Attending therapy for the first time can create anxiety and elicit many questions. What should I bring? What should I expect from therapy? Will I feel uncomfortable? What if it's not what I am hoping for? 

The nice thing about therapy is that once we have received the preliminary paperwork, you only need to bring yourself. The intake forms will be emailed to you prior to confirming your first appointment. We ask that clients email back the completed forms so that we can spend the majority of our first session reviewing treatment issues and setting goals. If you have any problems downloading or returning these forms, my Office Manager can guide you through the process. Signing the consent for treatment is the most important document for completion in the first session.

Therapists have different styles and will approach first sessions differently. In my practice, I believe it's most important for clients to feel safe in their first meeting. We explore treatment issues, relevant personal history, and establish treatment goals. At the end of our appointment, we determine goals for our next meeting. It is not realistic to believe that one session will resolve all of one's needs. Just as going to the gym one time will not leave you with your fitness goals achieved, one therapy appointment does not generally have miraculous results.

Everyone is different. Generally, I recommend that clients begin weekly for the first few months to gain momentum and feel comfortable with the process of therapy. Progress, comfort and independent goals/needs will influence how often we meet and how long you choose to continue in therapy.

What if I don't like therapy or feel uncomfortable? 

Successful outcomes in therapy are largely connected to the relationship between the therapist and client. It is essential that you feel safe to express your concerns, questions and needs in treatment. I hope that every person I work with will experience my office as a safe place to discuss concerns or needs. If it is not a good fit, I will always offer referrals to other qualified therapists who may have a particular specialization or be a better fit for the client. A therapist is not a one-size-fits-all.  

Therapists set their rate depending on specialization, years of experience, and whether they are licensed or an associate (intern, in training). Depending on economic status, insurance reimbursement, or commitment to therapy, some therapists will offer a sliding scale. I use a sliding scale for long term treatment and economic hardship such as COVID 19. Clients with insurance such as a PPO, can request a superbill to submit to insurance providers for reimbursement. An HSA card can be used and often therapy expenses are used towards a deductible. My standard fee for individuals is $175.00 per session/50 clinical minutes, and for couples the standard fee is $200.00 per session/50 clinical minutes. We do not accept insurance or do any insurance billing so please check with your insurance provider to see if they will accept a Superbill for full or partial reimbursement. We accept Credit Cards, HSA Cards, and Debit Cards through a secure payment processing company called IVY Pay.

It is important for individuals to remember that attending therapy is a choice; it is your choice in how to proceed. Successful treatment is not only related to the relationship with the therapist, but the efforts and commitment of the client. Successful therapy has a direct correlation to honesty with yourself and the work you are willing to put into it.