How to Begin
You may initially call or send me an email, giving me a sense of what’s bringing you to therapy. I understand that in the initial contact, individuals are often trying to determine if I am the right therapist for them, and thus suggest a phone conversation to help begin this process. Feel free to inquire about my services, availability, experience, fees and even whether psychotherapy is appropriate for you, your child, or for you and your partner. I am more than happy to answer these questions, as well as questions about psychotherapy, or other services and/or practitioners that may be better suited to your needs. I enjoy what I do, as well as the field of psychotherapy and, quite honestly, love to talk shop.
During our initial conversation I will want to hear why you are seeking psychotherapy at this time, and what you hope to get out of this experience. In doing this, it is my hope we will gather enough of a sense of each other to decide whether an initial session is appropriate. In this first session it will be important for me to fully understand the nature of your visit, the circumstances surrounding it—including your existing strengths, interests, and your current coping strategies. I will also want to know a bit about your background, prior experience in therapy, and whether the experience was useful or not. We will discuss the ways in which we can work toward improving your circumstances and grow as a result. All the while we will be continuing to see if we are a good match working together.
How I work
While the relationship between therapist and patient is a professional relationship, meant to protect and serve both of us to the ends of improving your life and circumstances, the therapeutic relationship is a unique one and may serve as an experiential lab for other significant relationships. Every course of therapy is unique, based on the synergy of patient, therapist, and the dynamics and scope of the relationship they co-create. In this respect, every therapy is a creative and collaborative co-creation. As we may be looking at how your family and early relational experiences may have shaped your current relational style, I encourage you to consider and clarify the meaning, or implications, our relationship may have throughout our work together. Ultimately this may help you in your interactions and intimacy with others.
What to Expect
The length of therapy is determined collaboratively, yet with you leading the decision making process. I will track the course of therapy to the best of my abilities, and will offer my input as to where I see it, yet maintaining a collaborative manner. I respect that you are the greater expert on you. Some therapies last a matter of weeks, some months, some years, and some even go indeterminately—not due to dependency, lack of direction, or entrapment by the therapist, but because being in therapy, having that place and that relationship with which to examine and process one’s life feels meaningful and of value to the individual. If though, for instance, we disagree at anytime—whether on the length, or at any other junctures, I will suggest we talk about it and perhaps agree to disagree. But ultimately, I will respect that you are the greater expert on you and honor and respect your choices.
If at any time you decide to end or take a break from our therapy I request that we discuss this first so that each of us has a clear understanding of this decision. I am respectful of individual’s choices, but given the nature of our work, and relationship, this type of discussion would be of benefit to patient as well as therapist. If I do not hear from you longer than a week without prior discussion I will try to contact you. If I am not successful after 2-3 tries, I will consider you’ve decided to end our therapy and hope to hear from you in the future. If it seems appropriate I may try and contact you through a letter, or, at least, email.
Office Policies and Fees
Appointments are typically weekly, and 50 minutes long, unless otherwise agreed upon. For longer sessions I charge a pro-rated fee based upon our agreed upon session fee. My current fee range is: $120.00-$140.00, based upon experience and overhead. I understand that due to finances and circumstances one may only be able to meet every other week. While I am open to this, I generally like to initially meet weekly until we have reasonably established a sense of our work together. If we do not have a regular time, or if we need to re-schedule an appointment, I schedule individuals on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Sliding scale fees are available depending on income or current circumstances, but would need to be discussed before determining. My sliding-scale time-slots are limited, and I may have to ask you to take a less popular time slot, such as morning or mid-day.
I require 48 hour notice for a cancellation of any appointment or scheduling changes. This means the full fee will be charged for sessions missed without prior 24-hour notification. Rescheduling appointments also requires 24 hour notice, however in emergencies or unforeseeable circumstances I will try and provide you with another time slot if it is possible.
If you are running more than five minutes for an appointment please call or text, and let me know, and whether you will be keeping our appointment. I generally wait ten minutes before calling and/or twenty minutes before considering the session missed, and may at that time leave the office. From time to time I may run a few moments late, but usually make it up on the other end of the hour.
Fees can be paid at each session, monthly, or in advance, depending on convenience and practicality. I can provide you with a billing statement if needed. I accept checks or cash. I am currently applying to be on select insurance panels, but in the meantime I can provide a monthly statement for you to present to your insurance carrier for reimbursement, which has worked for other patients in the past.
I check voicemail two times daily and more often when I am in the office. In general I try to keep phone communication to scheduling and/or brief questions and concerns. However, from time to time check-ins, or “touching base” may be necessary—and, is appropriate. Although if this becomes frequent, or it appears necessary for us to talk more often, I will suggest an additional session during the week, or some type of similar arrangement.
It may be necessary for me to consult with other professionals you may be seeing, such as psychiatrists, medical doctors and/or other psychotherapists , such as a couples therapist, to gain a greater appreciation or insight into our work. Before doing so, I would discuss the matter with you and have you sign a waiver for me to speak with these other professionals. If this consultation takes longer than 20 minutes, I may charge you a pro-rated portion of my fee for my time.
When I am out of town for a short time, I check my voice mail daily, and do return calls. If I am gone any longer than five days, I will provide an on-call professional whom I know and respect and whose skills as a therapist I fully trust.
In cases of non-threatening emergency, or crisis you may feel free to contact me. If, for some reasons I am not able to speak I will call you back at my soonest availability. If you are suicidal, I will take whatever steps are necessary towards ensuring your safety, including suggesting hospitalization, contacting the police or family and friends, or going to you directly if it is possible.
All information you discuss with me is confidential and may not be revealed to anyone without your prior written permission, except where disclosure is required. I am mandated by law to disclose information in the following circumstances: 1) where there is reasonable suspicion of child or elder abuse, 2) where there is reasonable suspicion of that a client presents a danger and/or violence to others, 3) where a client is likely to harm him or herself unless protective measures are taken. Disclosure may also be required pursuant to a legal proceeding