I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Is coming to therapy a sign of weakness?
Not at all. It takes courage to ask for help. Everyone needs help now and then. You already have strengths that you’ve used before, but you need support in finding those parts of yourself right now. In our work together, I’ll help you identify what those strengths are and how to implement them again in what is happening now. We’ll also develop new ways of understanding yourself and new skills to help you make changes.
What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?
There are a few important differences. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, implement new strategies, and help you listen to yourself. Even the most supportive family and friends may have their own views of what is best for you, but my only goal is to help you live a more fulfilling life. Furthermore, therapy is completely confidential.
How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?
Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual. I tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific needs. Therapy works because talking and thinking about yourself can help you feel better. What you’ll need to do is come to sessions and talk about what’s on your mind.
What treatment approaches are available?
I am a practitioner of contemporary psychodynamic psychotherapy. This is a proven method that emerged from classical psychoanalysis, but with many revisions. Freud and his contemporaries’ insights were ground-breaking 100+ years ago, and have been shifted to be applicable to people of all genders in contemporary society. I use an egalitarian approach and a blend of theories and techniques. I value mindfulness, collaboration with other practitioners (such as psychiatrists and neuropsychologists), and interaction between you and me.
How long will it take?
Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique. The length of time therapy can take varies depending on your goals, your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek therapy in the first place. Life circumstances such as school, work, and finances also influence the length of therapy.
Why shouldn’t I just take medication?
Medication alone cannot solve all issues. Our work together is designed to explore the root of the issue, dig deep into your behavior and teach strategies that can help you accomplish your personal and/or relational goals.
Medication can be effective and is sometimes needed in conjunction with therapy. I can help you understand medication options and make decisions about what might be optimal for you.
My partner and I are having problems. Should we be in individual counseling or come together?
I work with individuals. Sometimes people like to bring in their partner for a session to gain clarity and trust. For more in-depth hands-on relationship work, I can refer you and your partner to a couples’ therapist as an adjunct to our work together.
Can you write a letter in support of my emotional support animal?
Psychologists and animal handlers can be held accountable, legally and ethically, for misrepresenting a pet as a service animal. Since I am not able to evaluate an animal’s training to provide a specific service for a handler with disabilities, I am not able to write letters about a specific animal. If you are in treatment and have a qualifying disability for which you would like a letter of attestation, we can discuss that.
Can you write a letter regarding gender-affirming medical treatment?
Yes. Following a semi-structured evaluation over the course of several sessions, I am able to write a letter stating my findings.