The best way to find out if you should work with me is for us to have an initial free 20-minutes consult call. You can schedule now or contact me to set up a time.

Research shows that the best indicator of whether therapy will be successful is the client’s fit with the therapist.

While therapists may have extra degrees, specialized credentials or years of experience, the most important consideration is how you feel when you engage with a provider. It is important that your therapist is attuned to you and that you feel heard.

If you have any questions or concerns during therapy, you want to work with someone who is collaborative and approachable and will listen to you.

If you don’t feel this after a session or two, this is a good indicator that you should find a therapist who is a better fit for you.

There are many reasons that people decide to seek therapy.

Often clients come in because they want to change problems in their lives that have become repetitive or overwhelming.

A therapy relationship provides a safe and private space for you to share whatever you may not be comfortable sharing with others. It is a space dedicated to your healing.

You are not there to take care of the therapist’s needs as you unburden yourself, as you might with a friend or family member. The therapist is there specifically to support you with your growth. They should have done their own work and be able to keep “their stuff” out of the room.

Yes, I do provide therapy for issues that may not be directly related to childhood trauma.

At the same time, it has been my experience over the past several years, that I work best with people who are interested in deep, foundational change and want to understand their inner world.

This work typically requires that clients understand the origin of these problematic patterns which often have developed over their lifespan.

Events that happen to us in childhood can often have long-lasting influences on our lives, so it is important to consider if this an underlying issue as part of the therapeutic work.

To learn more, please see how I work.

Frequency

I typically will set a specific time with you every week for your sessions. This guarantees you will always have an appointment and creates continuity.

Working weekly is an optimal frequency for most clients, and what I typically recommend when we are first getting to know each other.

This presents the best opportunity to make consistent progress towards your goals and to alleviate any immediate distress you may be experiencing.

Sometimes clients may need more or less frequent appointments depending upon clinical and practical factors.

I am always happy to discuss what works best for you so you can make meaningful progress and get the support you need.

Session length

Individuals and couples sessions are typically 50-55 minutes. If more time is needed, either 75 minutes, or 90 minutes, I am happy to schedule longer sessions, and I will prorate my fee accordingly.

How long you may be in therapy is dependent upon many factors including practical and logistical issues, your level of distress and what concerns have brought you in seeking support.

Because it has taken time for these patterns to have evolved, it takes time to unlearn them and to build new methods of relating to yourself, your relationships and the world.

I have seen therapeutic work create profound transformations in people’s lives and help to reduce the need to return to therapy in the future.

While rewarding, deep and lasting change takes time, often at least a year, a few years or more, depending upon the individual, their history and their needs.

With that said, there are a few things to consider about a potential timeline for treatment.

• How often we meet (see above).

• How much time you spend in-between sessions reflecting and participating in working toward your goals.

The more effort you apply in-between sessions the faster you are likely to build insight, coping tools, and learn to regulate your own emotional distress and promote healing.

Together we can explore how you can progress during the week, including whether you could take up a creative practice, journal, or engage with relevant material including books or podcast or other inner work.

Creating a practice of becoming curious about your inner world and your patterns can be very rewarding and can create life-long benefits.

Working to heal life-long patterns or wounds from childhood is deeply challenging and can also be deeply rewarding.

There are many markers along the way that you can review to see if you are healing and feeling better.

You can always discuss with me any questions or concerns you have about your progress.

You can find more about these markers of psychological health here.

Initially, therapy may consist of you describing what is bringing you in, details of your life and events and how they are affecting you.

I will typically spend some time collecting information on your history and getting to know what your current and past challenges are and how you are coping.

We will discuss areas that seem significant to explore and, if needed, collaborate on strategies for you to manage and make progress during the week.

After a few sessions I will often let you direct the session towards what is particularly relevant or emotionally charged for you.

This typically enables you to make progress at a manageable pace.

I don’t carry an agenda as to where sessions should go, however as you share your experience, I always keep in mind how the material you are sharing contributes to your greater path towards healing.