Frequently Asked Questions

I typically use a blend of Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Mindfulness practices. I have experienced a high degree of success helping patients cope with their issues because I have an applied approach which includes interactive and written activities for patients to work on. 

I accept Empire BC/BS. I am flexible and will work with my clients. I do not watch the clock nor do I mind communicating outside the session if necessary.

No! I am not looking for ulterior motives for how you act or what you say. My only interest is in helping you dee more clearly why you feel the way you do.

As a Therapist, I tell all my patients and family members over 18 that I am required to inform the necessary authorities if they are thinking of hurting themselves or someone else and if they are capable of acting upon it. Otherwise, I highly advise parents of teen clients, although they have a right to ask questions, that in order to keep the therapist-client bond tight, they should ask their child how it is going. Clients over 18 need to sign a waiver for me to discuss anything with a parent or a family member.

Aside from parent groups, which I highly recommend, it can be beneficial to seek out additional help with your coping and parenting skills, when dealing with your child. For example, our Mindful Parenting Group teaches you to observe your emotions and become less reactive to your child’s behavior, rather than automatically getting angry or frustrated at them. 

My main focus is on helping you with your issues and pain. However, we are both human and any experiences or information that I feel will strengthen the client-therapist bond is certainly admissible, as long as it models and teaches you coping skills.

In order for me to get a good sense of what is going on I will usually want to know:

What prompted you to seek therapy.

How long have you been trying to cope with the problem that brought you here.

Have you been involved in therapy before?

Tell me about your life and family growing up.

We will also talk about how you manifest depression, anxiety or other issues.

Finally, we will discuss goals for therapy.

I wouldn’t necessarily say scary. I do find that it is completely normal to feel fearful or even judged by a stranger sitting in the chair (or computer!) across from you. However, I have a calm demeanor and my first goal is to establish a rapport and trust. Expect this to take a little time sometimes as it’s completely normal to be guarded at first. 

Typically, you will see some results in several weeks. It also depends on if you are simultaneously doing other treatments such as medication, meditation or addressing any health issues. I have seen patients anywhere from one session to over a year depending on goals. 

One of my goals during therapy is to teach you to observe your “ego” .That’s the part of you that is afraid. To quote the great Eckhart Tolle, I often say “What problem do I have right now?”. So the perceived notion of “what people will think” is the actual issue, not what they actually think. 

After we meet the first or second time and I do an intake, I will let you know my thoughts and what we agree upon as the best course of treatment.