FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I’VE NEVER HAD COUNSELING.  WHAT CAN I EXPECT?

During your initial appointment, a brief interview is conducted so that I can learn about you, including your concerns and expectations. From there, a treatment plan is developed based on your goals. This plan helps us remain focused on the issues you want to address and determine if goals have been met or need to change. For information about trauma-focused treatment, click here: 

WILL THE INFORMATION I SHARE WITH MY COUNSELOR BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL?

Absolutely. With the rare exception that your life or others' lives are in imminent danger, no personal information about you will be disclosed to anyone outside of your counseling session without your written consent. At times clients request collaboration with family members, physicians, other mental health professionals, etc.  

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*IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING PRIVACY AND SAFETY:

Privacy and safety are extremely important. In compliance with HIPAA laws, which are designed to protect your health information and ensure the quality of the treatment, virtual sessions must be attended while you are in a private space (others cannot be present in the room with you or in another open space, such as the kitchen, where discussions can be heard). This includes domestic partners and children. In addition, sessions cannot be attended while driving or parked in a heavily trafficked or populated area. I encourage you to communicate with me regarding barriers to attending sessions so that we can discuss possible solutions. 

HOW LONG/FREQUENT ARE THE SESSIONS AND WHAT IS THE TYPICAL DURATION OF TREATMENT?

Initial appointments range between 60 and 75 minutes, and regular sessions range between 45 and 60 minutes. Weekly and bi-weekly sessions are offered, and clients are encouraged to attend as frequently as needed. The duration of treatment is also based on your needs. Some clients feel that their goals have been met after 2 or 3 months, while others require more time.

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WHAT TELETHEARPY PLATFORM DO YOU USE?​

I use Simple Practice, a secure and HIPAA-compliant platform, for teletherapy sessions, record-keeping, and billing. To learn about Simple Practice, please visit https://www.simplepractice.com/.

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IS HOMEWORK ASSIGNED?

Homework is only incorporated into the treatment when we both feel it would be beneficial. Examples are journaling, taking walks, completing worksheets, utilizing an emotion-regulation technique, meditative practices, or approaching a situation in a new way. It is important to know that working on goals between sessions typically results in meeting them sooner.