Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect in the first session?
This is a common question! Therapy is a strange situation. Where else do you go to an unfamiliar office, fill out some forms, and start to share thoughts/feelings you wouldn’t even share with your best friend? Our first session will be spent discussing what it was that brought you into my office, talking a bit about your history, and developing a plan to help you live a more satisfying life. For some people, this first session will provide a clear direction and we’ll have a good sense how therapy will proceed. For others, this initial session will feel like we’re just scraping the surface, and it will still take some time to grasp what the experience will be like.
How long are sessions and how often will we meet?
Sessions are 45 minutes long and new patients are always seen at least weekly. Some folks would like to be seen multiple times per week and this is usually available. Multiple sessions per week may be done to increase the depth of therapy, to accomplish a lot of work in a short amount of time, or to help during a particularly challenging time.
How long does therapy usually take?
This really depends and is impossible to answer without talking to you directly. There are many factors that go into the duration of therapy. Some folks meet with me for two months, some for two years, and some have been seeing me on and off for the better part of a decade. Your goals for therapy often dictate the duration. Those who see me for a short time usually have a very specific or time-limited problem (e.g., a specific relationship problem or decision). Those who see me for longer usually have more comprehensive goals, want to construct a more coherent narrative of their life or identity, or they value a recurring relationship as things come up (many of my patients pause treatment for a while and then return when they feel the need or desire). We can collaboratively come up with a plan that meets your needs when you contact me.
What’s your approach to therapy?
Read about my approach on my "about me" page here.
Is what I say confidential?
Absolutely. I am legally and ethically required to maintain the confidentiality of what we discuss, with a few exceptions. These include serious intent to harm yourself or others, in the case of abuse or neglect of children or dependent adults, or (rarely) with a court-ordered subpoena.