Taking the first step:

New clients often tell me they felt nervous about calling to make a first appointment, but also that they felt relieved and hopeful after meeting with me.  Asking for help can feel challenging, even when you have the sense that you need it.  I will make every effort to support you in starting the psychotherapy process in a positive way.

What can I expect from my first session?

In the first session, we will focus on developing an understanding of the concerns that have brought you to therapy. I’m interested in getting to know you better and in understanding the context of your life and your history.  I will ask you a variety of questions to help us be able to talk about these things.  You will begin to get a sense of me and of how I work, and will have an opportunity to ask me any questions that you might have.  We can then decide if it feels like a good match and make a plan to work together.  If a different practitioner might be a more effective match for your needs, I will help you to find an appropriate referral.

What brings people to you for therapy?  Do you have any specialties?

Life can be complicated, and people have come to me for help with a wide range of difficulties and concerns. Sometimes people come to therapy for help getting through a difficult time, and sometimes they come to work on longer-term personal goals.  I have particular expertise in working with people to alleviate: depression and anxiety; the impact of trauma, abuse and neglect; relationship and family problems; concerns related to immigration and refugee experiences, acculturation, and bicultural stress; and concerns related to sexual orientation and gender identity.

In addition to helping people alleviate any specific symptoms that are causing them distress, I am interested in helping them to improve their quality of life. I  work with my clients to develop fulfilling relationships, to build the self-confidence that comes from feeling able to be themselves and to communicate effectively, to experience the range of their emotions in an adaptive way, and to feel an increased sense of agency in their lives.

Sometimes people find that difficult experiences and issues from the past continue to come up in the present and get in the way, despite their best efforts.  With my help, people often learn how to relate to the past in ways that allow them to continue moving forward with their personal goals.

Other times, people find that life has presented new challenges, and that their usual ways of coping are not working well anymore, or that they want more from life than just ‘getting by.’  I help people to use their strengths to adapt to life challenges and to increase their sense of living a life that has meaning.

For more about my approach to therapy, see About.

What are the payment options for your psychotherapy services?

I am a provider for the following insurance plans:

• Out of network insurance benefits, which may cover a sizable portion of  the cost of psychotherapy
• Most Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) plans

Some of my clients pay my fee for services instead of using insurance.

Call or send me an email now if you would like to talk further.