FAQ

How do you approach therapy?

     With my clinical sneakers on and a backpack filled with tools and tactics.  Whether or not you come prepared, I recognize that you came.  You take the first step, and I will join with you in gathering what you will need along the way.

I approach mental health awareness and wellness with empathy, compassion, and fluidity.  My therapeutic approach and practice is elevated by the never-ending and always enduring value of a life worth living. I join with you in focusing on your individualized needs, while assisting and guiding you towards developing clarity with commitment. Being a proponent of “validation with action”, resolution-focused modalities encompass my approach.

 

What can I expect when working with you?

     To make sure that this is the right fit, we will connect either by phone or virtual meeting; whichever you feel most comfortable with. We will spend approximately 15 minutes discussing your reason for reaching out, and what specific goals you’d like to work towards.  Simply, where are you now, and where do you want to be?  Should we determine that we are the right fit, the first session is booked, and we send you a link to the online client portal.

During the first session we will dive deeper into your primary reason(s) for coming, your history, concerns, struggles, and all information relevant in getting to know you. Of course, you do not need to share anything you don't feel comfortable sharing, and it is up to you how much and what you share when we meet.  The initial session is often overwhelming and uncomfortable, and let’s be honest- you don’t know me.  It’s important that you take your time, and that you feel comfortable to share what you’re able to.

 

     Following and ongoing sessions, you and I will begin to identify goals and desired path, creating a holistic framework for your healing and growth.  It doesn’t happen overnight, but the more tools we can help you acquire, the more equipped you will feel as you travel down the new path that you’re building for yourself. 

Therapy is a journey, and sometimes we may have to “stop for food and water”, and then we keep walking, swimming, climbing, hiking, and horseback riding.  As your therapist, I will journey alongside you- not behind and not in front.  I will hold a “map of roads” while you lead the way.

 

How long does therapy take?

     There is no clear answer or manual for therapy.  I do not practice with a “one size fits all” approach.  As we work together, we will regularly assess your progress.  At this time, we will discuss where you believe you are on your journey, and where you’d like to be.

 

     At times, what you “come in with” is not always what you present initially.  Through deep and reflective conversations, connects may be made that encourage additional attention.  Life is also fluid.  As we live our day-to-day lives, we experience life.  Only you can decide what you unpack, and what is relevant on your path towards living a life of quality and worth living.

Previous “talk therapy” hasn’t worked for me.  Why will it be different this time around?

Therapy is more than conversations and connections, which is why I lead with an action-focused approach.  Yes, let’s talk, reflect, make meanings and connections.  Let’s sit, cry, laugh, and hold space.  But then what?  What do we do with all that we’ve learned?  We move!  We do the work, which may include cognitive reframing and refocusing in order to make behavioral changes.

 

Do you accept insurance plans?

     I am in-network with Anthem BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealth (and its affiliates), Oscar, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, and Oxford.  Prior to scheduling our first session, I will gather all the appropriate and necessary information in order to confirm coverage, as well as any co-payment or deductible you may be required to pay as per your insurance plan.  My goal is to avoid any out-of-pocket fees or surprised bills.

 

Why choose private pay?

     We want you to be able to decide how long and what kind of therapy you receive. When using insurance for counseling, your insurance often decides what kind of therapy you can get and how long treatment should take.  A feeling of autonomy is an important part of therapy.  Choosing private pay allows you to discuss how many sessions you’d like to attend and your length of treatment while receiving clinical feedback and recommendations.

 

     Additionally, privacy and personal control of your records.  Insurance coverage is an option for therapy; however, it allows access to others of information you may not feel comfortable sharing (due to the requirements of many insurance companies to “prove your need for treatment”.   This also includes adding a diagnosis to your medical records. Sometimes, these records may impact your future applications for life insurance, medical insurance and in some instances, future employment possibilities.

 

Therapy is expensive. Is it worth it?

     Seeking supportive guidance through evidence-based practice is a financial investment.  You are committing to yourself and your personal journey of self-development, self-discovery and transformation.

When you commit to this type of work, you can experience profound changes in your relationships, work-life, health, as well as the way you manage your finances.

 

     For many of us, we have already made investments in significant ways.  I would encourage you to ask yourself, “why this and not that?”  What do I find to be the value in therapy, and am I and all of me worth it?