My Approach to Helping
I am passionate about helping people get what they really want for themselves. I use a non-judgmental compassionate approach that encourages self- care, learning skills to let go of worry, shame and guilt. I provide a guide to self- acceptance that allows people to naturally grow and change, welcome new challenges, have more freedom.
My purpose as a therapist is to provide a safe, accepting, genuine environment to help people realize their goals. It is my job to genuinely listen, listen some more, validate a person's thoughts and feelings, help identify strengths and challenges, provide education, suggest ways of thinking and behaving, ask good questions, and always respect the answers. I think of therapy as teamwork and a wonderful exercise in cooperation. For the last 17 years I have had the privilege of seeing many people meet their goals and really come into their own. It continues to give me a profound sense of satisfaction. I would be honored to be a part of your journey.
More Info About My Practice
My standard fee is $100hr. I use a sliding scale minimum at $80hour. Couples counseling is $120 for 90 minute session. It has been my experience that 60 minutes is not sufficient time for a couple's session. I do not take insurance, although I am happy to send letter to your insurance company stating that you have done session with me.
I offer a free consultation session for first -time clients.
Important Factors for Choosing a Therapist
Choosing a good therapist is vital to having therapy work for you. All the research tells us that the relationship with the therapist is the single most important factor in receiving a benefit from therapy. You should feel comfortable with the therapist, and feel that heshe is comfortable with themselves.
Trust your gut feelings here.
Here are some things to look for:
RED FLAGS : you feel the therapist is judging you, not respecting you, not hearing you, talks about their issues instead of yours, is deadly serious instead of genuinely sincere, cannot laugh WITH you when you share a "mistake" or didn't meet a personal goal, ignores your feelings, you are feeling sexual tension from the therapist or have sexual feelings yourself, you don't feel safe.
PUT THEM TO THE TEST: Just tell them straight out. "I feel disrespected by that", or "It seems you are always talking about yourself ". See how they respond. If they do not have an answer, or get defensive, or make no effort to change their approach, they have failed the test.
REMEMBER: You have the right to terminate therapy at any time. You have the right to change your mind and see someone else.
I offer a free consultation for first-time clients. This is to insure that that we are good match and are able to form a "therapeutic alliance".
Clinicians who offer sliding scale payment structures may offer lower or reduced fees based on an individual's ability to pay. Please contact this clinician for more details regarding their fees or sliding scale policy.