Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know if I really need therapy? 

A:  Many people who consider beginning therapy find that they are capable of managing many difficult situations but realize that the same old patterns keep popping up that they just don’t know how to handle. They find themselves tired of struggling and increasingly exasperated with the sense that they have “tried everything” while feeling stuck and helpless, and not moving towards the lives they want and deserve.

As Anais Nin states in her poem “Risk” – “And the day came when the risk to remain right in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”  This is exactly the moment that I see many of my patients seek therapy and the growth and change it can bring.

Whatever your reason, the decision to consider therapy is one that indicates considerable strength and self-awareness. If you’re unsure whether therapy is for you, set up a consultation. We can look together at where you are and where you want to be, and I’ll provide a honest assessment as to whether I see therapy, and specifically, therapy with me, can take you there.

Q: Why do people start therapy?

A: Some people begin therapy to learn more about themselves or improve their understanding of who they are or why they do what they do.  Others come when they struggle with painful symptoms of emotional problems like sadness, loneliness, worry, difficulty sleeping, panic and relationship problems.  Some patients begin therapy after going through a major life event like a marriage or break up, the birth of a child, onset of medical problems or following the loss of a loved one.  Others find that they see milestones such as birthdays, promotions at work or anniversaries and this sparks a feeling that there may be things they’d like to change or understand better but aren’t sure quite where to start.

Q: Who do you work with?

A: I work with teenagers, adults and the significant people in their lives struggling with the effects of anxiety, relationship difficulties, trauma, chronic illness, and LGBTQIA/GSM issues. This includes couples and when treating teenagers, families.

Q: Do you see patients during evenings or weekends?

A: I offer evening hours Monday through Thursday. I do not offer weekend sessions at present.

Q: Do you do phone or video chat sessions?

A: Yes! While I feel strongly that the therapeutic relationship develops best face to face, I know that in our modern world, many people travel or live and work under circumstances that do not allow for in person weekly sessions. I use a HIPAA compliant platform for face to face remote video therapy sessions, equipped with a digital waiting room for the most convenient way of working. Contact me for more information.

I also use video chat sessions to connect with couples in long distance relationships who can benefit from the direction and shared space to process regardless of their physical proximity to eachother or to me.

Q: Do you prescribe medication? What if I don’t want to take medication?

A: As a clinical social worker, I am not licensed to prescribe medication.  I work closely with psychiatrists for my patients who choose to take medications, and have seen medication and psychiatric treatment be hugely beneficial for many patients.  My role is to provide education and support to help you feel capable of making the decision that works best for you.