How do I choose a therapist?
This is so important. Choosing a therapist is a lot like choosing a relationship partner. You want someone who is a good fit. The research shows that the most influential predicator of a good outcome in therapy is the relationship between therapist and client. So, choose someone who you feel safe with, someone you can open up to, someone who you feel understands you, and someone whose approach jives with you. I'm going to go out on a limb here and say it isn't so much the approach that matters, but whether that approach works for you. Same as any other relationship.
Do you offer an initial consultation?
I offer a free 20 minute phone consultation where we can talk more openly about your interest in therapy, whether I may be a good fit, and discuss fees at that time.From there, we can schedule our initial appointment. All appointments including initial appointments are 50 minutes long.
What is the difference between initial and ongoing appointments?
Initial appointments: Our first few appointments will be a consultation period where I hear more about you and what brings you to therapy. I work hard to provide a safe and calming space for you to describe your needs, while also honoring the time necessary to build trust and safety in our working relationship. We will then decide if we feel comfortable and compatible, and choose to proceed forward together.
Ongoing appointments: Once we agree to work together we will find a regular weekly time to meet. I find it very important that we meet consistently in order to develop a rhythm in our experience together. Each appointment will be 50 minutes long.
How long should I expect therapy to take?
Good question. I am working with people in an episodic way. This means you can come and we meet for a period of time with a focus on a specific area you are wanting to deepen, explore, expand or grow in. We will then come up for air together to assess if it is time for a break or time to dive in again to another area of exploration. I am working as a guide, a facilitator and a fellow traveler who wants to support you coming to find your own wisdom, support and capacity so you are not dependent on therapy. Together we will collaborate in our first three sessions to identify what you are wanting to dive into, how long we will explore and when we will come up to reassess.
What kinds of issues do you specialize in?
See my Specialties page for a complete list.
What kind of treatment modalities do you use?
I am trained in Internal Family Systems therapy, Attachment Focused EMDR, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and Hakomi Therapy.
See my How I Work page for more information
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is about observation without criticism; being compassionate with yourself. You come to realize that thoughts come and go of their own accord; that you are not your thoughts. You can watch as they appear in your mind, seemingly from thin air, and watch again as they disappear, like a soap bubble bursting. You come to the profound understanding that thoughts and feelings (including the negative ones) are transient. They come and they go, and ultimately, you have a choice about whether to act on them or not.