FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need therapy?

An understandable question, but a better one would be, how do I know if I could benefit from therapy? Don’t think of therapy as something only for people who are disturbed or in crisis. In my opinion, almost everyone can benefit from therapy. If you are looking at therapists’ websites, chances are that something is nagging at you, telling you that maybe therapy could help. And you’re probably right.

How do I know if you’re the right therapist for me?

An excellent and most important question. In order for therapy to be successful, you must be able to trust your therapist and feel comfortable with her. Trust will not necessarily come in the first session, depending on the issues you bring in with you, but if after 3 or 4 sessions you feel that I just don’t “get” you, or I’m not providing the kind of help you need, then I’m not the right therapist for you. Do not hesitate to address this in therapy. It’s important for you to have a therapist who can give you the help you need.

What should I expect from my first session?

Before your first session I will email you a form to complete, which you can either email back to me or, if we are meeting in person, bring with you to the session. The first session will be mostly information gathering, and a chance for us to get to know each other. I will ask you to tell me about your reasons for seeking therapy and what you hope to accomplish, and I will ask you about your background, your upbringing, family members, relationship history, etc. I will leave some time at the end of the session for you to ask questions.

How often will we meet, and how long are the sessions?

It’s almost always best to start with weekly meetings, if possible. This allows for continuity and momentum, and helps therapy get off to a strong start. If you are dealing with issues that are of short duration, we can very quickly transition to less frequent sessions. If you are seeking to resolve deeper issues, it’s usually best to continue with weekly sessions until you are feeling confident in your ability to “be your own therapist” between sessions. Sessions last between 45 and 55 minutes.

How long does therapy take?

This is by far the most common question I get. And the answer, as you might guess, is that it depends. People come into therapy because of some kind of pain or discomfort. In my experience, the pain or discomfort often resolves within two or three months. You could choose to end therapy then, but we often find the underlying issues that gave rise to the pain still need to be addressed. And you might find that ongoing therapy is so beneficial that you want to continue indefinitely, perhaps on a reduced schedule. The ultimate decision on how long you will be in therapy is yours, though it is important to discuss your thoughts on this with your therapist.

How much does therapy cost, and is it covered by insurance?

Yes, therapy is covered by insurance. If I am a participating provider with your insurance plan, I will bill your insurance directly and you will usually owe a copay of $10 to $40 per session, depending on your plan. If I am not a participating provider, you will pay me directly after each session and I will provide you with an insurance-ready statement to submit. Fees are $175 for a 50 minute session. I currently participate with CareFirst Blue Cross/Blue Shield.