What should I expect during my first session?

Your first therapy session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other. I will ask questions about your background, current concerns, and goals for therapy. This helps me understand what brings you to therapy and how I can best support you.

We’ll also discuss my approach to therapy, what you can expect from our work together, and any questions or concerns you may have. This session is collaborative, so you’re encouraged to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable sharing.

If you’re new to therapy, I’ll explain what the process might look like, including how we can tailor sessions to meet your unique needs. For example, we might incorporate art therapy techniques, explore emotions and attachment through Emotion-Focused Therapy, or work with your inner “parts” through Internal Family Systems Therapy.

By the end of your first session, my goal is for you to feel heard, supported, and clear about the next steps in your therapeutic journey.

Do you work with couples?

Yes, I work with couples/partnerships to help them build stronger, more connected relationships. My approach is rooted in Emotion-Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) and Attachment-Focused Therapy, which emphasize understanding and strengthening the emotional bond between partners.

In our sessions, we’ll work together to identify and address communication patterns, uncover underlying emotional needs, and foster deeper connection and trust. Whether you’re navigating conflict, rebuilding after a breach of trusts, or simply seeking to enhance your relationship, therapy can provide a supportive space to explore and grow together.

Every couple/partnership is unique, so I tailor my approach to meet your specific needs and goals. My goal is to help you to creats a more fulfilling and connected partnership.

How long does therapy usually take?

The length of therapy varies depending on your unique goals, challenges, and the pace at which you feel comfortable working. Some clients come to therapy with a specific concern that may be addressed in a shorter time frame, such as 8-12 sessions. Others may seek support for deeper, more complex issues, which can take months or even years.

For trauma-related concerns or couples therapy, the process usually unfolds over several stages, as we work through immediate concerns and build lasting change. Together, we’ll evaluate your progress regularly and adjust our work as needed to ensure therapy continues to meet your needs.

Ultimately, the duration of therapy is up to you. My goal is to provide a supportive and compassionate space where you can heal and grow at your own pace, whether that means short-term support or a longer therapeutic journey.

Is therapy confidential?

Yes, therapy is completely confidential. This means that anything you share in our sessions is private and will not be disclosed to anyone without your explicit consent.* Confidentiality is a cornerstone of the therapeutic relationship, and I am committed to providing a supportive and secure space for you to express yourself freely.

However, there are specific legal and ethical exceptions to confidentiality. I am required by law to break confidentiality in the following situations:

• Risk of harm to yourself or others: If you disclose or if I believe that you are at immediate risk of harming yourself or someone else, I must take steps to ensure everyone’s safety, which may involve notifying appropriate authorities or contacting emergency services.

• Suspected abuse or neglect of a child under the age of 18 or a dependent adult: If abuse or neglect of a child or dependent adult is disclosed or if I have reason to believe it is happening, I am legally obligated to report this to the appropriate authorities.

• Court orders: In rare cases, I may be required to disclose information if ordered by a court of law (either client records or testimony).

Additionally, when working with couples, I have a no-secrets policy. This means that information shared during individual consultations may be shared in couple sessions if it is relevant to the therapeutic process. This approach helps to maintain transparency and fosters trust between partners. If you have concerns about this policy, we can discuss it further before beginning therapy.

Before we begin, I will discuss confidentiality in more detail, so you understand your rights and the limits of privacy/confidentiality. If you ever have questions or concerns about confidentiality, please don’t hesitate to ask - I’m here to ensure you feel informed and supported throughout the therapeutic process.

What are your fees?

Please refer to the “Fees” section of the website for full details. Packages are available and offer a discount when 5 or 10 sessions are paid in advance. Sliding scale options are also available for those who qualify.

What are your cancellation and rescheduling policies?

I understand that life can be unpredictable, and there may be times when you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. If you need to make a change, I kindly ask for at least 48 hours’ notice. This allows me to offer the time to another client who may need it.

If you cancel with less than 24 hours’ notice or fail to attend your appointment, you will be charged the full session fee. This policy ensures that I can maintain availability for all clients and respect the value of scheduled time.

If you have any questions about this policy or need to reschedule, please don’t hesitate to contact me as soon as possible. I’m here to work with you to find a solution that meets your needs.