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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Starting counseling can be an exciting and sometimes scary process. This section is designed to help clarify the counseling process, what is means and common misconceptions. 

What is counseling, anyway?
Counseling is a process in which a collaborative and professional relationship forms between a therapist and client. It is a relationship that can empower and enrich an individual's life, and inspire them to make positive changes for themselves, their profession, and their relationships. 

Will counseling work for me?
Counseling can work for a wide variety of people, for a large variety of reasons, and what can really help the process is how ready you feel for growth and change in your life. Therapy can provide a space to help process emotions, learn new skills and ways of coping in the world, enhance your resilience, and help you live a more satisfying and wholehearted life. Counseling is a process that will help identify goals, values, and means to help you achieve your mental health goals. 

When is a good time for counseling?
The short of it is, anytime! There is a stigma in our society that can make one feel something must be "wrong" or they must be "going crazy" but there are so many reasons and situations in which the support counseling offers can really help. Oftentimes, people reach out for counseling because they may have come to a point in their life, or be facing a problem that is too much to handl on their own, and that is okay. Below are some general guides as to when it might be helpful to reach out and see if therapy could be a good fit for you:
1) When you notice your problem or concern is disrupting your everyday life, either professionally, in your relationships, or other spheres of your life.
2) When you notice physical issues such as difficulty with sleeping or sleeping too much, unexplained physical symptoms such as digestive issues that a doctor cannot diagnose, changes in appetite or weight, low energy, difficulty concentrating, or if you self-harm or feel the impulse to self harm. 
3) When you notice a change in your cognitions or how you think, such as difficulty with concentrating or focusing, frequent negative thoughts, intrusive or repetitive thoughts, or thoughts of wanting to harm yourself or others. This may include a sense of foreshortened future or changes in beliefs, and how you see the world. 
4) When you notice changes in the way you experience your affect and emotions, such as having difficulty managing them, difficulty feeling them, or feeling hopeless and ashamed.
5) When you notice changes in your behaviors, such as impulsive spending, gambling, reckless driving, changes in sexual behaviors, or frequently breaking rules. Sometimes behaviors can be compulsive, such as excessive checking, washing, or counting, meant to reduce anxiety. 
6) When you notice a disturbance in how you relate to others, with more frequent conflicts, difficulty with trusting or communicating.
7) When you have had a significant change in your life, such as as the loss of a loved one, a loss of an occupation, important relationship, or any loss that is experienced as significant.
8) When you have had a shocking or tragic experience that feels beyond your capacity to cope, and you are unsure of how to handle it. 
9) When you want to work more on your own personal growth and fulfillment. 

If any of these resonate with you, counseling can be an excellent means to support you with working through those times in a safe and supportive environment.

How long will therapy take?
The length of therapy can depend on a variety of factors, including the frequency of appointments, your readiness to engage in the therapeutic process, as well as the complexity of the issues you are facing. Therapy can typically be expected to last about 2-6 months, which can translate from 8-24 sessions, more or less. The more engaged you are in the process and the more frequent the appointments, typically the faster the results. Length of time can vary depending on diagnosis. 

What if I start with you, but I decide I want to see a different counselor?
We believe, and research finds, that it is most therapeutic when the core conditions of positive regard, congruence, and empathy are met in counseling, and trust is established. We are always open to any feedback you have about your experience and encourage you to be as open as you are comfortable. If you might feel we are not a good fit, we are happy to find a counselor that might be a good fit for you. 

How much will counseling cost me?
Please see my Fees and Insurance section for more information about session fees. Therapy can be a commitment of time, money, and energy, and ultimately, to your own growth. 

What is your counseling orientation?
I draw from a few influences that have influenced my work and myself as a human being. I believe we all have the capacity to grow, to heal, and to flourish, and even more so given the right conditions. This is best accomplished in an environment where you are accepted, feel attuned to, and feel held in an unconditionally positive regard.  Specifically, my theoretical orientation is best described as integrative or eclectic, drawing strongly from empirically-supported theories such humanistic, somatic, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.