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Frequently Asked Questions
What type of therapy style do you use in sessions?
As a trauma informed care therapist, I try to be mindful that everyone who comes to therapy, and the vast majority of those who don't, have a history of challenge, pain, and confusion that often leads to shame, guilt, and dysregulation of their emotions.
Some therapists are more comfortable addressing the immediate problem, while others want to focus on the deeper issue. Which are you?
Many cognitive behavioral based therapies are focused on treating immediate symptoms, while deeper, psychodynamic-based therapies focus on the root causes of a problem. The approach depends on your needs; if you need quick, immediate relief, you would gravitate to a cognitive behavioral therapist, but if you’re willing to wait a while to reach a deeper insight, the psychodynamic theories are probably more your style. My therapy style is more psychodynamically oriented. I am more than happy to discuss approaches with you to find what would fit you best.
What are the types of struggles you focus on the most?
Much of my work focuses on helping my clients realize the areas of guilt and shame that keep them bound to avoiding reconciliation and resolution with others and themselves. I also work extensively with teens and adults who over-regulate their emotions in a way that leads to symptoms consistent with chronic depression, treatment resistant anxiety, avoidant personalities, alcohol use, eating disorders, obsessive/compulsive traits, and intimate partner struggles.
Do you offer sliding scale rates?
Yes. I offer a sliding scale for students and clients who are unable to incur the full expense for their therapy sessions. Your rate may be discussed during our initial phone interview. I offer a special rate for college students and Medicaid/Medicare recipients. Please click here to be directed to my sliding scale rates.
How long does each therapy session take?
Each session is approximately 55 minutes long.
Do you take insurance?
Many clients ask about using health insurance to pay for their therapy, and wonder why I do not accept insurance. I have chosen to provide my clients with a sliding scale rate in lieu of taking insurance for many reasons. My primary concern is for the client's confidentiality that erodes when one uses their insurance for therapy care. I have provided a detailed list of factors that may be used to make your final decision about whether to use your insurance or not for therapy HERE.
If you are still interested in using your health insurance, many plans (usually PPO) have out-of-network benefits, and I will be happy to give you the form to submit for reimbursement. Keep in mind that I will still have to give you a mental disorder diagnosis, which will still be part of your permanent health record.