Common Questions
Have a question you’d like to ask? I’m committed to giving patients the best care and experience I can. There’s no such thing as a bad question when it comes to mental health. Check out the answers to the FAQs below, and don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any additional questions.
What will our first session be like?
During our first session we will get to know each other a bit better. This is a time for you to ask me any questions you may still have regarding the therapeutic process or about me as a therapist and individual. We will discuss what brought you to therapy and what you are hoping to gain from this process. If these are questions that you are not able to answer we will work together to find the answers. This session and all other sessions will move at your ideal pace and only go in directions that you as the client feel comfortable with. We can cover as much or as little as you would like during our initial session and from decide if we are a good fit and if you would like to continue with the therapeutic process.
I'm not mentally ill, so do I really need therapy?
Therapy is not just for individuals facing mental illness. While therapy can be highly beneficial for people facing mental illness it can be just as beneficial for individuals with no mental health diagnosis or illnesses. Having a non-judgemental, unbiased source to discuss subjects of your life with can be a great experience, provide a new perspective and make room for substantial growth. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life.
How long will this take?
Every individuals therapeutic process is specific to them and there is really no standard for how long that process will take. For some it is a few sessions of trouble shooting a problem with an objective third party individual and for others it is a life long process of understanding the past and growing in the present and future. There is no time contract when it comes to therapy so how long you want to be in this process is completely up to you. Each session is a standard therapy hour of 50 minutes, if longer sessions are needed they can be scheduled in advance or in emergency situations.
Who will know what we talk about?
Confidentiality is one of the most important factors in psychotherapy. Building a trusting and secure relationship is key to successful therapy, this process sometimes takes time and should not always be expected at first meeting. I can guarantee your confidentiality and provide a trusting and secure environment and bond. The only time confidentiality must be broken is if:
If the client threatens to harm him/herself or others.
If the client discloses information which leads me to suspect child or elder abuse.
I am ordered to release records to a court judge. (In many legal proceedings, you have the right to prevent me from providing any information about your treatment. However, in some proceedings in which your emotional condition is an important issue, a judge may order my testimony if he/she determines that the issues demand it.)
While these situations rarely occur in my practice, the chance of this must be understood. Should a situation such as these occur, I will make every effort to fully discuss it with you before taking any action.