Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of clients do you see?
I work with individual adults from a broad array of backgrounds and cultures. My approach is non-sectarian, reflecting respect for people with all spiritual or lifestyle orientations. Often people come in crisis, such as relationship problems, anxiety or depression. Many people stay beyond crisis resolution to make major changes in their lives.
What happens in a session?
You will come to a safe, supportive, professional environment on ZOOM to work on personal and confidential issues. During that time you can talk about whatever is on your mind. You might focus on solving a problem or clarifying some area of concern. If you’ve remembered or recorded a dream, we might work with it as a way of increasing your understanding of your situation. The process will support and encourage a deeper look at the patterns that underlie immediate problems and behaviors you are trying to change.
During a typical session we may discuss expressive therapeutic interventions of special benefit for you. You will be invited to work in a journal throughout the week. You may choose to journal about your thoughts and feelings, draw and paint with art materials and record your dreams.
While daily journaling is encouraged, many clients prefer larger format paper or canvas for therapeutic art making. Clay sculpting is also an excellent way to experience a sense of physicality and grounding.
I ask clients to photograph their journals entries, dreams and art creations and then send the photos to my email prior to the next session. This gives me a chance to see the material and think about it before me meet.
How long will it take?
Therapy may be brief, long-term or somewhere in between. The length of time depends on a number of factors including the severity and nature of the problem you are experiencing and how long it has been an issue. The decision of how long to continue is always up to you. Many people do not require long term therapy in order to accomplish their goals. Other people discover new goals along the way and decide to continue. Still others take time off and return later. Analytic work is often a more long-term process, although this is highly individual.
Do you offer a sliding fee scale?I have a limited number of reduced fee spaces for those with difficult financial circumstances. I consider each case on an individual basis. In addition, I consider reduced fees for those interested in more in-depth work involving two or more sessions weekly. If you live in the United States or you are a U.S. citizen abroad you may choose the Open Path Psychotherapy Collective option.
What about Scribbles Art Therapy Cards?All my clients get a set of the Scribbles Art Therapy Cards - free of charge. I send them to your postal address promptly after you agree to begin therapy with me. These are engaging prompts and interventions to "break the ice" and begin the process of healing through creativity. At times I may suggest a specific card topic for your weekly creative intervention. Your creative response to the card would be discussed in the next session.
What about confidentiality?
Your work with me is confidential. However, there are certain situations involving abuse, neglect or the intent to harm oneself or others which I am legally obligated to disclose to the appropriate authorities.
What is your position on medication?
Some people seek therapy as an alternative to medication and are successful in doing so. Others find that the combination of medication and therapy works better for them. If appropriate, we can discuss this to help you make a wise decision. I do not prescribe medication.