Frequently Asked Questions

Counseling is beneficial if you’ve tried solving your problems on your own, but you haven’t made the progress you want. It’s normal for all of us to feel stuck and overwhelmed sometimes.  In fact, just scheduling an appointment can bring you some relief. 

It’s also okay to have a consultation and then change your mind.

It is common for many people to begin contemplating counseling but feel unsure of which service is best.  Individual, couples, groups, or a workshop? Especially if you’re feeling unsure of yourself and a relationship that’s important to you. A consultation is always a great place to start. I’d be happy to spend 20 minutes with you by phone or a zoom call to help you decide what is best. 

Reach out and let’s discuss your needs and first steps.

First, therapy is much like working out.  We’re likely not going to see change unless we’re consistent and show up. Be present for your therapy appointments. In the beginning, do your best to come weekly. When you begin to experience change and some relief, we can discuss decreasing your sessions if you would like to.  

Second, keep a daily journal of successes and things that bring you a sense of aliveness and relaxation.  When we seek wellness daily through sleep, good nutrition and relaxation, our brain is at a more apt to give us the answers we need to move forward.

It is my belief and experience that couple’s sessions need a full 80 minutes. I want both people in the relationship to feel heard and have the necessary time to practice communication skills. I also highly recommend couples intensive sessions which are typically 3-5 hours in length or over a weekend. With that being said, I am willing to see couples for a 50-minute session provided the couple understands that change will likely be slower.

For individual sessions, my aim is to have a great conversation and get to know you. We will discuss your concerns and begin setting a vision for your future. It’s important for you to believe your sessions (and your habits outside of sessions), are really making a difference. I will also give you an opportunity to ask me questions about the therapy that I do along with informing you of the policies of my office.  

For couple’s sessions, I typically begin by sharing a little about myself and my journey to become a couple’s therapist. I will also inform you of the policies of my office and answer any questions you may have. It’s important for me to help you feel that the three of us are a team and your relationship is the client. In the first session, I will also ask you each about a typical day in your life. I’ve been asking these questions for several years now because it gives me a glimpse into your world.

There are many factors that go into having a healthy relationship. Learning about you helps me understand factors such as stress, children, work schedules, quality time or lack of, and your particular challenges. In the first session, we will also begin practicing some communication strategies.

There are several ways to schedule an appointment. Some people prefer to just email or talk by phone to schedule. However, some people prefer a 20-minute consultation by phone or on Zoom. In some cases, I meet with people at my office for consultations. 

Reach out and let me know what works best for you!

If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, you can message me on my portal or call me on the phone 24 hours in advance. Notifying me within 24 hours allows me to open spots for other people and run my business responsibly. If you are unable to cancel your appointment within 24 hours, you will be charged for the session. Insurance does not cover this charge. Exceptions are made for extreme illness or emergencies.

I often sit with people that feel hopeless about change because they’ve tried counseling, therapy or coaching before. Let me assure you that I’m here to help you experience change. I’d like to hear about your previous experiences along with your ideas about what didn’t help. 

Also, I like to regularly ask my clients “how are we doing,” and “is there anything you want to do more of or less of,” to gauge progress. I invite clients to talk to me openly if they are not experiencing the changes they are seeking.