Common questions.
If you're wondering about something not covered here, please don't hesitate to reach out — I'm happy to talk it through.
Things feel out of control and overwhelming. I don't feel like myself. What should I do?
Firstly, I want to acknowledge just how difficult it is not to feel like yourself — to be overwhelmed, scared, and feel a lack of autonomy. It's common when we feel discouraged to experience a sense of stuckness, hopelessness, fear, or overwhelm. There are several things we can do, and reaching out for support is a great step! Whether we work together or not, acknowledging what you are experiencing can help you find a good fit, identify goals, and make progress. I would love to meet with you for a free consultation to see if we are a good fit to work toward those goals. If we aren't a good fit, I am happy to provide referrals to other providers who may better meet your needs. Taking this step takes a lot of courage. I am happy you are here!
What can you help me with?
That's a great question! Therapy can cover a wide variety of topics. In a generalized sense, I help people learn more about who they are, who they want to be, where they want to go, why they do what they do, what works for them, and what no longer works for them. I specialize in working with clients who struggle with symptoms associated with trauma, anxiety, and depression. However, I also help clients navigate life transitions, identity concerns, the mental and emotional impact of chronic illnesses, relational and interpersonal challenges, the expression and understanding of emotions, emotional well-being, and the development of self-esteem and self-confidence. There are some struggles and difficulties that may require more specialized care than I can offer — but please feel free to reach out. We can decide if we are the best fit to help you meet your goals, and if not, I am happy to provide a list of referrals.
I've never shared what I want to explore with anyone. How can I know it's safe to share with you?
That is a valid concern. Therapy is a vulnerable process. This question really asks two things: how do I know things will be kept confidential, and how do I know there is emotional safety with you? On confidentiality — I take several precautions to protect my clients' information, including using HIPAA-compliant systems for health records, email, and telehealth. I am legally and ethically bound to ensure this confidence. On emotional safety — this is something that will take time. Just as in any relationship, we will need to take time to build safety, trust, and understanding as we get to know one another. Throughout the work, my hope is that you can feel this safety both with me and within yourself. It is absolutely possible. We can also review more specific details during our consultation before we begin if you have further questions.
What does the first session look like?
For our first session, we will meet and discuss what has brought you in. This session is an "intake" session, and as a result, it can feel more structured and direct — even a little choppy in terms of conversational flow. I will begin by reviewing the forms, policies, and paperwork you completed before the session. From there, we will take some time to assess your goals, determine next steps, and start the process of getting to know each other. At the end of the session, I will schedule our next appointment and begin to create a treatment plan to use as a guide throughout the work.
What does an average therapy session look like?
My sessions typically last anywhere from 53 to 60 minutes. I start each session with a simple question: "How are things going this week?" This is your opportunity to reflect on the week, share what feels relevant, or use it as a jumping-off point to pivot toward a topic you'd like to explore. You never have to answer the exact question — I care more about what you would like to focus on week by week. From there, we will explore topics we've either tabled for future sessions or that have come up in the work. Most sessions involve you talking and sharing, while I listen, guide, and reflect. You are the expert on yourself. My hope is to learn more about you, and together co-create meaning and understanding of what you're going through, your symptoms, where you want to go, and your movement toward your goals. You can't fail therapy, and there is no rush. You have complete control over the pacing, content, and intensity of our work together.
How long will this process take? How long do I need to stay in therapy?
That is a great question, and honestly not one I can accurately estimate — not because I'm avoiding it, but because each person is unique, and so is their journey. How long the process takes can depend on your presenting concern, your current situation, the support you have outside of therapy, your history, your experiences, your personality, your worldview, and so much more. With all that said, this is not solely determined by me. You always have full autonomy in this work and can choose to discontinue at any time for any reason. Together, we will work to find agreement about the goals of therapy, the duration, and the breadth of our work. Lasting, true, authentic change does not happen overnight — we'll work toward consistent and grounded progress.
How much do your services cost?
Each session may have a different cost based on your insurance provider, your specific plan, copays, and deductibles. When we begin our work together, I am happy to check your benefits for more information. You can also reach out to your insurance provider to ask about your specific mental health services plans. I also offer out-of-network and self-pay rates: an intake session is $250, and a 53 to 60-minute therapy session is $200.
Do you take insurance?
I do! I currently accept Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO and Blue Choice Plans, as well as Aetna PPO. If you do not wish to use insurance, are out-of-network, or would like to be a self-pay client, I am happy to provide a "Superbill" to submit to your provider. This allows you to obtain some reimbursement from your insurer — the reimbursement rate is determined by your specific plan and benefits. Feel free to reach out with any questions, and you are encouraged to contact your insurance provider for more information.
Still have questions?
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