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F R E Q U E N T L Y

A S K E D 

Q U E S T I O N S 

Q 1

With all of the therapists and coaches out there, why choose you?
 
While therapy looks different for everyone, most of my clients are looking for a more active, creative, supportive approach and enjoyable experience that provides them with genuine connection and concrete skills to apply to and improve their everyday lives. I firmly hold the belief that while therapy can be challenging and difficult, it can also be a fun and joyful process. Therefore, I bring an authentic playful, collaborative, humorous energy into our work together, and I always work from a deeply genuine, transparent, and vulnerable place of shared human connection. My goal is to help humanize my clients' experiences while also providing an arsenal of practical tools and techniques. Therapy is a huge investment in yourself and your life, and I, too, am fully invested in helping you realize significant and observable change. 
 
In addition, my unique education, qualifications and experiences, which include Western psychology and psychotherapy training alongside Eastern healing philosophies and practices, allow me to focus on the connection of mind, body and spirit in an integrative, creative, holistic and nontraditional way not often provided or readily available in the mainstream. While I certainly value, trust and utilize conventional science, education and evidence-based practices, I have always been drawn to seeking a more holistic understanding of humanity. The work I do, which is largely inspired by providing that balanced and holistic therapeutic experience, is so much more than just a job to me; it truly is my life's passion.

Q 2

Who is your typical clientele?

I specialize in working with diverse individuals, families, and couples, who are navigating through life transitions and who are experiencing anxiety and stress, low self-esteem, relationship challenges and depressive feelings. Trained with a strong multicultural, social justice background, I am committed to maintaining a diverse, equitable and inclusive practice.

Q3

What can I expect from the free consultation?

During our initial free 15 minute consultation, you will have the opportunity to introduce yourself, share your current needs, and ask any questions you may have in order to get a feel for who I am and how I can be of service to you. We will also discuss affordable and sustainable pricing for future sessions.
 
Studies show that the number one factor in determining the likelihood of change from and satisfaction in counseling is the relationship between client and counselor, so it is of the upmost importance to me that you have an opportunity to get a sense of whether we will be a good fit.

Q 4

What can I expect from your Individual Therapy sessions?

I am deeply committed to creating a safe, open, and honest space for you to:

 

  • share, explore, and process emotions, thoughts and experiences

  • gain a deeper understanding of self

  • confront unhealthy and problematic emotional, mental and behavioral patterns

  • build self-acceptance, self-confidence, self-worth and resilience

  • navigate the healing process

  • learn and practice healthy coping skills and techniques to resolve conflict and/or generally enhance your personal and inter-personal relationships

  • experience greater fulfillment and contentment

We will work together to identify areas of concern, create goals and implement tangible and results oriented action steps towards realizing those goals.

Q7

What can I expect from Family Therapy sessions?

During family therapy sessions, I will have the opportunity to observe the ways in which family members interact with each other in order to gain a deeper understanding of each member's role and dynamic in the greater family unit. We will work to identify dysfunctional patterns of behavior in order to develop new, positive patterns. I give each family member an opportunity to feel seen and heard, and I work closely with the family unit to confront challenges, create a safe space for communication and connection and develop the practical tools and strategies to resolve family issues and tensions.

Q8

What can I expect from Couples Counseling sessions?

I utilize the 4 session model when working with couples. First, we will meet as a couple, so I can get an introduction to both partners and we can discuss what currently brings you into counseling. Next, I will meet with each partner individually in order to dive into family-of-origin histories and so I can get a better understanding of each partner outside the relationship. For the fourth session, we will meet again as a couple, where I will provide my feedback and we will create goals together to set the trajectory of our future sessions, all of which will be together as a couple. During couples sessions, I will have the opportunity to observe the ways in which each partner interacts with the other in order to gain a deeper understanding of any patterns or communication styles that may be causing difficulty. I work closely with couples, using the Gottman Method, to confront challenges, create a safe space for communication and connection, highlight and expand on strengths in the relationship, and develop the practical tools and strategies to resolve conflict, miscommunications and tensions. 

Q9

How long will it take to see results?

There are many factors which determine when results will be realized. Some of these include individual circumstances, the magnitude of the problem or goal, frequency of sessions, commitment to doing the necessary work to bring about positive change and discipline to challenge self-defeating behavioral and thinking patterns.

 

When we have our free consultation and I am able to get a sense of you and your needs, we will better be able to discuss a realistic timeline. While it is always better to receive consistent counseling over a period of time, I understand that not every one is looking for long-term counseling, and that's ok. Depending on your unique situation, short-term counseling may be effective for you and should not deter you from reaching out and scheduling a consultation with me. 

Q10

How participatory are you during sessions?

It depends on the client and the session, but I generally tend to play a more active role and believe it’s important to offer psycho-education when appropriate. Since I work from an integrative perspective and use a variety of modalities and techniques, I may purposefully alter my level of participation from session to session based on individual client needs and our unique working relationship. While the seeds of change are planted during our sessions together, the actionable change happens between sessions when you have the opportunity to put your hard work into practice in your everyday life. Therefore, I aim to provide my clients with an arsenal of tools and techniques to successfully navigate through life and may provide "homework," activities, practices and readings to help reinforce and strengthen actionable change.

Q11

How long should I commit to being in therapy?

It’s best if we schedule a consultation call to discuss this further as each person and situation is unique. In general, I recommend that people commit to a minimum of meeting once a week for 4 weeks to begin and then we can determine if continuing weekly or moving to bi-weekly is more appropriate. There are many factors which determine length and frequency of therapy, including individual circumstances, the magnitude of the problem or goal, commitment to doing the necessary work to bring about positive change, and discipline to challenge faulty behavioral and thinking patterns. While it is always better to receive consistent counseling over a period of time, I understand that not everyone is looking for long-term counseling, and that’s ok. Depending on your situation, short-term counseling may be effective for you and should not deter you from reaching out and scheduling a consultation.

Q12

What is a sliding scale fee?

A sliding scale fee is a payment model used to provide services at a lower rate to clients with financial need. 

Q13

Do you accept insurance?

Currently, I honor out-of-network billing options and will support you in getting reimbursement from your insurance company if you are seeking out-of-network reimbursement. If you are concerned about payments, please refer to the question above, "What is a sliding scale fee?"

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