What can I expect during my first appointment?
During our initial sessions, we will discuss your strengths, concerns, and history, all of which will inform our therapy goals.
Once actively engaged in the therapeutic process, many clients report gradual improvement over 6 to 8 sessions. Sessions are typically scheduled weekly, although the frequency of sessions can be modified based on your specific needs. Session length is usually up to 55 minutes.
Clinical care can be provided in-person (Maine only) or via secure video sessions (Maine and New York). In addition, I now hold the Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) credential from the PSYPACT Commission, allowing me to provide out of network care in participating states. All video sessions are HIPPA-compliant. If you have any questions about telehealth services in Maine, New York, or APIT eligible states, please contact me to help you decide which service is a best match for your needs.
However we choose to meet, you can always expect:
- Evidenced based techniques and information that you can use to enact positive changes in your life.
- To be treated with compassion, empathy, respect, and understanding.
- Someone who is available to listen, see, and hear you.
- A safe and supportive space.
Is therapy confidential?
As a general rule, all therapy sessions are confidential. Anything we discuss during our sessions will remain between us unless you request otherwise in writing. Additional exceptions that allow me to disclose information include:
- Suspicion of abuse to a child, dependent adult, or an elder, including cases of domestic abuse. All of these circumstances require me to notify law authorities immediately.
- Suspicion an individual has caused, or is threatening to cause severe bodily harm to another person. These circumstances also require me to notify law authorities immediately.
- A client intends to dangerously self-harm, expressing, for example, plans for suicide. While I will attempt to work through these circumstances during therapy sessions, if such situations remains unresolved, or a client is unable to cooperate, additional actions and disclosures may be needed to ensure client safety.
How does therapy help?
Your concerns are opportunities for growth, rather than hopeless problems. During our sessions, you will develop and practice more effective coping skills that will help you to better manage your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Treatment goals can address a number of areas including:
- Feeling emotions without becoming overwhelmed
- Managing stress
- Reducing avoidant behavior
- Understanding perfectionism and burnout
- Setting appropriate boundaries
- Improving decision making skills
- Identifying unhelpful relationship patterns
- Healing after an emotional injury
- Developing more effective communication skills
- Shaping personal values and identity
- Cultivating genuine self awareness and a true sense of purpose
- Boosting confidence
- Increasing cognitive flexibility
- Developing organization, planning, and time management skills
- Engaging in self-care
