My Approach to Helping
I'm a licensed psychologist in private practice in downtown Newburyport where I see adults age 18+ for individual psychotherapy. Please visit my website to learn more about me and contact me by phone or email. I practice short- and longer-term individual therapy, with a focus on self-worth and relationship concerns, adjustment and transition struggles, and family and career dilemmas. I also meet with people who want to increase their capacity to manage anxiety and depression, prevent perfectionism and unproductive habits from controlling their actions and self-perceptions, improve their quality of life, and generally feel more fulfilled.
I've been described as warm and accepting, an excellent listener and direct in a gentle way, as well as effective at helping people take positive steps in their lives. My wish is to help you feel safe and comfortable to share what you most need to explore.
My theoretical orientation is integrationist, drawing on interpersonal and mindfulness-informed approaches to therapy. I like to focus on people's strengths and natural resilience when facing challenging choices and circumstances. A key factor in helping my clients meet their goals is the trusting, respectful therapy relationship that we build together.
More Info About My Practice
Counseling and Psychotherapy Services
I offer both short-term counseling and longer-term psychotherapy with adults. After our first few sessions I will be able to offer you some impressions of what our work could include based on how I understand your goals and needs. My approach to the counselingpsychotherapy relationship is collaborative, and I encourage you to share with me your opinions and preferences about your experience. My goal is to help you feel comfortable about sharing what's most important to you and to assist you in getting you connected with someone who can help you meet your goals.
-Short-term counseling
between 2-3 sessions to discuss hopes for counseling and possible next steps, either for working on your own, participating in ongoing longer-term psychotherapy with me, andor exploring other options (e.g., referral to other resources, including bibliotherapy, engaging in group therapy, meeting with other therapist who may be a better match for helping you meet your goals, etc.)
-Longer-term psychotherapy
the number and frequency of sessions varies (i.e., this decision is based upon your needs, goals, financial feasibility and a mutual agreement on what frquency best addresses these issues)
Private Pay and Insurance
I offer private pay counseling and psychotherapy, which means that I do not bill an insurance company and instead am paid directly by the client. Some people choose to pay out of pocket because they like to feel that they want to know that no personal information will be disclosed to any third party (such as a health insurance company that authorizes services related to mental health or substance abuse, an insurance company that offers disability or life insurance coverage, etc.). Others have decided to meet with me even when they have insurance coverage (though it may not cover our meetings due to my being out-of-network) because they feel that the therapeutic connection is so positive and important, and they find a high "goodness-of-fit" with me. I've been told by current (and former clients) who pay out of pocket that they feel especially empowered in our sessions because they are making a real investment in themselves, and as such, take more ownership in the therapy process.
I am also an in-network provider for most Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Tufts, and Aetna plans. In addition, you may have out-of-network benefits that would cover a percentage of my fee. If you'd like to find out whether your insurance company would reimburse you for the cost of counselingtherapy with me, I encourage you to contact your insurance company.
