Frequently Asked Questions
Answers To Your Frequently Asked Questions
I’m nervous about starting therapy. Is that normal?
Therapy can be vulnerable and new, so it’s natural to be nervous. It can be scary to think of opening up or crying in front of someone new, perhaps fearing that it will be awkward and uncomfortable. The fear around that can feel overwhelming. It takes courage to start going to therapy. The fact that you are on this website, looking for help, and reading this right now shows that you are being brave and seeking help.
Therapy is a space where you can be yourself and come just as you are, including feeling nervous. I’m committed to finding a way to care for your nervousness and ensure sessions are as comfortable as possible.
I’m here if you want to talk about it during a free phone or video consultation.
How do I know if you are the right therapist for me?
Take your time to read through my website. If you sense that I may be a good fit based on what you are reading, you can Schedule yourself in my online scheduler.
During a free phone or video consultation, you can ask me more about my training and education, about how I have helped other people like you before, or any other questions you may have that are specific-to-you. You’ll also be able to speak to what's bothering you and I can share my ideas around how I can help you.
It may be helpful to think of the first few sessions as trying out the waters together. During the sessions, you’ll be able to see how you feel working with me. My approach is not going to work for everyone. What’s most important to me is that you find someone who you feel is the right fit for you. We can explore that together.
What if I don't want to talk about something?
It's natural to not want to share some of the painful or difficult things we've been through.. During our sessions, you never have to talk about something you’re not comfortable talking about. It’s my job to give you space to slowly start to work through the tough stuff. Gradually and at a pace that feels comfortable to you, you can share what you feel ready to share.
You can also share with me that you are nervous to open up about something and we can talk about that too. Whatever is present for you. Whatever you are going through. Bring that to session and we can explore that together.
I’m scared that if I open up, you will think I’m weak.
If you open up to me, I will not think you are weak, I will think you are extremely brave and strong. Many of my clients have had the same fear (that people would think they are weak).
Working with my clients has shown me that the challenges your are facing are normal and natural.
You have nothing to be ashamed about. Nothing you can say will cause me to judge you.
I know we all have our imperfections, we all struggle, we are humans trying to human.
Whatever it is you're going through, I provide a safe space where you can feel heard and supported without judgement.
Does what we talk about in therapy remain confidential?
It can be concerning feeling like things you say or do in therapy could "get out." So I want you to know that unless there is an imminent danger to yourself or someone else, everything you share with me is completely confidential.
Your privacy and trust are of utmost importance.
You can rest assured that you can talk about anything without fear of that information getting out.
If you have specific questions about how confidentiality works, you can ask during your during a free phone or video consultation or anytime during our work together.
How long will therapy take?
You might be asking about how long therapy will take because you think that therapy will be an overwhelming process.
If this is true for you, I want you to know that on average, my new clients start seeing positive effects after the first 3-5 sessions.
By that point, they they feel a little more calm and hopeful that healing is possible.
The total duration of therapy varies from client to client. Some of my clients find 6-12 weeks to be enough to resolve immediate challenges. While other clients feel more supported by longer term therapy.
We will work together to find the length of time that works for you.
What can I expect during the first session?
Overall, you can think of the first session as a semi-structured assessment that helps me get to know you and the challenges that brought you into treatment. I’ll invite you to share more about yourself and we can also talk about what’s worked or not worked for your mental health in the past.
Some questions that I like to ask during
a first session include:
What brought you to therapy?
Have you gone to therapy before? How did that go?
What goals would you like to reach by going to therapy?
You can ask me questions as well. You might be curious about my experience or how future sessions work.
The most important part of a first session is that you see if you feel I’m a good fit for you. If you feel safe, accepted, and comfortable with me, we can discuss if you’d like to meet again.
Office Accessibility Disclosures
Below are some considerations regarding accessibility of our in-office space. If you have any specific questions or needs related to accessibility that are not specified below, please reach out so we can discuss options for accommodation and work toward achieving the most comfortable and accessible space for you!
Mobility: The main building has both an access ramp and stairs (4 steps) available to get to the front entrance of the suite. The lobby, hallway, and bathroom offer space for mobility aids to maneuver comfortably. My private office space is sized so that smaller mobility aids (i.e. canes, walkers, crutches) can maneuver comfortably and can accommodate larger aids such as wheelchairs with notice.
Scent/Smell: The waiting room is a shared space with other practices and does have a plug-in air freshener. My private office space is unscented/low scent.
Sound/Noise: The waiting room is typically playing “spa music” at a low volume and there is a white noise machine located directly outside of my office door that you will be able to hear during our session.
Bathroom: The bathroom is gender neutral, on the first floor, and accessible for mobility aids to maneuver comfortably with hand rails to assist with toilet access.
Lighting: The lobby and hallway utilize overhead lighting while my private office has a floor lamp with lower lighting.
Seating: The lobby offers wide chairs and my office has a small couch.
Temperature: The office temperature is typically set between 68℉ and 70℉. My private office also has a ceiling fan which is typically kept on low but can be turned off if requested.
Mask Wearing/Air Quality: N95 masks are available in the office and can be worn during your session at your request. The office uses a central air circulation/ventilation system. My private office also has an HEPA air purifier.
How can I get started?
I'm here to talk during a free phone or video consultation where you can speak to what's bothering you and I can share my ideas around how I can help you.
Schedule yourself in my online scheduler today to get your free 15-minute video consultation.