Helping You Move Forward
Getting Started
How do I know if I really need therapy?
It’s a little different for everyone. Some signs that you might need some help from a professional are when the way you feel begins to negatively impact your sleep, your job, appetite, relationships with friends and loved ones, or your decision-making abilities. If you find that you feel “blue” a lot, or that things just aren’t getting better or even that things seem hopeless – these are also pretty strong indicators that it’s time to seek out a trained professional to help.
What happens in therapy?
Since the needs and goals of every client are different, therapy sessions vary in format and approach. Sometimes clients come with an agenda or specific things they’d like to talk about. Other times, people have a success story, an emotion that’s bothering them, or just a vague feeling or thought they can’t shake. Sessions progress is based on the needs of the client at the time, but active participation and collaboration is important. In addition to in-session discussion and activities, I might encourage an outside activity or assignment that we discuss later (like reading a book, or keeping a journal). Ultimately, the goal is to identify the areas where change or help is needed, set realistic objectives, and to equip you with resources and strategies for both near-term and long-term success.
Do I have to share things I'm uncomfortable talking about?
Certain topics or stories can be difficult to share, and that’s normal and OK. You don’t have to share anything you don’t want to, or that makes you uncomfortable. It’s important to build a trusting relationship between therapist and client, thus our sessions always progress at a pace that you feel ready for.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Yes. Your privacy is important to me, and you can trust that our sessions, as well as any of your personal information, is always held in the strictest of confidence.
Confidential information disclosed in private therapy sessions is legally protected. However, I am required by state law and professional ethics to break confidentiality in some exceptional circumstances, for example:
instances of suspected child or elder abuse,
when a client presents a serious danger of violence toward themselves or others
. If you’d like to learn more about my ethical standards and privileged communication exceptions, please view my privacy practices statement.
How often will we meet and how long does treatment usually last?
Therapy sessions occur once a week in the beginning and may move to a bi-weekly or monthly basis as you make progress. If you need additional support, I will be able to meet with you more often.
Depending on your specific needs and goals, we could work together for a short-term or a longer-term. Some individuals feel satisfied after resolving the conflict or symptoms that brought them to therapy at the present time, while others feel enthusiastic about achieving further levels of improvement in their lives and relationships.
In addition. you may choose to have an intermittent treatment. This refers to the possibility of returning to see your therapist every time you need further support or are experiencing a life transition. Many of my clients return through the years to discuss stressors, life transitions, or new circumstances. I certainly enjoy to seeing how much they have grown and welcome previous clients back to help them manage their new experiences.
The length of the treatment also depends on your level of participation. You will get the best results from our work together if you actively participate in the process.
Can I call you in between sessions if I am having a crisis?
Once treatment begins, you may call me 24/7 if a serious crisis arises, though I will answer as soon as I am able to. If it is a life threatening situation, please call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency room. Once your treatment is finished I will need permission to communicate with you. again.
If you experience a crisis that is less serious, but you feel that you need a session sooner than scheduled, I will do my best to accommodate my schedule to meet you sooner or I will provide you support over the phone until we can meet.
What happens if I feel that we are not a good fit?
Having the right connection and therapeutic rapport with a therapist is comparable to the process of selecting a long term partner. Every person is different and so are your preferences, so if it is not the right connection and you feel that we are not a good fit, I will refer you to another professional. No hurt feelings. This is completely normal and I do not take it personal.
