Can therapy really help me?

Therapy is what you make of it and figuring out what works for you is all part of the process. Sometimes people just need someone to listen and understand without judgment. Others want feedback on how to cope with their challenges or how to improve their relationships. Some want to work through painful memories or address specific concerns. We will collaborate to specify your treatment goals and when you attain them we can consider if you are ready to focus on new therapy goals or are ready for discharge. Your goals and your perspective define progress. We will regularly review progress and problem solve if you are not seeing the results you want to see.

How often do we have to meet? How many sessions do I have to attend?

Most clients benefit from weekly sessions as they get started and taper down to bi-weekly and then monthly sessions as they feel more stable in their self-care between sessions. There is no commitment required, but I would encourage future clients to consider recovery/discharge planning with me instead of abruptly ending therapy. Most people elect to attend therapy for at least 2-3 months and increase or decrease therapy as needed.

What is your availability like? Do you offer in-person or virtual sessions?

My general availability is 9:00 am-3:00 pm Monday-Friday. I offer in-person sessions on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. I am available for virtual sessions on all other days. Virtual sessions allow us to connect confidentially by video or by phone if lack of childcare, lack of transportation, distance, or contagious illness are barriers.

What does couples therapy look like?

First, we’ll meet all together to begin to understand you as a couple. Then, the second and third session will be individual sessions with each of you to build further understanding of your individual needs and desires from the relationship. Based on these sessions, I will assess physical and emotional safety, communication, trust, mutual respect, and personal ownership for one’s actions that impact the health of the relationship. Finally, I will recommend a frequency of couples to individual sessions which could include weekly couples sessions, bi-weekly couples sessions with bi-weekly individual sessions, or weekly individual sessions for both partners before returning to a session as a couple once both parties are ready.

How does family therapy work?

We will meet to together and then individually to discuss strengths and needs of your family. We will develop initial therapy goals and agree on guidelines for emotional safety. Family therapy will involve reflection on efforts towards emotional safety, communication, and problem solving. We will also use activities to promote bonding and connection while strengthening communication, trust, respect, family values, and family roles.

Do I have to stop drinking or using substances to recover?

You might want to decrease your substance use instead of entirely stopping substances. You may be familiar with the abstinence-only approach and know that it’s not for you. I will work with you to clarify your goals with substance use and how to work towards them and reduce harm. You might have found that you aren’t able to cut down or avoid the consequences of substance use. Someone might have asked you to stop completely and you want to try-I can help with that too!