Frequently asked questions
What are your specialties?
I specialize in working with neurodiverse individuals who are seeking to attain independence and overcome challenges that have them feeling trapped. Throughout my career I have worked with children, adolescents, their families and adults. People are hard to condense into 'specialties' generally speaking I work will with female identifying individuals who have experienced complex family relationships and are approaching therapy seeking to treat anxiety, depression and attachment focused challenges.
I have been in private practice for 2 years now, and find that the Clients I resonate best with are those who have felt like they never quite fit in, be it due to masking or other challenges that have kept them from living their life to the fullest. My approach is to focus on addressing problems, finding pockets of joy and utilizing interests (such as art, stories, hobbies) as a means of supporting improved mental health.
I have experience working with a variety of mental health issues including anxiety, depression, PTSD, attachment and adjustment. I believe in forming a partnership with my clients and approaching the therapeutic journey together. Clients take an active role in developing treatment goals so that I can ensure that their voice is heard all through treatment. I believe all individuals have the ability to grow, change and live happy and fulfilling lives.
MY TREATMENT FOCUS INCLUDES:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Single incident and Complex
- Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Attachment Difficulties
- Adjustment Disorder
- Phase of Life Challenges
- Grief and Loss
- Impulsivity
- Transitions to Independence
- Stress
- Coping Skills
Is Therapy Right for Me?
Chances are, if you've come to this site and read to this point - therapy is right for you. (Unless you're one of the many automated bots that send me offers to fix up my site to look better in google searches. )
I am a firm believer that Therapy is right for everyone. Therapy is a place to explore your thoughts, feelings and worry without fear of judgement or shame. In a world where we are flooded with constant information, distraction and comparision we don't leave a lot of room for self-reflection, I am to help with that.
There are many different reasons people chose to start therapy, I feel that at the core of every decision the Client has to have a desire to change. It is my job to help the Client figure out what is standing in the way of their happiness.
People chose to come to therapy for a number of reasons. For some individuals it is to address long-standing mental health struggles such as depression, anxiety, Bi-polar disorder and PTSD. Other individuals seek out therapy during times of transition or stress such as divorce, loss of a loved one, graduating school, bullying or trauma. Therapy is right for anyone who has a desire to learn more about themselves, seeking to alleviate stress and find ways to improve their lives.
What does a session look like?
Each session looks a little different depending on the individual. Sessions are held via an secure HIPPA compliant platform, at present I am using Zoom with a BAA. You will receive a link prior to your scheduled session, I recommend pre-downloading the zoom app to circumvent connection issues. I recommend having a charger near-by as the app does consume a good amount of your phone's energy.
Session structure can vary based on the individual, a typical session includes a review of the week, discussion of stressors, and interventions based on the treatment plan goals. For younger clients I utilize online games to boost engagement such as Roblox, Scribble.io, and Buddyboard games.
As an art therapist I am continually exploring strategies to provide art based interventions in sessions. If a Client presents with a desire to create in session I prompt them to have supplies easily accessible and then facilitate a guided intervention through the telehealth platform.
When is Therapy Over?
Healing is not
linear, and mental wellness is not a gym exercise to be optimized with repetitions. This makes it hard to set a date for when therapy is 'over' as it is unique to each individual. I believe that therapy is a personal progress where Client's can gain tools to better manage the challenges present in their lives so that when stressors arise they are able to conquer them rather than be debilitated by them. In my work with clients as we start to reach a point of 'mastery' in coping we begin reducing the number of sessions (biweekly/monthly etc). This is done through a process of check-ins and coaching sessions to prepare for discharge. Of course, after therapy is completed there is always the option to come back, should additional stress arise.
How Much Does Therapy Cost?
I accept Cigna, Aetna, Optum, BCBS and Tuffs insurance. If I am not able to take your insurance I do offer private pay as an option, my rates are as follows:
I bill $200 for an intake session and $130 for a 50 minute session going forward. I do offer a free 15 minute consultation call prior to making an intake appointment.
I accept cash, checks, and all major credit cards, I provide you with a statement at the end of each month that you can submit to your insurance company.
What days and hours can I schedule appointments?
At this time I am offering appointments from Monday through Thursday daytime and evening. I strive to accommodate all schedules, when reaching out please indicate your availability.
Do you offer in person sessions?
I do not offer in person sessions at this time as I am working from a home office.
What if I don't feel like this is a good fit?
This is an understandable concern when starting counseling. I offer a free 15 minute consultation session before we begin so that you are able to ask questions and get a feel for what working with me will be like.
If as time progresses and it doesn't feel like a good fit, I welcome these conversations for feedback and will happily provide a list of referrals for alternatives places to seek counseling services.
