FAQs

Is therapy right for me?
Often people think they can solve their problems on their own, or they can just get the help they need from their friends. While we often can solve our problems without professional help, often there are life changing things we can learn in therapy that we couldn’t figure out on our own or with friends. But more importantly, therapy is very different from getting help from friends or family, or even church. Therapy is a process of self-discovery and healing. It’s a transformative experience that helps people not just solve problems or alleviate symptoms, but become the best version of themselves they can be. Becoming authentic and letting go of the layers of stuff that make us feel small…finding true joy through discovery of our true self…that’s what therapy is all about. Therapy is definitely not only for “sick” people or people who can’t function. In my opinion, if you’re not happy every day, and in love with yourself, the world, and the people around you every day, then therapy could improve your life!
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How often would I come?
Sessions can be twice a week, weekly, biweekly, monthly, or even as needed…we can decide that together, and I’m aware that finances may play a role in that decision.  Some changes take place quickly and others are a slower unfolding process. Weekly sessions are the most common and allow for greater flow from session to session than less frequent sessions. I work in both 50 minute and 80 minute sessions.
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Who do you work with?
I work with adults, including older adolescents, and do both individual and couples sessions. I work with all kinds of couples (gay, straight, married, dating, divorced but co-parenting, polyamorous couples, etc). I can help with most psychological problems. A few things I am not a specialist in are eating disorders, ADD/ADHD, psychosis, *****  If one of these things is your primary issue, then I’m not the right therapist for you.
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Should I see a psychologist or psychiatrist? What do all those different degrees mean?
A psychologist has a doctoral degree in psychology (PhD or PsyD) and therefore has studied mental health and therapy for at least five years in graduate school. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in psychiatry at the end of medical school. A psychologist cannot prescribe medications; a psychiatrist typically prescribes medications as the primary part of his/her practice. Therapists with other degrees (MSW, MFT, LCSW) have master’s degrees, which are typically 2 year programs and do not address the full range of mental health disorders. Psychologists can have a PsyD or PhD degree. The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is typically a more rigorous training program with an emphasis on research as well as clinical skills and requires research for a dissertation. The Doctor of Psychology degree focuses more on clinical skills and the dissertation can be theoretical rather than experimental.
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What can I expect in a session?
Sometimes sessions are all talk, and sometimes I incorporate meditations, guided imagery, guided relaxation, breath work, body work, yoga poses, or ceremonies into sessions all at your discretion…if you are only comfortable with talk therapy, that’s fine…therapy will always go at your pace and your comfort level. Yoga therapy sessions and sessions involving breath work or body work take place sitting on a big cushioned mat. (See more about what to expect in a yoga therapy session on the yoga therapy page). You can expect me to start and end sessions on time. You can expect to sometimes leave feeling better and sometimes worse…personal growth is sometimes painful and sometimes ecstatic. You can expect to feel safe and cared about with me. You can expect your journey to take you to unexpected places…
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How much does it cost?
My fee is $140 per 50-minute session and $200 per 80-minute session. I reduce my fee based on need for 5 clients in my practice at any given time; please inquire.
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What about insurance?
I am no longer in-network with any insurance companies because I found that I didn’t like the way insurance companies treated me or treated you when I worked for them. I can help you use your out of network benefits. If you don’t know whether sessions would be covered, call your insurance company and ask about your benefits for “outpatient mental health visits with an out of network therapist.” Please ask if you need help with this. Yoga therapy is typically not covered by insurance.
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What are your hours?
My office hours are Monday through Wednesday, 11-7, and Thursday 8-4. My late afternoon and evening appointments fill up the fastest; please inquire about availability. I will occasionally schedule appointments on the weekend or outside my normal office hours.

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