FAQs

Is therapy right for me?

Working with a therapist can help bring about insight, support, new strategies and coping skills for all types of life challenges. Therapy is right you if you’re interested in getting more out of life by taking responsibility for your own actions, creating self awareness and working towards change.

What is therapy like?

A typical therapy session lasts 50 minutes and sessions are usually scheduled once a week. The number of times we meet depends on your goals and what you want to achieve. Short-term therapy usually focuses on a specific issue, whereas long-term therapy focuses on more complex behaviors and ongoing personal growth. (We can talk through a variety of options during our first session.)

No matter short or long term, each session is an exploratory conversation using therapeutic practices that draw out insights that we can then build on to reach your goals. 

Therapy is most effective when you process what goes on in the therapy sessions and integrate new behaviors into your life. 

Can you tell me more about the free consultation?

The call is for me to learn about you and why you may be seeking therapy. It’s also an opportunity for me to hear how I can meet your needs. By the end of 30 minutes you will to get a sense of my personality, some of the methods and tools I use as a practitioner and you can decide whether I’m a good fit. And if not, I’m happy to give you an appropriate referral.

What can I expect at my first session?

At least 24 hours prior to our first session together, I ask that you complete an intake form through the client portal so that I have important pieces about your background and who you are. During our first session we’ll be talking through some of the prompts from the intake form which will help lay the groundwork for your goals and the outcomes you want to achieve. 

Do you offer online therapy sessions?

Yes, I offer online therapy sessions. The format is the same as in person – just through a screen. 

I prefer seeing my clients in person. Given the pandemic, I can see patients inside or outside (and even walking) while following the CDC guidelines, for both of our safety.

Is your office private? I’m concerned about my privacy.

My office is in a private peaceful setting located in backcountry Greenwich, CT. It has the feeling of being in nature. Rarely will you come in contact with anyone other than me. I do everything I can to leave enough time between clients to ensure anonymity. 

Can a psychologist prescribe medication? 
In Connecticut, psychologists cannot prescribe medication. If medication is needed, I will refer you to a psychiatrist or other practitioner to best serve your needs.

Do you take health insurance? How does insurance work?

You should first check with your insurance company to find out if they cover “out of network” mental health services. If they do then you should ask the following questions:

• Do I have a deductible?
• How much do you cover per session?
• How many sessions does my plan cover?
• Is approval from my primary care physician required?
• How much does my insurance pay for an out of network provider?

If your insurance does not cover “out of network” mental health services, you will be responsible for full payment. 

What is your cancellation policy?

I do my best to be understanding, if you have an emergency or an unexpected sickness. I give everyone a one-time exemption. Otherwise, I will charge a $100 fee if the session is not cancelled within 24 hours of the scheduled appointment time.

If my teenager comes to see you for therapy, will I be involved?

You are welcome and encouraged to be involved, assuming your teen wants your input. 

That said, I will not be able to share specific details of any of our conversations without getting explicit permission from your teen. And if your child is over 18, he/she is legally protected by HIPPA laws. The importance of maintaining trust is paramount to the success of any therapeutic relationship.