What can I expect from counseling?

During our first session, I will want to get to know you and what you are experiencing. I’ll have questions to learn more about you and your relationships. For couples therapy, I will want to know about your unique patterns and where you find yourselves getting stuck.

In all of our sessions, I tend to be very collaborative and supportive. I may have insights to help you navigate, but you are the expert on you. You can think of us as a team working together.

How do I pick the right therapist?

It seems like a lot to ask of someone, “I know you are going through a hard time, but while you’re hurting, can you also find the right person who will help you—someone you will connect with?” Somehow, it feels like a tall order. On the flipside, if you find someone who is a good fit and who provides something in therapy that offers hope, it can really put some of the wind back in your sails!

It’s a good idea to do a little exploring. Ask around. Read a counselor’s online profile and website if they have one. If it feels promising, reach out for a consultation. Get a feel for that person’s personality. Ask yourself, “Do I connect with this therapist?” If it doesn’t feel right after the consultation or a couple of sessions, it’s okay to let your counselor know and move on. (This goes for people-pleasers, too! Don’t short-change yourself just to be “nice".”)

It’s important to me that you feel comfortable, safe, and open to be yourself in the therapeutic relationship.

Do you take insurance?

No, I don’t process insurance claims. However, I do provide clients with an itemized “superbill” they can submit to their insurance for reimbursement.

How long does it take for clients to see results?

Every individual client and couple's situation is different. Some may notice they start to feel better within weeks. However, it’s also pretty common for people to live with problems for a long time before seeking therapy. Plus, some problems cause more difficulties and a deeper entrenched. As individuals, we can build strong habits by reinforcing neural pathways until the path becomes more and more automatic. Couples may have experienced a loss of trust or other hurts that take more time to repair. It may take more time and patience to embrace new ways of thinking and rebuild trust and connection.

How long are sessions?

Sessions are 50 minutes.

How can I get the most out of counseling?

I recommend that clients meet with me every week. This is especially helpful in the beginning as we tackle your goals. Also, I may offer alternative perspectives and ways of thinking about problems that may seem hard to connect with at first. I encourage you to try to keep an open mind.

If my partner isn’t ready for couples counseling, can I come as an individual?

Yes! It isn’t uncommon for one person to meet with me before their loved one is ready for therapy. You can still take steps toward improving the part of your relationship you have control over. For one thing, I may be able to help you gain new approaches and new insights on how you can connect with your partner. When we do this, new choices may surface that were hidden before.

Another helpful aspect of counseling for your relationship is that, if your heart is hurting, it helps to have someone to talk to. That feeling of disconnect from the person you made the choice to be closest to can be very painful. Together, we will honor the painful feelings you have been experiencing and explore how even your mistakes probably came from a good place of trying to preserve and protect the relationship.

If your partner is reluctant but open to learning more from me, they can set up a free consultation. I am happy to chat with them and there’s no obligation. They can contact me here.

What do I do to prepare for my first session?

Step one is to contact me for a free consultation to make sure we agree it feels like a good fit.

Step two, I will send you an email inviting you to create a username and password for your own secure online area where you can complete personal information and learn about counseling and your rights as a client. If you can’t fill these out before our first session, let me know so we can reschedule.

Step three, come meet me for therapy. I look forward to seeing you!

Do you work with children?

I work with adults and teenagers ages 17 and older. For younger children needing counseling, I have names of some terrific counselors who specialize in working with children.