Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of clients do you see?

I provide therapy for adult individuals and couples who struggle with relational challenges.


Can we come to couples therapy if we aren't married?

Absolutely! Couples therapy is for those who are involved in a committed, intimate relationships.


We’ve been to couples therapy before and it hasn’t worked. How is your work different?

Couples therapy is not the same as individual therapy, therefore it requires additional specialized training outside graduate school. Ongoing continuing education in this area is important. Most graduate programs train therapists in an individual treatment modality, not a dyadic or systems focused approach. Many couples unknowingly end up working with a clinician who is trained in the individual treatment approach, with little training in the unique challenges of couples work. Many therapies focus on the content of each issue and attempt to change behavior by telling them to do things differently. The focus of the work I do is on the process of interaction of each member of the couple, and the underlying emotions that drives that interaction. I believe as you learn to identify and feel more able to talk about what it’s like for you, the more likely you will be to slow down the process so that the negative cycle can be averted.


What kind of results do you typically see from the sessions?

As with all therapy, the results are determined by your motivation. You get out of it what you put into it. Some of the results I've seen from therapy are:

  • Couples are better able to address conflict

  • Couples rediscover the connection in their relationship

  • Couples feel their relationship growing stronger. This results in feeling re-energized, re-engaged, and reconnected to each other

  • There is a new focus on the “bond” of the relationship

  • Couples are reshaping the old “negative pattern” that is not working for them, while discovering the root of the issues


How will I know if you are the right therapist for me?

Excellent question! The quality of the relationship you build with a therapist is one of the greatest predictors of success in therapy. The best way to get a sense of our fit is to take a look at my website and get a sense of my approach. I tailor therapy to meet your specific needs. You can email me to ask specific questions in order to assist you in determining if I am a good fit for you and your counseling needs. You can briefly explain your reasons for seeking counseling and identify your goals for therapy. If you wish to proceed, I will help you set up an initial appointment. No therapy takes place via email consultation. This is simply a chance for you and I to get acquainted with one another. If you wish to speak with me, a 10 minute phone consult can be scheduled via email. No therapy takes place via phone consultation.

It is important that you feel comfortable working with me, if for whatever reason you, or I, decide I am not the right therapist for you, I am happy to refer you to another counseling professional. 


How often will I have a counseling appointment?

The frequency and length of sessions is based on the needs and preferences of the individual or couple. The course therapy takes depends on each client's individual situation and needs. I begin counseling with you by conducting a thorough assessment, including assessing your goals and your desired outcome for therapy. I work with you to design a treatment plan aimed at helping you achieve your personal goals. Every client is different, and I tailor therapy to meet your specific needs. My usual suggestion is to attend therapy weekly or every other week until you are steadily making progress in achieving your goals. At this point some clients opt to attend counseling once a month. Once your counseling process has come to an end, you will have the option of periodically checking in or reconnecting with me as the need arises.