What is therapy? 
Psychotherapy (or counseling) varies depending upon the personalities of the individuals involved and the particular concerns you bring forward. It involves talking with a professional regarding topics that you decide are important to you. There are many different methods a counselor may use to deal with the issues you wish to address. I believe effective therapy calls for a very active effort on both the therapist’s part as well as the client’s part to make working together successful. Counseling can have both benefits and risks. As therapy often involves discussing unpleasant aspects of your life, you may experience uncomfortable feelings such as sadness, guilt, anger, frustration, loneliness and helplessness. Thousands of individuals have been able to make changes and find long term relief from attending therapy.

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Why do people do it?
While there are no guarantees with therapy, counseling often leads to significant reductions in feelings of distress. Benefits might include improved mood, higher self esteem, increased insight and personal growth, improved relationships with others, and solutions to specific problems. As the consumer, you get to choose what goals you would like to accomplish.

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Do you specialize in any specific types of therapy?
I work with adolescents, adults and couples on a variety of issues. I have received extensive training in eating struggles, body image issues and perfectionism. I also focus much of my practice on issues surrounding difficulties in mood such as anxiety, depression and feelings of inadequacy. I have assisted individuals in making life changes that decrease their level of stress while improving their ability to feel better and enjoy life more fully. I also frequently work with individuals who struggle with addiction issues.

 

How long does it take? 
Both duration of therapy and frequency of sessions vary from person to person. Most individuals find it helpful to meet weekly in order to regularly address topics and make changes. One of the benefits of outpatient therapy is that both you and your counselor work together to determine what will help you the most.

 

How do I get started?
Our initial session will be an interview used to gather information, and to share with you helpful treatment recommendations. Just as importantly this allows you to ask me questions, which will help you determine your level of comfort working with me. Finding the correct fit of a therapist for your self is essential. If at any time I am unable to provide you with adequate services fitting your individual needs or you decide you may feel more comfortable working with another mental health professional, I am able to refer you to a more appropriate source of treatment.

 

How do I know if I have the right therapist?
I always encourage people to view their first session with a new counselor as a job interview. Here is your opportunity to ask questions that will ensure you make a good choice for yourself and might help determine the groundwork for a trusting relationship.

 

Should I private pay or use insurance?
While using insurance and self-pay both have pros and cons, I have chosen not to participate on any insurance panels. This ensures that any and all information client’s share with me remains under their control. Everything discussed within our sessions pursuent to HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) will remain private unless you give me permission to share information. Another advantage to privately paying allows the therapist and client the ability to set treatment goals and determine when these goals are accomplished without interference from an outside party.

 

What if I need medication?
As an LPC, I do not prescribe medication, although the benefits of psychotropic medication can certainly be addressed throughout counseling. If this option might be beneficial, I would refer you to a physician who specializes in this area that can further discuss and/or prescribe medication.