Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you accept insurance?
What can I expect at my first appointment?
During your first visit, we will go over what currently brings you to therapy, the history of your problem, your goals, and a general biological, psychological, social, and family history. At the end of our visit, I will provide you with my initial thoughts on your treatment and any referrals that might be appropriate. You are welcome to ask questions that you might have about your treatment or my approach. I will then be able to offer you some first impressions of what our treatment work would include. You should evaluate this information along with your own opinions of whether you feel comfortable working with me. You should feel free to consult with another mental health professional for a second opinion.
What is the process of therapy like?
Psychotherapy is not easily described in general statements. It varies depending on the personalities of the therapist and client and the particular problems brought forward. The therapy I provide is strongly influenced by a psychodynamic perspective and therefore works on addressing the underlying, often unconscious, issues that are manifesting as symptoms or problematic behavior. Specifically, I utilize an object relations approach to therapy, which helps clients gain insight into their internal world, their patterns of relating and attaching, and their use of psychological defense mechanisms. In addition, it is important to me to consider one’s neurophysiological influences when understanding and working towards resolution of problems and distress. Psychotherapy calls for a very active effort on your part. In order for therapy to be effective and successful, you will have to work on things that we talk about both during our sessions and at home.
Psychotherapy can have benefits and risks. Therapy often involves discussing unpleasant aspects of your life, which may cause uncomfortable feelings like sadness, anger, guilt, frustration, loneliness, and helplessness. It is not unusual to experience a period of increased emotional distress, as you will be exploring and addressing issues that you have previously worked hard to defend against. Successful psychotherapy has been shown to lead to better interpersonal relationships, solutions to specific problems, and an increased ability to regulate and tolerate states of emotional distress.
How long is each visit and how frequently should I expect to come?
Each visit is approximately 45 minutes, though the initial session may run longer. Therapy works best on a weekly basis. In some instances, depending on the nature of the problem and the level of distress, people may come twice per week. As you progress, we will discuss if it is appropriate to come in less frequently.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel or reschedule a session, please provide at least 48 hours notice to avoid being charged for the missed appointment. In the event of an emergency, the session fee will be waived. Please note if you are using insurance and do not provide 48 hours notice for a missed session that is not due to an emergency, you will be responsible for the entire session fee, not just your co-payment.