FAQ

How can therapy help me? Do I really need therapy?

You don’t have to feel numb or paralyzed by fear, or cry in bed day after day to merit therapy. In fact, I’d rather you not suffer alone so long that you reach these points. Although I can certainly help you if you’re there, I can also help if you’re anywhere on the route. Remember: Feelings of unhappiness, anxiety, dissatisfaction, or frustration mean you’re human. But if those feelings wear you down or prevent you from living your ideal life, you’re right to seek support. Whether you need to unload a little, work through an issue for a few months, or embark on a longer-term commitment, going to a therapist can be a worthwhile growing and stabilizing experience. You let me know your expectations and goals; we’ll create a plan together.

What should I expect from my first therapy session?

The short answer: Listening — lots of listening. The longer answer: The focus of your first visit is for you and I to get to know one another and map out our next steps. When you arrive, you’ll fill out some brief paperwork, then we’ll start talking. I’ll guide you with questions like: What brought you to therapy? What do you feel is wrong in your life? How would you describe the way you feel? Although I don’t push you to delve deep into your past, to get a full perspective, we’ll talk about your personal history — your childhood, education, etc. — and your past and current relationships with family, friends, and significant others, as well as your current living situation and career. Most importantly, we’ll talk about what you hope to accomplish through therapy.

Is therapy confidential?

Your privacy is essential to our progress. For you to openly share with me, you need to have faith in my discretion. I understand that in a small town like Traverse City, that might seem impossible, but rest assured, I am always committed to keeping you — and your information — unknown to anyone else. Confidentiality is critical to both my code of ethics and my legal obligations as a practicing psychologist. In fact, the only situations in which I would disclose any information about you without your consent are when I am required by law:

• to report issues related to past or present child abuse and neglect or situations where an elder or disabled person is being abused or neglected.
• to warn authorities if a client poses a danger to themselves or to other individuals.

Here is information about HIPAA and my Notice of Privacy Practices.

How long are sessions?

Your first session is 60 minutes; follow-up sessions are 50 minutes each.

Do you take insurance?

Yes, I work closely with you to tailor a strategy for mental wellness counseling that suits your needs and means. Please see the payment page for more information.

Where are you located?

You can find my office at 810 Cottageview Dr., Suite 101 in Traverse City, MI., 49684