Fees/FAQ
You may be finding yourself with questions about my therapy services, prices, or techniques. I encourage you to take a look below to find answers to many of the common questions that typically come up as one is looking for a therapist . However, if you still have additional questions or concerns, feel free to contact me and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Despite therapy's growing popularity, it still seems to be somewhat shrouded in mystery for many. How does one go about the process of finding the right therapist? What should you expect the therapy process to feel like? What would be helpful to know in order to make the best decision for the care of your emotions? These are just some of the most common questions that I have encountered when working with a new or potential client.
I hope you will find the following information helpful in answering these and other questions you might have.
I hope you will find the following information helpful in answering these and other questions you might have.
What Can I Expect at My First Appointment?
The initial session is a chance for us to begin deciding if we are a good fit for each other. I will ask you questions about your relationships, health, life experiences, and goals. This is also an excellent opportunity to ask any questions you might have prepared for me. Generally in the first several sessions we will spend more time becoming acquainted with one another—forming a caring and trusting bond with your therapist is crucial when it comes time to move into deeper issues.
It is not uncommon for you to feel uncomfortable or unsure at first, especially if this is your first time in therapy. Please know that I will be checking in with you to make sure that the pace of your session feels right - we will take this at your speed and comfort level, this is for you. I reserve an hour for each session. This accounts for the 50-minute session itself as well as enough time to wrap up, schedule the next appointment and settle the payment for the session.
It is not uncommon for you to feel uncomfortable or unsure at first, especially if this is your first time in therapy. Please know that I will be checking in with you to make sure that the pace of your session feels right - we will take this at your speed and comfort level, this is for you. I reserve an hour for each session. This accounts for the 50-minute session itself as well as enough time to wrap up, schedule the next appointment and settle the payment for the session.
How Long Will I Be in Therapy?
This is an excellent question with a complicated answer. Depending on factors that vary from person to person, therapy can take anywhere from a few months to a few years. Some of the factors to take into consideration are: how well do you cope with day-to-day stressors? How strong is your support system? What is the severity of the reason you are coming to therapy?
It is also important to remember that therapy is not always about fixing problems. One of my goals is to help my clients develop a better understanding of themselves, so that they are able to offer themselves the same love and compassion they would offer a loved one or a good friend.
It is also important to remember that therapy is not always about fixing problems. One of my goals is to help my clients develop a better understanding of themselves, so that they are able to offer themselves the same love and compassion they would offer a loved one or a good friend.
What Does Your Therapy Approach Look Like?
I approach my clients and their concerns through a lens grounded in Neurobiology and the theory of attachment. This is my framework for helping you understand your unique psychological development—something that began when you were an infant and stems from your relationship with your caregivers and family.
Growing up, your brain learned about who you are as an individual as well as part of a larger community and whether to trust that the world is a safe place. But guess what? Your brain has the capacity to learn new lessons about life and relationships as an adult. That is why the relationship with your therapist is so important and why it is vital to find a good fit with their therapy approach and personality.
I also use mindfulness techniques and strategies from other therapies that fall under the Experiential Therapy category. This means you will learn how to sit and be with yourself and your feelings and learn how to cope with sensations and emotions in the moment.
Growing up, your brain learned about who you are as an individual as well as part of a larger community and whether to trust that the world is a safe place. But guess what? Your brain has the capacity to learn new lessons about life and relationships as an adult. That is why the relationship with your therapist is so important and why it is vital to find a good fit with their therapy approach and personality.
I also use mindfulness techniques and strategies from other therapies that fall under the Experiential Therapy category. This means you will learn how to sit and be with yourself and your feelings and learn how to cope with sensations and emotions in the moment.
How Are You as a Therapist In Session?
I really feel that it is crucial that I am a good role model for authenticity with my clients. In addition to maintaining a professional tone, I also bring my whole, imperfect self into the session. I incorporate humor and self-disclose about my own life experiences when appropriate. I also cuss a little. So if any of those aspects of my therapist personality does not feel right for you, I hope you will feel supported enough in the session to let me know. Each client is different, and what works from one to the other will not be the same. I whole-heartedly welcome your feedback so that you can have the experience you need and deserve.
Do You Have Any Suggestions On What I Can Do Outside of My Therapy Sessions to Enhance My Overall Experience?
Another great question! I would say that the most important thing you can do is to keep track of—and prepare for—what you’d like to focus on in your sessions with me. Sometimes this may be focused around an event or interaction you had with someone since our last therapy appointment, it might be a goal or a skill you’d like to practice, or it could be following up and completing homework I assigned you. I recommend using a journal or a phone app to keep track of your thoughts, moods, and activities.
You can also ask me for suggested books, magazines, articles, or videos that are relevant to what we’re working on in therapy to read and watch between sessions. You can also follow me on Instagram or Facebook for more education and suggestions. I would also encourage you to start focusing on healthy habits that you can practice between sessions. This can include spending more time in nature, starting a meditation practice (which we can practice in therapy sessions as well), journaling, and taking some time away from electronics.
You can also ask me for suggested books, magazines, articles, or videos that are relevant to what we’re working on in therapy to read and watch between sessions. You can also follow me on Instagram or Facebook for more education and suggestions. I would also encourage you to start focusing on healthy habits that you can practice between sessions. This can include spending more time in nature, starting a meditation practice (which we can practice in therapy sessions as well), journaling, and taking some time away from electronics.
