How do I know which type of therapy is right for me?

There are so many types of therapy out there. You may have heard a friend say that EMDR changed his life or listened to a podcast that recommended Internal Family Systems therapy but you may not be sure what these terms mean or what’s right for you. I use an eclectic and integrative approach which means that we will discuss the issues you’d like help with as well as the evidence - based treatments I am trained in which might be a good match for those issues and use the approach or approaches that will be most effective. While my primary approach is informed by narrative therapy, I have training and experience in psychodynamic theory, cognitive behavioral therapy and trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness approaches. I am currently pursuing post-graduate training in Family Systems Therapy. My theoretical orientation is person-centered, strengths based, and humanistic. I believe in full transparency in the therapeutic process and will always share which tools and approaches I am using and why I think they are a good fit as well as offer any information you might want on the science that supports them. If I do not believe my skills are a good match for your needs, I will help refer you to a therapist who I think may be a better match if possible. Research has clearly shown that regardless of therapeutic modality, the relationship and match between therapist and client is a better predictor of positive outcomes than any particular modality.

How do I choose a therapist?

It is important to choose a therapist you feel comfortable talking to, feel open to building trust with, and who you feel affirms your values. I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation so we can discuss your desires for therapy and so I can answer any questions you might have. I will also ask you about any past experiences in therapy you might have had and what worked for you and what did not work as well. I encourage everyone to speak with several therapists and see who you feel comfortable speaking with before choosing one.

What if I don’t know what to talk about?

I, like many therapists, start the therapeutic process with a comprehensive intake session. I will ask you more about what is bringing you to therapy at this time, what you hope to get out of therapy, as well as about your life experiences to start to get to know you as a whole person. During this session, I will help you verbalize goals which will guide our future sessions. We will regularly check in about your goals and needs to make sure you are getting what you want out of therapy.

Do you take insurance?

I choose not to accept insurance as direct payments allow you more privacy in your mental health treatment, promote continuity of your treatment even if you change jobs or insurance providers, and provide both client and therapist with more freedom to choose the treatment frequency and duration that best match your needs. Also you will never have to pause therapy while you fight your insurance company for reimbursement. If you have an FSA or HSA, therapy is an approved use of these funds and I can provide any necessary paperwork.