Fee and Insurance
Please visit my Fee and Insurance page for detailed information about it.
Contemplating Therapy
Why do I need therapy? I am not crazy.
All of us once in a while experience periods in our life when we feel down, stuck, hopeless and helpless, when we don’t know what to do and how to continue with our life’s journey. It may seem as though our world has been turned upside down and collapsed around us. Sometimes we have nobody to turn to, nobody to lean on. Those are the times when therapy can be most helpful.
Just having somebody who will listen to you without judgment, simply knowing that you’ve been heard, seen and accepted can be extremely healing. But that’s not all. When we are stuck, we often are “running in circles” and can’t get off that very familiar, but broken track. In these cases, having another perspective or another point of view can serve as a trigger to help us move in a more positive direction and understand what’s happening to us.
Does therapy really work? Is it helpful?
Well… The bad news is that therapy is not a magic wand or pill. You can’t just come in and expect that the therapist “will fix you” in one session. Do you remember the character from the movie “Moonstruck?” There’s a funny scene in which Cher slaps Nicholas Cage across the face and tells him to “Just snap out of it.” I have to admit that it can sometimes be effective, but not in the long run and not in every situation.
But there is also good news. Therapy is effective – if you “work” at it. You must be willing to face your “demons,” your fears and pain. If you’re willing to try new ways of coping with life situations and interacting with others your life will change. Guaranteed. Change is difficult and scary, but always possible.
What can therapy help with?
People seek therapy for many different reasons, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, life transitions, emotional overwhelm, stress, self-esteem issues, grief, and recurring patterns that no longer serve them. Therapy can also support personal growth, self-understanding, and deeper emotional healing.
Starting Therapy
What should I expect on the first session?
In the first session we will get to know each other and see whether we’re a good fit. Not every therapist will be a good match with a client. After the first couple of sessions both parties can make a joint decision about whether we can work together productively.
How often do sessions usually happen?
In general, I see clients every other week. The reason for this is that my approach to therapy is very interactive, and I often suggest practices and reflections to work on between sessions, which take time to integrate. Over time, sessions may become less frequent depending on individual needs, goals, and progress. We can also meet weekly if you are in crisis or require a higher level of support.
What if I don’t know how to talk about my problem?
That is completely okay. Many people begin therapy feeling uncertain, overwhelmed, or unable to clearly explain what they are experiencing. Therapy is a process of exploration, and we work together to gently understand what may be happening beneath the surface.
How long does the therapy take?
This is the question that doesn’t have a definitive answer. The correct answer is “it depends.” It depends on your needs, the problem you’re trying to solve and the degree of exploration you want to engage in. Some problems can be solved in 2-3 sessions. Some take 2-3 months. And then others – a lifetime. You decide how far you are willing to go.
General Questions
What’s your training and experience?
Please read About Me page to find out.
What therapy approaches do you use?
My work integrates several therapeutic approaches depending on the needs of the individual or couple. These may include Family Systems work, trauma-informed therapy, Family Constellations, hypnotherapy, solution-oriented approaches, and deeper exploratory work focused on understanding underlying patterns and emotional dynamics.
What is the difference between therapy and coaching?
Therapy focuses on emotional healing, psychological wellbeing, relationship patterns, and mental health concerns. Coaching is generally more future-oriented and focused on goals, personal growth, and life direction. Depending on your needs, we can explore which approach may be the best fit.
How do I know if we are a good fit?
A strong therapeutic relationship is one of the most important parts of successful therapy. It is important that you feel comfortable, understood, and emotionally safe with your therapist. An initial consultation can help determine whether my approach feels aligned with your needs and goals.
Is therapy only for people in crisis?
Not at all. While therapy can provide support during difficult times, many people also seek therapy for self-exploration, personal growth, relationship improvement, and developing a deeper understanding of themselves and their patterns.
If you still have questions, reaching out for a brief conversation may help you determine whether we are a good fit.