Frequently Asked Questions

Is therapy right for me?

Seeking out therapy is an individual choice. There are many reasons why people come to therapy. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing psychological issues, or problems with anxiety or depression. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one’s life such as a divorce or work transition. Many seek the support of counsel as they pursue their own personal exploration and growth. Working with a therapist can help provide insight, support and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Therapy can help address many types of issues including depression, anxiety, conflict, grief, stress management, body –image issues, and general life transitions. Therapy is right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards change in their lives.

Do I really need therapy?

Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you’ve face, there’s nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you’re at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides ling-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.

How do I choose a therapist for myself or my child?

Therapy has to be a collaborative process if you want to obtain the goals you set. I believe that together we discuss the goals and the desired outcome of therapy. Then we work together as a team to meet those specific goals. One of the most critical components to “successful” therapy is based on the trust and relationship built between the client and therapist. If you do not feel comfortable with your therapist, it could affect how open you are and how much you would share about your life situation which brought you to therapy. Remember that trust takes time, so you have initial sessions to go with your gut feeling and think, “Can I see me developing a relationship with this person?”

An initial phone conversation or consultation can be a good way for you to get some initial questions answered.

Please call me if you have a few questions before making a decision.

How many sessions will I/we need to solve my problem?

Each person/family is unique; therefore, there is not average number of sessions. Treatment will continue until you and your therapist decide you have achieved your goals. Some clients come in for just a few session (3 or4) while others work more long-term in therapy. My goal is to help you gain the skills to successfully maneuver the challenges that life brings. I, your therapist, will draw on skills you already have, strengthen them and give you new tools to help address and heal the issue/ problem. It is my job as a therapist to help you be self-sufficient.

How can therapy help me?

A number of benefits are available from participating in psychotherapy. Therapist can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues, creative blocks, and spiritual searching. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapist can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:

  • Attaining a better understanding of yourself, you goals and values
  • Developing skills for improving your relationships
  • Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
  • Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
  • Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
  • Improving communications and listening skills
  • Changing old behaviors and thought patterns and developing new ones
  • Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
  • Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

What is therapy like?

Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific goals. It is standard for therapists to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts around fifty minutes. There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book, listening to a hypnosis cd or keeping records to track certain behaviors. It is important to process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life between sessions. For therapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions. People seeking psychotherapy are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work toward self-change and create greater awareness in their lives. Here are some of the things you can expect out of therapy:

  • Compassion, respect and understanding
  • Perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and negative feelings
  • Real strategies for enacting positive change
  • Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance

What is your cancellation policy?

There is a 24 hour cancellation Policy. Please extend the courtesy of calling if you are running late to a session or will not be coming. This notification of canceling an appointment enables me to call other clients that may want to come in for a session in a timely manner. If you miss your appointment without the 24 hour notification, you will be charged a full fee for the missed session.

 

Emergency Services

I do not provide emergency services and am not a part of a clinic that provides psychiatric or emergency follow-up to my psychotherapy practice.
If you should experience a need for emergency services the following are available:

  • Sheppard Pratt Crisis Walk-In Clinic: 410-938-5302
    This Clinic is located in the Admissions suite of the Weinberg Bldg. on the S-P campus located at 6501 N. Charles St. in Baltimore, MD
  • John’s Hopkins has a Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Inpatient Unit
  • Mount Washington Pediatric Hospital Pediatric Psychiatry works with children thru adolescents and has a continuum of care

Mobile Response Teams will respond to crisis situations in homes and provide assessment and transportation of individual if necessary to obtain mental health services:

  • Grassroots Crisis Intervention center: 24-Hour Crisis Hotline 410.531.6677 Address: 6700 Freetown Road | Columbia MD, 21044