FAQs

I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?

Not at all! People who ask for help know when they need it and have the courage to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. In our work together, I’ll help you explore and identify your strengths and how to implement them to reduce the influence of the problems you are facing.

What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?

Family and friends can be great supportive resources, but sometimes lack the training and experience to adequately help or have a personal stake in your relationship. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way by teaching you new skills, helping you gain different perspectives, listening to you without judgment or expectations, and helping you listen to yourself. Furthermore, therapy is completely confidential—you won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” 

Why shouldn’t I just take medication?

While medication can be effective, it alone cannot solve all issues. Sometimes medication is needed in conjunction with therapy. In fact, research suggests that medication and therapy together yield far better outcomes than taking only one approach to treatment. Our work together is designed to explore and unpack the problems you are experiencing and expand on your strengths to help you accomplish your personal goals. If medication is a part of your personal journey, I am happy to support you by providing psychiatric referrals, monitoring symptoms, and collaborating with your prescriber.

How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?

Because each person's challenges and goals for therapy are unique, it will be different depending on the individual. I will tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific needs and will talk through options with you so that you can make the decisions for therapy that feel right for you!

How long will it take?

There is no single answer to this. The amount of time therapy takes really depends on your unique situation, goals, and what brings you to therapy. Some people come in for short-term support around a specific issue, while others find longer-term therapy helpful for deeper exploration and ongoing growth.

We’ll check in on your goals and progress along the way so you have a clearer sense of how therapy is working for you and what kind of timeframe feels right.

I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?

I am so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of therapy! Your active participation and dedication will be crucial to your success. Tools to use between sessions will vary from person to person, but I generally find that developing a mindfulness practice is a helpful starting place. You can find more information on my Mental Health Resources page.