FAQ
How do I know when it is time to see a therapist?
When you find yourself questioning whether or not to seek support, I think it’s time to reach out.
Patterns, set in motion from early experiences of developmental misattunement, transgenerational trauma, and traumatic experiences, as well as the ongoing experiences of oppression, both overt and subtle, in daily life can undermine your trust in your own internal resources. And this undermines your innate capacity and resilience.
Under stress everyone relies on the old familiar ways of coping. But a chronic reliance on these old patterns suggests a need to introduce new resources.
Why do I need a therapist? Why can’t I just talk to a friend or a family member?
Experience. A trained therapist is interested in listening deeply to what you have to say in an effort to help you find your own answers by supporting you to connect with what is true and right for you.
A good therapist won’t tell you what to do or how to live your life. They will give you an experienced outside perspective and help you gain insight into yourself so you can make better choices.
How will I know if you are the right therapist for me?
Finding the perfect therapist for you, and your process, is important to me not only because research shows the most important factor contributing to deeply transformative work is a solid rapport between yourself and your therapist, but also because I believe deeply in everyone getting the unique care they need. And because everyone is beautifully different, effective treatments and therapist-client fit will be too.
I work from a psychodynamic, relational perspective which essentially means I look at how past relationships with family, friends, and to the broader culture(s) are impacting your experiences in the present. And I use how we are relating in session to shed light on how things might be working outside session.
The best way to feel out the potential for a good fit between us is by talking together about what is bringing you to therapy, what you are looking for in your therapist, and what you're hoping to work on. Trust your gut intuition. If, after sharing your challenges and goals you feel good about our conversation we'll schedule a time to meet. If the connection doesn’t feel right, or you feel my approach wouldn’t be a good fit, go with another choice. I really respect this choice. I want you to get the support that feels right to you.
When you find yourself questioning whether or not to seek support, I think it’s time to reach out.
Patterns, set in motion from early experiences of developmental misattunement, transgenerational trauma, and traumatic experiences, as well as the ongoing experiences of oppression, both overt and subtle, in daily life can undermine your trust in your own internal resources. And this undermines your innate capacity and resilience.
Under stress everyone relies on the old familiar ways of coping. But a chronic reliance on these old patterns suggests a need to introduce new resources.
Why do I need a therapist? Why can’t I just talk to a friend or a family member?
Experience. A trained therapist is interested in listening deeply to what you have to say in an effort to help you find your own answers by supporting you to connect with what is true and right for you.
A good therapist won’t tell you what to do or how to live your life. They will give you an experienced outside perspective and help you gain insight into yourself so you can make better choices.
How will I know if you are the right therapist for me?
Finding the perfect therapist for you, and your process, is important to me not only because research shows the most important factor contributing to deeply transformative work is a solid rapport between yourself and your therapist, but also because I believe deeply in everyone getting the unique care they need. And because everyone is beautifully different, effective treatments and therapist-client fit will be too.
I work from a psychodynamic, relational perspective which essentially means I look at how past relationships with family, friends, and to the broader culture(s) are impacting your experiences in the present. And I use how we are relating in session to shed light on how things might be working outside session.
The best way to feel out the potential for a good fit between us is by talking together about what is bringing you to therapy, what you are looking for in your therapist, and what you're hoping to work on. Trust your gut intuition. If, after sharing your challenges and goals you feel good about our conversation we'll schedule a time to meet. If the connection doesn’t feel right, or you feel my approach wouldn’t be a good fit, go with another choice. I really respect this choice. I want you to get the support that feels right to you.
What to expect from therapy?
Therapy won’t always feel good. Painful memories and confusing, frustrating or uncomfortable feelings might surface. This is a normal part of therapy and as your therapist, I will guide you through this process. It is one of the greatest paradoxes of healing. I liken it to the lotus pushing it’s way through the mud. It takes effort, it is dark and cold, but in the end there is the warmth of the sun and more space to move around than you could have imagined.
Also therapy should always be a safe place. While at times you’ll feel challenged or face unpleasant feelings, you should always feel safe. If you’re starting to feel overwhelmed or you’re dreading your therapy sessions, talk to me. I want to hear about it.
How long should therapy last?
Therapy should take as little or as long as you need to find yourself answering YES these questions.
—Is your life changing for the better? (Look at different parts of your life: work, home, your social life.)
—Is therapy challenging you? Is it stretching you beyond your comfort zone? And is that challenging feeling like growth?
—Do you feel like you’re starting to understand yourself better?
—Do you feel more confident and empowered?
—Are your relationships improving?
How do I prepare for my first session?
It starts with an intention to be as open and honest about yourself as you can be. The first session I will want to learn more about what compelled you to seek therapy at this time and what you hope to get out of it. Most likely you will have much more to tell me and I’ll be listening carefully.
Do you accept insurance?
I am not currently on any insurance panels but I am happy to provide a superbill of your sessions that will have all the required information an insurance company requires for reimbursement Out-of-Network.
What is your fee and do you offer sliding scale?
My fee is on a sliding scale from $100-$225 based on income. We will determine in our consultation where on the scale the fee will land. I offer further reduced-fees for special circumstances. I believe a lack of funding shouldn’t get in the way of mental health services and now more than ever mental health support is imperative.
Have other questions? Contact Me ︎
Therapy won’t always feel good. Painful memories and confusing, frustrating or uncomfortable feelings might surface. This is a normal part of therapy and as your therapist, I will guide you through this process. It is one of the greatest paradoxes of healing. I liken it to the lotus pushing it’s way through the mud. It takes effort, it is dark and cold, but in the end there is the warmth of the sun and more space to move around than you could have imagined.
Also therapy should always be a safe place. While at times you’ll feel challenged or face unpleasant feelings, you should always feel safe. If you’re starting to feel overwhelmed or you’re dreading your therapy sessions, talk to me. I want to hear about it.
How long should therapy last?
Therapy should take as little or as long as you need to find yourself answering YES these questions.
—Is your life changing for the better? (Look at different parts of your life: work, home, your social life.)
—Is therapy challenging you? Is it stretching you beyond your comfort zone? And is that challenging feeling like growth?
—Do you feel like you’re starting to understand yourself better?
—Do you feel more confident and empowered?
—Are your relationships improving?
How do I prepare for my first session?
It starts with an intention to be as open and honest about yourself as you can be. The first session I will want to learn more about what compelled you to seek therapy at this time and what you hope to get out of it. Most likely you will have much more to tell me and I’ll be listening carefully.
Do you accept insurance?
I am not currently on any insurance panels but I am happy to provide a superbill of your sessions that will have all the required information an insurance company requires for reimbursement Out-of-Network.
What is your fee and do you offer sliding scale?
My fee is on a sliding scale from $100-$225 based on income. We will determine in our consultation where on the scale the fee will land. I offer further reduced-fees for special circumstances. I believe a lack of funding shouldn’t get in the way of mental health services and now more than ever mental health support is imperative.
Have other questions? Contact Me ︎