FAQ
How do I know if I need therapy?
Therapy is for anyone looking to make a change, develop insight, or achieve personal growth. Often times people seek therapy for stressful life events such as the loss of a loved one, relationship discord, or life transitions.
How often do I come to therapy?
Most clients come to therapy once a week but it can vary. Sometimes people come every other week. It’s also not uncommon to space sessions out to once every 3 or 4 weeks as symptoms improve almost like check in or “booster” sessions.
What’s Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)? What’s Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)?
CBT is a kind of therapy that focuses on modifying emotions, behaviors, and thoughts. Unlike traditional Freudian psychoanalysis, which probes childhood wounds to get at the root causes of conflict, CBT focuses on solutions, encouraging clients to challenge distorted cognitions and change destructive patterns of behavior.
IPT is a form of therapy that focuses on the relationships between a person and significant others.
What is therapy like with you?
Good question! I try to be open, warm, and empathetic. I have a relaxed and unstructured approach. I rely on you to set the agenda for what we talk about, which means that you have to be willing to do some talking. I can help provide direction but I can’t read your mind. I can encourage and support you but I can’t make you be motivated. I can challenge you but ultimately change is up to you. Therapists are not “one size fits all”. If we’re not a good fit, I want to help you find someone who is.
What makes therapy successful?
There are many factors involved in successful therapy but one of the most important factors is how you feel in our working relationship. This relationship should be a safe place to express the wide range of emotions you experience. It’s a place to take risks and grow. Feeling comfortable to say out loud things that might be difficult, embarrassing, painful, or shameful can be very helpful. My job is to provide a safe and supportive environment where I can hold these thoughts and feelings for you,
free from judgment.
What about medication?
Psychologists DO NOT prescribe medication. We do not have prescription privileges in this state. For a medication evaluation, you need to see a psychiatrist or your primary care physician. If medication is something that would be helpful, I can assist you with referral information to help get connected. Often, a combination approach of therapy and medication is a very effective treatment approach.