FAQs
What can I expect in my first session?
Initially, we meet for a 90-minute session to explore your story and talk about what you want out of therapy. I will ask you a lot of questions to get to know you better. I also offer you the chance to ask me any questions that you have of me or the process. This session is devoted to establishing a working relationship and getting to know one another.
Is what I tell you really confidential?
It is absolutely confidential. Confidentiality is one of the highest ethics of counseling. It is the bedrock of what we do as counselors. If you have special concerns with this, please let me know. I want you to feel that this is a safe place to be honest and real. (In addition: as a licensed professional in the state of North Carolina, I cannot disclose any information about a client without a written consent. The exceptions to this are limited to child, dependent adult, or elder abuse or if you are threatening to hurt another person or yourself.)
How often will we meet?
In order for you to get the best results from therapy, I recommend starting with weekly or every-other-week therapy. In my experience, this pattern provides the right frequency to optimize sessions that build, without allowing loss of focus, or sense of connection to your goals. It also allows us to stay in closer contact, decreasing the amount of time that we need to “play catch-up” at the beginning of each session, and instead, using our time for deeper exploration. After an initial phase, we reassess and chart the course from there.
I can’t give you exact timelines in therapy work, however, I know that the more time you spend working on yourself, generally the quicker you find the results that you want. Sometimes you may want to do two sessions in a week, or want to lengthen your weekly session to 90 minutes, which many of my clients end up doing when they realize how beneficial it is to have a longer block of time.
How long will this process take?
My best guess is anywhere from six months to a few years. I think of therapy like I do a good workout: to get the results, do the work. I personally always want therapy in my life to encourage my own growth and well-being. Having said that, I wholeheartedly acknowledge and understand that this is not doable or desirable for everyone. Therapy is a lasting gift that you give yourself. Ultimately, you alone get to call it when you feel like you have gotten what you came for.
What type of clients do you see?
I work with adult individuals who are ready to explore their depths with bravery, candor, and curiosity. I enjoy working with adults of all ages. I especially enjoy helping clients with relationship stress, perfectionism, shame, anxiety, parenting issues, and codependency.
I adore children and had six of my own. I absolutely want to hear about the kids and teens in your life, but I do not work therapeutically with children or minors. I do, however, know trusted professionals who work with them can suggest potential referrals.
Running/walking therapy sounds interesting. How does this fit in?
Our initial therapy session will be in the office. Subsequent sessions can be either in the office or on a local trail. It is your choice to incorporate running/walking therapy into your counseling. To be clear, this type of therapy is not athletic training.
Walking/running therapy is about forward movement, both physically and metaphorically. We use walking/running to guide the talking because not only does movement inspire introspection but motion also evokes emotion.
Running or walking sessions are held at a conversational pace, one in which you are able to talk comfortably. Often slowing down our pace, resting, and noticing physical sensations are part of the experience that we process.
So, what is the bottom line- how much is this going to cost?
I won’t be dodgy about money. My fee is $180 per hour. Therapy is possibly one of the most far-reaching investments that you make in yourself and your relationships. It will definitely cost you time, emotional energy, and probably some faith to trust the process, as well. I believe the benefits overwhelmingly outweigh the costs.
Does my insurance cover my therapy sessions?
Where are you located?
I am located in the Charlotte, NC area- specifically, Matthews.