What is counseling?

Counseling, also known as therapy or psychotherapy, provides a non-judgmental space to process and address emotional, psychological, and behavioral challenges with a licensed mental health professional. Counseling often includes exploring thoughts, emotions, and sensations about past and current experiences that have shaped the way we view ourselves, others, and the world. However, the counseling process evolves over time based on your goals and needs.

Counseling can be beneficial for anyone who is in need of support or facing challenging circumstances. Some people seek out counseling as a space to gain insight into past trauma or for help with various symptoms impacting their life. Others may utilize counseling for support in navigating and coping with life transitions, loss, stress, or relationship issues. Whatever your goals, counseling is unique for each person.

How do I find the right therapist for me?

Getting started with counseling can feel daunting for many people, and choosing the right therapist for you and your goals is an important first step. When choosing a therapist, consider your goals alongside the therapist’s credentials, specialities, and approach to counseling. It’s important that you feel safe to open up to your therapist.

Is therapy confidential?

Yes, therapy is confidential. Anything you discuss in counseling will remain confidential as defined by legal and ethical guidelines. In some circumstances, confidentiality may be extended to other professionals and resources to ensure your safety and the safety of others. The limitations of confidentiality is always reviewed during your first appointment and throughout the counseling process.

What can I expect during my first appointment?

The first appointment is an intake session, which includes a comprehensive assessment of your concerns. The therapist will ask questions about your concerns, goals, symptoms, and history to better understand how they can support you in counseling.

What is your professional experience and approach?

Since 2017, I’ve provided counseling services in a variety of settings with people across the lifespan. I use a humanistic approach to counseling that centers the client’s worldview, identities, and goals. I believe that each of us has an innate ability to heal ourselves when we are connected, safe, and in a community with others.

I utilize a variety of evidence-based approaches depending on the needs and goals of each individual, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction Psychotherapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). When working with couples, I draw primarily from the Gottman method.

No treatment approach works for everyone, and your therapist’s approach should always be adjusted to support you.

How long does therapy last?

Therapy sessions typically last between 50-60 minutes. The frequency of therapy sessions is dependent on your needs and goals. During your intake appointment, we will explore your goals to establish a treatment plan. Some individuals and couples elect to meet weekly and biweekly initially, while others benefit from less frequent sessions. There is no right or wrong level of frequency, but discussing your goals, the severity of your current concerns and needs, and your current capacity for counseling can help determine the optimal frequency for you.