Frequently Asked Questions
How frequently will we meet?
Most patients attend one session per week. Depending on the schedules of the patient and therapist, sessions can be held on the same day and time each week, or the session times may vary.
If a patient's problems warrant more frequent sessions, it is possible to meet with the therapist twice per week. Conversely, if a patient feels that it is time to taper off the sessions, he or she may choose to schedule sessions every other week.
Doing healing work at the level that will sustain long-term change takes time. It’s a commitment. Clients that invest in the time get better faster and with less relapse into old patterns.
Why do we meet so much?
How long will it take?
The length of time a person is in therapy is a case-by-case situation due to the presenting issues. Some things to consider:
Client’s mental health condition
Duration of the presenting concern prior to therapy
How much the issue impacts the client’s day to day
How much distress the client is caused by the issue
How quickly the client makes progress
Financial limitations
Some presenting issues can be addressed through short-term therapy but more complex concerns can require long-term treatment. Progress is gradual.
How can I get the most out of my counseling sessions?
You can maximize the progress you make in counseling by being actively involved in the work you and your counselor are doing. Some suggestions include:
Be on time and try not to miss any of your scheduled meetings, consistency is important with counseling.
Between sessions, make time to think about the things you have discussed with your counselor. Journaling about topics discussed can be helpful.
Invest in following through on any homework assignments, readings, or books your counselor has suggested for you.
Be as honest and open with your counselor as possible.
Is everything I say confidential?
A therapist may break confidentiality if:
If the therapist has knowledge of abuse of a child, elder, or a person with a disability.
If the therapist has knowledge of intent to harm himself/herself or others.
If the therapist receives a court order to the contrary.
Therapists are also mandated reporters and are required by law to report abuse/neglect.
Yes, I use a secure HIPAA compliant platform to offer video counseling. If you have any questions regarding this process, please reach out to me here
Do you offer telehealth, video sessions, or online sessions?
I’ve heard EMDR and somatic therapy work great for anxiety. Can we still do EMDR and somatic work during video sessions?
Yes, we can. I have worked diligently to sort this out. My clients have transitioned to video sessions. We are having successful somatic and EMDR sessions and continue to meet therapy goals.
Yes, especially in the beginning but I call it “self-inquiry.”. I will suggest things for you to explore in between sessions that supports the work we do in our therapy sessions. I have found that clients make significantly faster progress when they do the self-inquiry work. Much of the self-inquiry work is to support the integration of the deep work we do in session.
Do you give homework AKA Self-Inquiry?
Generally speaking, during the first 4 sessions, we will do a thorough history and establish specific goals for your therapy. The next 5-6 sessions, we will develop a tool kit for dealing with the current stressors that brought you to counseling. In the last part of therapy, we will do the deep diving work to help heal the roots of problems that brought you to counseling.
What can I expect to happen during our time together?
What if I need to cancel our appointment or I get sick?
I have a 48 hour cancellation policy, so if you need to cancel, make sure you give me 48 hours notice to avoid paying the late cancellation fee, which is the full session rate. I offer phone and video sessions in case something happens last minute that prevents you from coming to your appointment.
I see clients virtually Monday- Friday from 3:30pm to 8:30pm. I currently have a few limited openings for new clients.
What is your availability?
I am not contracted with any insurance companies directly, however, I do offer a Superbill, which you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement using your Out-of-Network benefits. See more information here.
Do you take insurance?
I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to see if I am the right counselor in the Greater Philadelphia Metro Area for you based on your needs. Click here to schedule now and I will help you move forward.