Your TOP QUESTIONS answered

 

ARE YOU ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS?

Yes, I’m temporarily scheduling new clients on a limited basis for counseling and life coaching—please check here for details on the temporary changes to my availability and type of referrals I’m accepting for the remainder of 2023.

ARE YOU SCHEDULING IN-OFFICE/ FACE-TO-FACE SESSIONS?

For the remainder of 2023, I currently plan to offer sessions only remotely via video or phone. If you are new to remote/virtual meetings, meeting with me online or by phone is convenient, secure, and very simple to use—I help you through every step to connect with me seamlessly and follow procedures to provide you with the best experience, similar to a normal office-based appointment.

    I'M NEW TO COUNSELING LIFE OR COACHING-WHAT CAN I EXPECT?

The first steps in working together include clarifying future vision and goals, identifying your strengths and values, as well as potential hurdles, and maximizing your motivation for success, based on a realistic expectation and timeline. Your part in the process consists of commitment to showing up with an openness to try on new behaviors or perspectives and offering feedback about the process, your progress, or any challenges. We work at your pace and within the framework of what works for your life. I strive to maintain a supportive and productive space, provide encouragement, new tools, or guidance as needed, as well as help you remain focused and accountable to yourself and your goals in the midst of your busy life and during any temporary setbacks. The process can help you discover significant things about yourself that can revolutionize the way you approach your life, relationships, and health and more.

    ARE OUR CONVERSATIONS 100% CONFIDENTIAL?

Yes-generally, but with specific (generally rare) primary exceptions-see list below. Confidentiality is the foundation of trust between you and any counselor, psychologist, or therapist, so professional ethics rules and laws require that your privacy is strictly protected and not disclosed without your knowledge or permission. However, there are several important, common sense exceptions, including:

1. Serious risk or intention of harm to yourself of another person

2. Abuse or neglect of a minor, elderly, disabled or any vulnerable person

3. Disclosure of exploitation by a mental health professional (your report can be kept anonymous)

When you register as a new client, you will receive a copy of my Privacy Practices disclosure with provides more complete details regarding confidentiality.

    WHAT ISSUES DO YOU WORK WITH? ARE THERE ANY ISSUES YOU DON'T WORK WITH?

Click to view my areas specialization

Click here to view the list of issues I don't work with

    HOW IS COUNSELING DIFFERENT THAN PSYCHOTHERAPY?

While there is an overlap between counseling and psychotherapy, there are important differences to understand. The words are used often used interchangeably, so can cause confusion. Click to read more about about therapy versus counseling. 

    DO YOU ACCEPT MY INSURANCE? 

PLEASE NOTE: I AM TEMPORARILY NOT ACCEPTING INSURANCE

WHAT IF I DON'T HAVE INSURANCE OR CAN'T AFFORD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET? 

I understand and respect that counseling or therapy often represent a significant investment in your well-being that is a stretch or even beyond the reach of many. I offer several options and considerations below that may help:

  • A 15% discount if paid in full at the time of service

  • A discount rate in special circumstances, such as documented temporary financial hardship

  • Shorter, or less frequent sessions, when appropriate

  • Setting realistic goals and timelines to keep your progress and budget on track—many issues respond well within 2 to 12 sessions

  • Therapeutic assignments that build momentum between sessions and accelerate progress. Examples include reading articles or books, journalling, practicing new skills, making lists, using tracking or reminder apps, trying new things, reporting progress, keeping a notebook of items to discuss, taking notes during sessions.

  • Using evidence-based methods, wherever possible, to ensure effective treatment

    DO YOU PRESCRIBE MEDICATIONS OR RECOMMEND ALTERNATIVES SUCH AS HERBS OR SUPPLEMENTS? 

Generally, only medical doctors, such as psychiatrists or your primary care physician will prescribe medication for mental health conditions. I can refer you for medical evaluation and treatment if needed. Certain herbs, supplements, and alternative therapies can potentially play a helpful complementary role in mental health treatment. I am able to provide information on some adjunctive therapies, such as supplements, but am not licensed to prescribe. I can offer information on alternative therapies with scientific research evidence supports, including certain vitamins, "nutraceuticals," and herbs for common issues including anxiety, depression, mood, sleep problems, and other issues. Alternative medicine approaches such as acupuncture, massage, aromatherapy, hypnosis, or other therapies may also provide some benefit for certain conditions, and I can refer you to alternative health providers in some of these areas. In all cases you are advised to further research and consult with your medical provider before starting alternative therapies.