Commonly Asked Questions

What can I expect from a therapy session with you? 

First sessions focus on understanding what brings you to therapy and your goals. As we progress, we'll discuss your experiences—both present and past—to identify patterns and build self-awareness. I'll also help you develop practical coping strategies to manage stressors and symptoms, since insight is only valuable when you can act on it.

What is Relational Psychotherapy? 

Relational Psychotherapy is based on the idea that healing comes through improving the quality of our relationships. Since we're constantly relating to others, my approach focuses on both your relationship with me and your relationships outside therapy. Building trust, feeling seen and heard, and learning to communicate effectively are foundational to your wellbeing.

What do you mean by “attachment-based”? 

Attachment theory focuses how early caregiving experiences shape our fundamental beliefs about relationships and how we behave in them as adults. While attachment styles are popular in self-help, the concepts are often over-simplified and difficult to apply without a deeper understanding of what “secure attachment” looks and feels like. My focus in therapy is on how your relationships reveal patterns developed since birth that may no longer serve you. Understanding these patterns helps you develop more effective ways of relating now.

What is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?

CBT is an evidence-based approach that focuses on how our thoughts and beliefs influence our emotions and behaviors. Our inner dialogue often contains inaccurate thoughts. Remember, thoughts aren't facts. By learning to notice and adjust these thoughts, you can change how you feel and behave. 

Are you the right therapist for me? 

Fit is an important part of effective therapy. We will probably work well together if you value honesty, directness and have an edgy sense of humor. You are likely to benefit most from therapy with me if you are curious and motivated toward change, even if you have no idea how  to make it happen.

How do I get started?

I like to have a brief phone conversation before I schedule a first session. I offer this at no charge. It allows us to get a sense of whether I am a good fit and have the right qualifications to help you meet your goals. It also can prevent frustration around scheduling, insurance and payment if we review all of those things before you commit to a full session.

How long will I need to come to therapy?

I don’t believe that people should “always be in therapy”.  I have worked with people for as short as 3 - 4 sessions and as long as several years. It primarily depends on what your goals are, but also on what you can afford, what your insurance will cover and what other factors in your life may be supporting or interfering with your progress. 

Can I use my insurance?

Using insurance requires two things. First, I need to be contracted as a provider for your plan. There is more information on how to determine that on my Services page. You also need to have enough symptoms for a diagnosis. That is something we would discuss in a phone consultation and then I would do a more formal assessment in our first session.