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Frequently Asked Questions
What happens during the first session?
The first therapy session allows us to get to know each other, and allows you to start sharing your story. We will talk about what is going well, and what is not going so well. We will discuss your goals and what you would like to get out of therapy. I require intake paperwork be completed prior to your first therapy session so that we can focus on what matters most: you! The first session also allows us to further determine whether we will be a good fit together. Studies have shown that the therapeutic relationship is the most powerful predictor of positive outcomes in therapy.
What can I expect from therapy?
You can expect to feel validated, respected, and at times, challenged. I utilize several different approaches to therapy, which is determined by your needs and comfort level. My goal is to inspire change and help improve the quality of your life through self-awareness and self-exploration. The outcome of your treatment depends largely on your willingness to engage in this process, which may, at times, result in considerable discomfort. Remembering unpleasant events and becoming aware of feelings attached to those events can bring on strong feelings of anger, sadness, anxiety, etc. There are no miracle cures. I cannot promise that your behavior or circumstance will change. I can promise to support you and do my very best to understand you and repeating patterns, as well as to help you clarify what it is that you want for yourself. Our first 2-4 sessions together will involve a comprehensive evaluation of your needs. By the end of the evaluation, I will be able to offer you some initial impressions of what our work might include. At that point, we will discuss your treatment goals and create an initial treatment plan. You should evaluate this information and make your own assessment about whether you feel comfortable working with me. If you have questions about my procedures, we should discuss them whenever they arise. If your doubts persist, I will be happy to help you set up a meeting with another mental health professional for a second opinion.
How often will we meet?
Typically I will recommend weekly or bi-weekly appointments. Therapy works best when there is consistency, intention, and dedication. The frequency of services will depend on your individual needs and progress, and may fluctuate as a result.
Do you prescribe medication?
No, I can not prescribe medication. Medication can be life-changing in the treatment of mental health ailments, and your primary care doctor or a psychiatrist can discuss this with you further. Engaging in therapy does not require the use of medication. If you do take medication for mental health related issues, I may request to coordinate care with your prescribing doctor.
What theoretical approach do you use?
I do not follow a single approach, and instead individualize treatment based on your needs. I pull from several different modalities, including Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Acceptance & Committment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), Theraplay, Sandtray Therapy, Art Therapy, Existential Therapy, Person Centered, Strengths Based.
What is the no show/late cancellation policy?
Cancellations and re-scheduled sessions will be subject to a $25 cancellation fee for the first occurrence, and full charge ($175) if not received at least 48 hours in advance. Insurance can not be billed for these instances, and the full charge will be your responsibility to pay. This is necessary because a time commitment is made to you and is held exclusively for you. If you are late for a session, you may lose some of that session time. In the event of illness or transportation issues, or other non-emergent situations, phone or telehealth sessions will be offered during the originally schedule session time.
What if I am sick?
In the event of illness or transportation issues, or other non-emergent situations, phone or telehealth sessions will be offered during the originally schedule session time. As a courtesy, I request that you please do not come to your in-person session if you are sick and/or contagious. Please communicate with me as early as possible if you sense you may experience any issues maintaining your appointment(s). Exceptions will be made for any true emergencies (i.e. if I would need to cancel with you for a similar reason). In some instances, rescheduling your appointment for the same calendar week (when availability is present in my schedule) within the 48 hours time frame will waive the cancellation fee.
Missed Sessions
To maximize the benefits of therapy and out of respect for your therapists’ time, you are required to consistently attend your scheduled sessions. If you have been scheduled in a recurring weekly time slot, failure to maintain your appointment (including rescheduling) on three separate (consecutive or non-consecutive) occasions, will result in reconsideration of standing appointment(s). I will advise that we move to week-to-week scheduling and will release your recurring time slot unless other arrangements have been mutually agreed upon. Missing four or more sessions in any two month period may result in you being discharged from the therapy process.
Late Arrivals
You are responsible for coming to your session on time; if you are late, your appointment will still need to end on time. If you are more than 15 minutes late to your appointment, it will be considered a cancelled appointment unless other arrangements have been agreed upon.
What if I need to talk to you in between appointments?
If you need to contact me between sessions, please email me, send me a text message, or leave a message on my voice mail. I am often not immediately available; however, I will attempt to return your call within 48 hours. All calls and communication under 15 minutes will not incur additional fees. Additional fee schedule is as follows: $50 for 16 to 30 minutes $75 for 31 to 45 minutes $100 for 46-60 minutes These additional fees are not billable to insurance, and will be considered your responsibility to pay.
Legal Proceedings
If you anticipate becoming involved in a court case, I recommend that we discuss this fully before you waive your right to confidentiality. Legal proceedings and testimonies are not something I will perform except in extremely limited cases. I reserved the right to challenge a subpoena. If I am court ordered to do so – as in the case of divorce or child custody – a fee of $700.00 per hour will be assessed for my time since such demands force me to cancel and reschedule other clients who need their time with me. This fee is not billable to insurance, and will therefore be your full responsibility to pay.