Frequently Asked Questions

What ages do you treat?

I treat ages 3 and up.

How long do appointments last? How often?

Appointments are 50-60 minutes long.  I offer both daytime and evening appointments, as well as weekends.  The number and frequency of therapy appointments depend on what you need and the nature of the problem.

This is my first counseling experience. What should I expect?

It is common to feel nervous about coming to counseling. I will learn a little about you through our initial telephone consultation and in your first appointment we will talk more about your specific area of concern and set some goals for therapy.

Do you deal with medications?

A therapist can not prescribe medications, but for many people it is an important part of the therapeutic process. I work closely with general practitioners and psychiatrists, if needed. Many of my referrals come from local doctors.

Frequent Questions that may emerge during child and adolescent counseling:

Why do children need counseling when there is a divorce or possibility of divorce?

Parents often do not realize the difficult decisions that children are faced with during a divorce or possible divorce. Parents can exert undue pressures and influences on children without ever intending or even realizing it. Children usually do not express how they truly feel to parents out of fear of disappointing them.

How will my child feel about going to therapy?

Many parents worry that a child will feel stigmatized or strange about going to therapy. Through all my years working with children, I see many children enjoy the process and often they show signs that they are even relieved to have a place where they can express their feelings and work through conflicts.

In the initial meeting, I will discuss way to talk about the divorce process with your child.  I am always open to your child’s feelings about therapy and we invite an open dialogue with the child whether in words or through play.

As a parent will I be able to say what my concerns are during the counseling process?

Yes, before your child attends therapy, you will be asked what your concerns are and we will establish goals of treatment in advance.  There will also be ample opportunity to discuss your child’s needs with me during the treatment process.  Working with children often involves working with their parents.

Frequent Questions that may emerge during Couples therapy:

How can a couple tell if they would benefit from counseling?

There is no simple answer, but often couples will tell me that they often get “a sense that they are in a stalemate” or “we are fighting about the stupidest things and these arguments quickly escalate.”  If both people can agree that they will give couples therapy a try, it is time to call.

Who side are you on in couples therapy?

I am on the side of the marriage or relationship.  My goal is for both people to look into their own behaviors to see if changes can be made.  My job is not to take sides.

Frequent questions that may emerge during individual counseling

How are therapy goals established?

In general, the goal of psychotherapy is to talk through mental health issues and help you grow, and move toward psychologically health life.  Specific goals for therapy will be determined by both you and I together.

How do I know if therapy is working?

Remember that change is difficult and you might not be a new person overnight.  On the other hand, you should be able to notice positive changes in your life when therapy is working.