Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but I don't offer a brief 15-min phone consultation because it is not sufficient at all to truly understand your needs and determine if we are a good fit. You may find detailed information about logistics and how I work on this page and here.

My approach is to dedicate the first session to assessing our compatibility. If we determine that we are not the right fit and choose not to schedule a second session, the first session will be at no cost, serving as a free initial consultation. Otherwise, the first session will be billed. 

My approach is supportive, non-judgmental, and empathic, tailored to meet your unique needs. Read more about my approach here.

If you're currently living in Massachusetts, I accept private pay or BCBS insurance. Otherwise, I only accept private pay. I'm happy to provide paperwork for out-of-network reimbursement if you're eligible. 

If you plan to use your insurance, please call the BCBS insurance customer service line directly to verify and confirm that 1) your BCBS insurance plan is your primary insurance, and 2) it covers psychotherapy services. This step is important to ensure your sessions will be covered and to avoid surprise bills in the future.

Yes. I exclusively provide telehealth services through Zoom to ensure accessibility, flexibility, and consistency for all clients. I currently have no intentions of returning to in-person sessions because telehealth allows me to offer drop-in, additional, or urgent sessions, which saves clients the time they would otherwise spend on commuting.

I do expect clients to be open to participating in weekly sessions. Therapy can benefit everyone, and people seek therapy for a variety of reasons. Some may find it helpful as a safe space to express themselves or simply to organize their thoughts and emotions on a regular basis. Others may want to explore their emotional or relational issues in-depth, seeking understanding and meaningful change. There are also those who seek solutions for complex relationship challenges, or they may be focused on processing and healing from childhood trauma. Some individuals may be addressing specific mental health concerns, while others are simply curious about what therapy can offer. Regardless of your reason for seeking therapy, you are all welcome here!

Yes. While I specialize in long-term psychotherapy, I understand that some clients may benefit from or prefer shorter therapy. Whether you're going through a specific life event or just need a few sessions to navigate a particular challenge, I'm here to support you.

Consistency is required for my approach to therapy, which is psychodynamic therapy, also known as psychoanalytic therapy or psychoanalysis. Non-weekly sessions, such as every other week, once a month, or as needed, are possible. However, there is no guarantee of consistent openings for appointments, as I reserve appointment spots primarily for weekly sessions. This means if you prefer non-weekly sessions, your appointment time will differ each time, and availability cannot be guaranteed.

Each session is a one-hour appointment, intentionally ending early to provide a comfortable transition back to your day. You have the flexibility to use your appointment time according to your needs. Please note that I only offer one-hour sessions, and the fee remains $200 per session, regardless of whether you arrive late or leave early. A typical one-hour appointment ends at 53 minutes.

I do not accept payments through HSA/FSA or credit cards. My preferred payment methods are exclusively Zelle, but if you do not have access to Zelle, we can also use PayPal as an alternative. You can use the monthly bills I provide for HSA/FSA reimbursement, and I recommend confirming the reimbursement process with your HSA/FSA provider for further details.

In my practice, cancelling your appointment up to 24 hours in advance is free. However, please note that a flat fee of $100 will be charged for same-day cancellations or no-shows. This fee compensates for half of the financial loss incurred since same-day cancellations do not allow me to offer the slot to others. 

Yes. Let's unpack that.

If you have any additional questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. You can contact me via this Contact Form, and I'll be more than happy to address any inquiries or concerns you may have. 

Each session is a one-hour appointment. We will end our meetings earlier than the full hour to give you some needed time to transition to your daily activities. 

Yes, if you need it. If you specifically seek advice from me, I am more than willing to offer my insights and perspectives. Together, we can explore various options to help you determine what feels appropriate and how to best address the issue for which you're seeking guidance. My primary focus is on creating a safe and non-judgmental space where you can vent, unburden yourself, connect with your thoughts and feelings, and seek support and guidance to confront difficult emotions and overcome challenges. I will never shut you down by unilaterally offering advice or imposing my opinions and suggestions upon you.

The structure of each session is entirely flexible and depends on your individual needs. By default, sessions are open spaces for dialogue where you can discuss whatever is on your mind, and I can provide guidance or support as needed. However, some individuals may prefer a more structured approach, such as starting with a 5-minute check-in, setting an agenda for the session, and concluding with a 5-minute mindfulness exercise. Therapy is a safe and personalized space, and we will work together to determine the approach that best suits you.

Anything you feel like talking. 

In our sessions, you are encouraged to talk about anything you feel like discussing, or to speak freely about whatever comes to mind—whether it's your current emotions, thoughts, memories, associations, concerns, or questions. The only expectation is that you feel safe and comfortable in my presence. If for any reason you don't feel safe or comfortable, please let me know, so we can address it together. You're also invited to take the lead in directing the conversation based on what you find most pressing or beneficial. 

I primarily practice psychodynamic therapy, also known as psychoanalytic therapy or psychoanalysis. If this is not your first time in therapy, psychodynamic therapy might be an optimal option as it delves deeper. Psychodynamic therapy offers a unique and in-depth approach to mental health care, distinguishing it from other therapeutic methods. At its core, this form of therapy delves deep into the unconscious mind, unearthing the root causes of current behaviors, thoughts, and emotions, rather than merely addressing surface symptoms.

Unlike more directive therapies, psychoanalysis empowers individuals to discover and understand their own internal motivations and conflicts, leading to a more authentic and self-aware life. It is particularly effective for those seeking not just temporary solutions but a transformative journey towards understanding the complexities of their psyche. This introspective journey can provide not only relief from immediate distress but also a foundation for enduring mental health, self-awareness, and richer, more fulfilling relationships.

For clients interested in learning more about coping skills and strategies grounded in the essence of CBT, DBT, and ACT, I have summarized easy-to-understand and implementable coping skills on this page for your learning and practice. I welcome any questions you may have encountered during your practice.

It depends on your needs. If you need to be challenged or pushed, I will provide more encouragement. By default, I help clients gain new insights, find clarity, and discover direction. If a client asks for my feedback, thoughts, or opinions, I do not hesitate to share them, always doing so in a way that is respectful and open to feedback.

Also, it depends on what you mean by 'challenge.' I collaborate with clients by addressing their immediate needs and supporting their journey toward progress and growth. I refrain from imposing my beliefs or assumptions onto them. I would never say something like, 'You are actually this, even though you say that, due to certain theories or treatment plans, so you must do this or that, or you will face this or that.' Such an approach would be intrusive and invasive, akin to a form of psychological violence.

Instead, when I work with clients, I gently encourage them to engage in open dialogue. Respecting their pace and preferences, I might say, 'I wonder if part of you feels like this or that. Correct me if I'm wrong or if I've missed something. Would you like to talk about it, or perhaps it's too much to discuss right now?' I engage in a thoughtful exchange of ideas, inviting clients to correct me if I misunderstand them or overlook something crucial. It's important in therapy sessions that the therapist takes an active role to protect the client from being emotionally overloaded or fragmented. It's the therapist job to be attuned to and optimally respond to the clienbt's needs in therapy sessions. This collaborative process fosters an atmosphere of mutual respect, connection, and understanding as we work together to make sense of experiences and process feelings.

If you find yourself feeling better and not grappling with challenging emotions, that's great, and we can focus on that positive shift. We can discuss your newfound emotional well-being, your experiences with effectively managing emotions independently, and your thoughts on the positive changes and progress you have made. The space we share is open for you to talk freely about a range of topics, whether they are life events, relationships, hopes, goals, achievements, or ideas you're excited about.

If you find yourself in this situation, know that it's totally okay, and simply let me know and we'll navigate it together. Moments of silence or pauses during therapy sessions are both normal and common. While silence may initially feel awkward, it also offers an opportunity for relaxation and introspection. If your mind goes blank and you find peace in the silence, feel free to embrace it. Sometimes, you may need these quiet moments to connect with your thoughts and feelings, especially when you feel safe enough in our sessions.

No, I do not. However, if you'd like to have homework, I am open to discuss options with you. 

On a subjective level, you may start to notice a variety of shifts in your internal world. For instance, feelings of overwhelming anxiety or depression may begin to subside, replaced by a more manageable emotional landscape. Your ability to cope with stress or conflict could see marked improvements, equipping you with the resilience to face challenges that previously seemed insurmountable.

One significant indicator of progress is increased self-awareness. You may find yourself pausing to consider your emotions more deeply—asking questions like, "What exactly am I feeling right now?" and "Why am I feeling this way?" This nuanced understanding of your own mental state can also translate into a clearer understanding of your own values, goals, and relationships.

Objective markers can also provide useful insights into your therapeutic progress. If you initially sought therapy for specific issues like managing anxiety and panic attacks, then a tangible reduction in the frequency or intensity of these episodes could indicate effective treatment. Other milestones could be varied, ranging from career advancements to improved relationships, highlighting the multifaceted benefits of therapy.

The time it takes to see progress in therapy varies widely and is highly individualized. Generally, it can range from one to three months. The effectiveness of therapy is often linked to how well you connect with your therapist, making comfort and trust key factors in determining progress. 

For those who believe they only need a few sessions to consult a mental health expert—primarily seeking advice, professional opinions, or action plans rather than engaging in deeper emotional work—coaching might be a more suitable option than psychotherapy. 

The journey through therapy is often a long-term commitment, and the pace of progress is highly individualized. Even as you notice improvements, that doesn't necessarily indicate an approaching conclusion to your therapeutic work. The decision to "graduate" from therapy isn't solely based on the resolution of specific issues or the achievement of predetermined goals. Instead, it's a deeply personal choice that should be made collaboratively with your therapist.

Progress in therapy can serve as a foundation for deeper work or a branching point to explore other aspects of your life and psyche. Achieving one goal might pave the way for setting new ones, diving deeper into your emotional complexities, or even re-evaluating your life's direction. Therapy is not just a solution to problems; it's an ongoing process of growth and self-discovery.

The duration of therapy varies from person to person. Therapy lasts as long as it needs to, and as long as you feel you need it. Long-term therapy doesn't follow a strict agenda or timeline, as it aims to respect each individual's unique life journey, experiences, and needs. Therapy concludes when you feel ready to end it or take a break. It is okay for clients to take a break and return to therapy at a later time.