I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?

Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the courage to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. In our work together, I’ll help you explore and identify your strengths and how to implement them to reduce the influence of the problems you are facing.

What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?

The difference is between someone who can do something, and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, counseling is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, and you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.

Why shouldn’t I just take medication?

Medication can be effective but it alone cannot solve all issues. Sometimes medication is needed in conjunction with counseling. Our work together is designed to explore and unpack the problems you are experiencing and expand on your strengths that can help you accomplish your personal goals.

How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?

Because each person has different issues and goals for counseling, it will be different depending on the individual. I tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific needs.

How long will it take?

Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time counseling can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek counseling in the first place.

I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?

I am so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication will be crucial to your success.

Do you offer a free session to see if we are a good fit?

I offer a free fifteen minute telephone consult before our first session.

When are you available for sessions?

Because my office is currently in my home, my availability is very flexible. I can even see clients evenings and on weekends.

Learn more about my home office here.

Do you offer online counseling services?

I am pleased to offer secure online counseling to clients. I have received training in providing confidential and effective online counseling to ensure that sessions are conducted in a HIPAA compliant and helpful way for my clients.

To learn more about how online counseling works click here.

Is what we talk about confidential?

What is the difference between a psychotherapist (therapist) and a counselor?

You may wonder what the difference is between what a psychotherapist and a counselor provides for their clients, is one better than the other? Are they really different processes? I’ve come to the conclusion when talking about licensed mental health professionals that we are ALL using both counseling and psychotherapeutic techniques, which simply means we all tend to integrate what happened to you in the past and is still impacting your life today as well as we all look at a current problem to see if there is an easy resolution. Psychotherapy used to be a term reserved for psychoanalytic types, like Freudians and Jungians but no more. In a given counseling session with most counselors/psychotherapists you are likely to see both of these kinds of therapies happening.

I see the two words being used interchangeably. When choosing a mental health provider it’s helpful to ask them if they use a specific type of therapy. I would answer that I am flexible and eclectic, that is, I use a variety of ways to help my clients emerge from their distress or given problem. Each client is complex and unique and no one way works for all. And not all therapists work for all people and vice-versa.