What is your approach?
From years of feedback from clients, colleagues, and friends, I would describe myself as someone who is trustworthy to share the things you have never talked about. My presence has been described as healing and calm. Instead of judging, I will evaluate your behavior and challenges, and support you in doing what works for you. I treat everything you bring to therapy with care and respect. I am able to be fully present with you and listen with unconditional positive regard, which has a deep healing quality.
At the same time, I consider myself an active therapist. I utilize all tools known to me to assure that you get good results in a short amount of time. I have a sense of humor, and sometimes use it when it seems appropriate and helpful to you. I will teach you to change your thinking and communication in ways that are more supportive to you, and will remind you when you have fallen back into your old patterns.
My job as a therapist involves being present with you, listening and asking the “right questions” that allow you to become more self aware. It also involves being nurturing and understanding, fostering insight, teaching, coaching, and holding you responsible, depending upon what we are working on.
How long does counseling take?
Some people will find that six to eight sessions may be all that is needed. When healing something very specific with EMDR, two to three sessions can do the job. For others, therapy will be helpful over several months, or for some, years. Some people choose to come in on an “as needed” basis, just as you would with your physician when a symptom arises and causes concern. At the beginning, one session per week is most beneficial. After some time, when many issues are cleared, bi-weekly or monthly sessions work well.
Is counseling confidential?
What you share in sessions is protected by law. Most people highly value the safety this provides. There are a few important exceptions, such as suspected child abuse; elder abuse; and threats of physical harm to self or others.
If you have and use health insurance, they will be provided with a mental health diagnosis; sometimes, they will do a “case review” to assure that your treatment is appropriate.
Your name and that you attend counseling with me will only be revealed to any one if you sign a release form stating that you agree with the release of information.
What is a typical session like?
Please arrive 10 minutes early to your first appointment, as there will be intake paperwork in the waiting room for you. This is similar to what you fill out when you visit a doctor for the first time. In your first session, you will share what you would like to get out of counseling. Often people will experience greater results then what they thought was possible. I will assess your situation and together we will establish goals and clarify how to best support you. I will also let you know what the ongoing treatment could look like. In future sessions, it is your place to bring in anything that is bothersome to you and that you would like to work on and be free of.
Do you have appointments when I have the time?
This is probably the most challenging question, as I am generally very booked. At times there may be a waiting list for several weeks; this is mostly true for evening appointments. If I can see you, I will do my best to accommodate your schedule. If I cannot see you, I will provide you with the referral of a trusted colleague.
