FAQ

If I have never been to therapy before, what should I expect? How do I know if I should go, and how do I start?

Psychotherapy is not reserved for individuals that fall under any specific category. There are no issues that are too insignificant for therapy if they are affecting you negatively or taking away from your overall sense of wellbeing. As a perspective client, I am happy to provide a free 15 minute phone consult to answer any questions you may have. If you’d like to proceed from there by scheduling an initial in-person session, I will gladly schedule an appointment at a time that is convenient for the both of us. Whether you continue therapy and schedule follow-up appointments is completely up to you. I hope to warmly welcome you into my practice if you find that it can be beneficial for your wellbeing. Please know that many first time patients feel uncomfortable, nervous and/or fearful of taking these first steps. That it is perfectly natural and tolerating this discomfort will often lead you to find that therapy is an invaluable tool for self-improvement, empowerment and proactive change in your life.

Do I need to be mindful of anything in particular while commuting to your office?

A suggestion is to be mindful of timing. Often therapists see patients back to back, so to make sure that you benefit from the entirety of your session allow yourself plenty of travel time. If you have questions regarding office location and/or transportation options, kindly let me know. I am happy to ensure that you have all the details beforehand.
 

How participatory are you during sessions?

Typically my participation in sessions is equal to the client. If the client is not yet comfortable with opening up, I will participate more actively. At times we require more listening than feedback; while at other times we may feel that a hands-on, more directive approach is beneficial. I assess each session individually to determine appropriateness of engagement based on my professional expertise. 

Do you assign homework, activities, or readings for me to do between sessions? Why or why not?

I do enjoy providing psychoeducation to clients as needed, this allows them to have a clearer understanding of what is happening and what to expect. I am happy to provide tasks between sessions upon request or as deemed clinically necessary. Typically the requests/challenges I suggest to clients between sessions is to reflect and be mindful about an issue being worked on in therapy (ex: identifying tendency to self-sabotage, practicing a learned coping strategy, mindfulness of our emotions and thoughts, attending one support group before our next session, etc). For issues such as substance abuse and eating disorders that aren’t well stabilized, the tasks will likely be more directive then reflective.

How much do you share about yourself during our time together and why?

I share some information from personal experience in therapy sessions if I believe that it will help the client feel validated, support a relational approach, and further the therapeutic progress. I do not share specific, personal information so as not to blur the boundaries that are crucial to maintain professionalism in psychotherapy.
 

How will our relationship be different than relationships I have with friends/loved ones?

The relationship between a client and a therapist is unique in that it is one of confidentiality and complete discretion. Psychotherapists are trained providers that complete graduate level schooling and regularly participate in continuing education training. With this expertise they can offer clinical insight and information that your friends/loved ones likely do not have. Also, the therapeutic relationship is an unbiased one, meaning that whatever is discussed will be addressed without the therapist taking sides, having ulterior motives, or assuming they know what’s best for you. The therapeutic relationship is a collaborative one, in which answers and breakthroughs will naturally reveal themselves as you progress in treatment. Lastly, although a therapeutic relationship is personal in nature it is also professional, especially outside of the office parameters. A professional therapeutic relationship is intended for clients to develop insight and to allow for breakthroughs which can then be applied in their personal lives and interpersonal relationships. An example of the difference between personal relationships with loved ones/friends versus professional relationships with therapists is gift giving. Most therapists do not accept or give gifts. Examples such as this do not mean that therapists are inconsiderate or lack gratitude, it is to ensure that unhealthy personal feelings do not develop in a professional relationship. It is unethical for therapists to engage in personal relationships with their clients or to even treat the client’s closed loved ones at times due to conflict of interest concerns. Therefore, therapists follow an ethical code of conduct which sets relationship boundaries that aren’t present in relationships with loved ones/friends.

What is unique about the work you do, or how have you found your work to be different than your colleagues’?

Every therapist has their own signature, so to speak. I find my work to be unique in that I utilize a relational approach that incorporates mindfulness as well as awareness of the mind-body connection. In many cultures and societies, an individual’s wellbeing is seen as a whole: body and mind. Having a deep understanding about the interconnectedness of our brains, nervous systems, immune systems, respiratory systems, and our entire body as a whole is crucial in informing my style of psychotherapy. I encourage self-care in numerous life areas to address biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors (if applicable). Mental and physical self-care (if applied) is a powerful tool in aiding the healing process and in living a happier, healthier life overall.

Depending on your interests/needs, spirituality has been proven to be a powerful gateway into healing. Additionally, studies have shown that meditation and mindfulness-based practices greatly reduce and help manage symptoms. Inter-weaving this knowledge into my Psychotherapy and Somatic work has only furthered my ability to support and meet clients where they are. Cultural competency is key and I take one’s commitment to therapy very seriously. It is only through integrity, objectivity and mutual collaboration that we can truly explore parts of ourselves that have yet to be understood.

How can you tell if I am benefiting from working with you?

A client is benefiting from therapy if they are achieving or making progress towards treatment plan goals. Treatment goals are often openly discussed between the client and therapist, or at a minimum they are outlined clearly in the therapist’s notes so as to ensure that the client is making progress in a clinically appropriate manner. At times, things will happen in life that are a setback. The therapist and client can work through potential setbacks together to ensure that progress continues to be made and that relief from the presenting problems continue to be felt over time.

Is there ever a time when you would encourage me to leave or graduate? Or how do I know when it’s time to end or move on, or time to stay and explore more?

The decision to terminate treatment is one which should be discussed at length between the client and the therapist. Therapy can last from several sessions to several months and even years. It really depends on what the client wants and needs. Some clients come in with a very specific problem they need to solve and might find that after solving that problem they no longer require treatment. Others come in with issues that require more in-depth work, leading to lengthier time in treatment. The most important thing to keep in mind as a client is that terminating treatment prematurely can cause a great deal of harm. If clients have an urge to abruptly end treatment it is important that they talk honestly and in-person with their therapist beforehand, to figure out why and to plan out the termination if needed.  At times, therapy can uncover difficult realities, feelings, and past experiences that clients may not want to face. The therapist would hope that the client feels safe enough to discuss their feelings, rather than discontinuing therapy without a chance to process their feelings. Although therapy may feel difficult at times, this is usually a sign that a breakthrough about to occur.