sometimes involve my recommending specific resources, or sharing with you my observations. Parenting can be a vulnerable experience that can activate some of our own “stuff,” and it’s my hope to provide avenues to outside forms of support as your child engages in their inner-work.

  • How do we get started?

    After a consultation call, I invite both partners for an initial 90-minute session where I ask you a ton of questions to learn more about you both as a couple, and specifically about where your dynamic currently sits. I then like to schedule a 50-minute one-on-one session with each of you to learn more about your individual history, and to learn your specific perspectives on your relationship. I do hold a no-secrets policy, which means that I will encourage you to share anything you tell me individually with your partner. After these three initial sessions are complete, we can begin to address your concerns.

  • 75-minutes doesn’t seem like enough time, can we have longer sessions?

    Yes, couples sessions can be extended to 90-minutes for a prorated fee.