INFORMATION ABOUT INDIVIDUAL PSYCHOTHERAPY
What are some of the reasons people come to therapy?
You can seek therapy for any reason and at any time and not just when something is “seriously wrong.” In fact, therapy is most effective and useful as a preventative tool for future challenges and self-improvement. Many individuals seek therapy in order to manage symptoms of anxiety or depression, improve communication, process past negative experiences that are holding them back, and to receive support during a difficult transition period or stage of life. Therapy continues to evolve from an exclusive “treatment for individuals with a mental health diagnosis” to a socially acceptable investment for general self-improvement.
What happens in the initial intake?
The first intake appointment is to obtain as much background information as possible so that I can have as much history before we narrow in on specific therapy goals. I typically ask questions about childhood, relationships to key family members or romantic partners, academic/career trajectory, and significant life events that will aid me in understanding present concerns. I tend to avoid mechanical intakes and so this process can take up to a few sessions. After this first 60 minute intake, therapy sessions are 50 minutes and occur weekly (ideally at the same day/time) or biweekly pending what is clinically recommended.
What is your therapeutic style?
I consider myself to be an active, attune, deeply empathic, humble, and collaborative therapist. It’s important to me that clients feel I’m perceptive and care about how my words or actions makes them feel. I value creating a relationship where clients are comfortable expressing disagreement or negative impact around anything I say or do that doesn’t feel right. It’s more important to me I build a trusting relationship with clients where I take accountability and demonstrate humility for any missteps or inaccurate interpretations versus having the right interventions all the time. In my general life, I consider myself to be an intellectually and culturally curious person who devours literature, social science non-fiction books, independent films, podcasts, and academic articles (when I’m not exhausted…which is unfortunately often right now with two small kids at home). Many of my clients describe me great as asking exploratory questions, non-judgmental, committed, and are often surprised I can remember so accurately what was said in previous sessions. My services page has more information about what specific modalities of therapy inform my approach.
How do I know if you’re a good fit?
The term “good fit” refers to how connected, understood, and comfortable you feel with your therapist in addition to feeling like your therapist is helping you. Consistent research has shown that therapeutic fit is the most important factor in therapy’s success. Some clients can assess fit quickly while others need a few sessions to determine if the fit is right. I take therapeutic fit issues very seriously and want my clients to share feedback on the process (though this can take some time). If I end up not being a good fit, that is totally fine and I handle these disclosures professionally and can even help you find another provider who may be a better fit.
How should I prepare for sessions, if at all?
Once we determine some goals after the intake process, I recommend clients come to the session with some idea of what they want to process, whether it is something immediately on their mind or something from the past that isn’t as salient. It is also okay to come not having a specific thing to discuss as I can help guide the session.
Will the information I share be kept private?
Yes! I am mandated by my licensing board to keep HIPAA compliant notes that are protected from the public. I will not share any information about you without your consent to a third party who might request your records (such as a psychiatrist or primary care provider). Before scheduling an intake, I have clients sign my therapy contract that goes over instances where I need to break confidentiality in the rare case where you express an intent to harm yourself or others in any life threatening manner or in instances of child or elder abuse. If you are submitting claims to an insurance company, I am required to provide a diagnosis and any other necessary information in order for you to get reimbursement.
Contact me if you’d like to get started with a free 20 minute screening session!