faq
Am I ready for therapy?
Asking for help can be challenging and the first step on the path to healing. Therapy is a process that takes time and it is likely that there will be times you are more motivated to create change in your life than other times. It is also likely that there are times and seasons of your life that you have more energy and time to dedicate to therapy and the healing process. You might be ready to tackle some problems now but not others, and that is okay. We work together to establish goals for therapy and reassess as we go. If you need to step away from therapy for a while, that’s okay.
What should I expect in my consultation call?
Consultation calls are 15 minutes by phone. We will discuss your needs and goals and whether I am a good fit based on my skills. We will also discuss logistics like availability, frequency of meetings, and fees. I will also answer your questions so that you can make an informed decision about working together. If it seems like we are a good fit, we will schedule an intake appointment. If I am not the right fit or if there are other logistical barriers to working together, I am happy to offer you a referral to another licensed provider in the area.
What should I expect in my first session?
Prior to our first appointment, I will ask you to complete some paperwork. During our first meeting – the intake – we will go over some important information from the paperwork, such as confidentiality and information about scheduling and fees. I will have lots of questions about your functioning and various aspects of your life so I can get to know you better. Among the topics we will discuss are your presenting concerns and symptoms, experiences with traumatic or abusive experiences, identities and cultures that are important to you, your strengths and coping strategies, and social supports available to you. We will also collaborate on creating a plan to meet your unique needs. It is not uncommon for the intake to take a couple of appointments to make sure we go through all the important information about your life to lay a solid foundation for our therapy work. It is also normal to feel anxious or tired during this process and over time, it will get easier as we get to know each other and start making some headway on your concerns.
What do I need to meet for a telehealth appointment?
Telehealth appointments take place using video conferencing so you will need a device that has the capability to use both audio and video. A computer or tablet that can stand upright are ideal so you can physically relax during the appointment. It is also helpful to turn off notifications. Additionally, having a private space to meet is essential to protect your privacy. This includes not being disrupted by children, family members, or roommates. You will also need internet with a reliable signal. And since technology often is fickle, it is helpful to know how to troubleshoot issues that arise. Finally, I am licensed to provider services in Florida so you will need to be physically present in Florida for any telehealth appointments.
How often do I see you?
I usually see clients weekly or biweekly, particularly when we first start therapy. Over time, we might want to change the frequency of our appointments depending on what your needs are.
How long does therapy take?
The length of therapy depends on you and your unique needs. I have worked with clients who needed 1-2 appointments and I have worked with other clients for years. Clients who are ready to actively make change often need fewer appointments. Some clients choose to incorporate therapy into their wellness plan and may continue therapy for long periods. Others may come for a few appointments to address a specific concern, take a break for a while, and return when they need something again. Whatever your needs are, I am committed to providing you with evidence-based services to address your challenges and heal. We will discuss what you need during the intake and over time.
Is my information confidential?
Yes, your privacy is a top priority to me. It is important for me to create a safe environment in therapy, and part of that is maintaining your privacy. Because of this, I will require that you sign a release of information if you would like any of your records released to you or a third party.
Do you offer a sliding scale?
At this time, I am offering sliding scale on a limited basis due to the size on my practice. In the future, I hope to expand to offer more sliding scale spots.
When is payment due for sessions?
Payment (cash, credit or debit card) is expected at the time of the session unless other arrangements have been made in advance. Your card will have hold on it before our session to ensure payment. I would encourage you to consider paying at the start of the session so you don’t have to worry about it at the end when you might feel tired and have a lot of content from the session to integrate.