Frequently Asked Questions

Honest answers, before your first session.

Starting therapy can feel like a big step — especially when you’re not sure what to expect. Here are the questions I’m asked most often, from what sessions look like to how insurance works.

Person writing reflective notes in a calm setting

Safe, welcoming space

You’ll be met with warmth, respect, and zero judgment — always.

Tailored to you

Sessions flex to your goals, pace, and what you’re actually working through.

Confidential by design

What you share stays between us, protected by strict ethical standards.

Ask anything

Everything you might be wondering, in one place.

Filter by category or browse them all. Tap a question to reveal the answer — and if something you need isn’t here, reach out any time.

  • Everyone goes through challenging seasons in life. While you may have navigated other difficulties before, there's nothing wrong with seeking extra support when you need it.

    Therapy is for people with enough self-awareness to recognize they could use a helping hand — that’s something to be admired. You are taking responsibility for your life and making a commitment to change.

    Even if you are the only one coming to counseling for a relationship issue, by changing yourself and how you participate in the relationship, things can shift for the better.

    It’s my experience that partners and family members will often join the process when they feel warmly invited into a safe therapeutic setting with an experienced, compassionate professional guiding the conversation.

  • People have many different motivations for coming to psychotherapy. Some may be going through major life transitions (unemployment, divorce, a new job), or not handling stressful circumstances well.

    Others seek support for low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, spiritual conflicts, and creative blocks. Therapy can provide encouragement and skill-building to move through these periods.

    Some people are ready to learn more about themselves and become more effective in achieving goals. In short, people seeking psychotherapy are ready to meet life’s challenges and make changes that support inner peace and satisfaction.

  • A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, low self-esteem, or chronic anger and irritability.

    Many people find counseling is a tremendous asset for personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage and blended-family issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapy can offer a fresh perspective on difficult problems and help point you toward practical solutions.

    • A better understanding of yourself, your goals, and values
    • Skills for improving your relationships
    • Resolution to the issues that led you to seek therapy
    • New ways to cope with stress and anxiety
    • Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
    • Improved communication and listening skills
    • Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
    • New ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
    • Improved self-esteem and boosted self-confidence
  • Because each person has different goals, therapy is tailored to the individual. In the first session, we review current concerns, what led you to counseling, and your goals — so sessions can stay focused and useful.

    In follow-up sessions we track progress, discuss current events, and connect relevant personal history to present-day patterns. This insight can be both freeing and practical.

    Depending on your needs, therapy can be short-term for a specific issue or longer-term for deeper patterns and development. Weekly sessions are typical at first, then often spaced out once you feel on track.

    You’ll get the best results by actively participating. I may suggest between-session practices like journaling, focused conversations, or targeted reading to support progress.

  • I specialize in relationship and communication issues, including work with betrayal trauma affecting individuals and couples.

    I am not a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT) and do not provide diagnosis or primary treatment for sex addiction.

    When those services are needed, I refer to trusted CSAT colleagues and can collaborate as part of a professional care team for the betrayed partner or couple.

  • I do not accept insurance plans directly, including Medicare. Clients pay in full via IvyPay, a secure HIPAA-compliant payment platform.

    If your plan includes out-of-network benefits, IvyPay provides a statement with the information needed for claim submission and reimbursement.

    If you are Medicare-eligible and choose to work with me, you must agree in writing to be responsible for all fees, consistent with my Medicare opt-out status.

    Confidentiality is one of the most important components of therapy. What you discuss is not shared without your written consent, except where required by law and ethics.

    • Suspected past or present abuse/neglect of children, adults, or elders must be reported to appropriate authorities.
    • If there is reason to suspect imminent danger of self-harm or threat to another person, steps must be taken to protect safety.
  • Session fees vary by session length and type. Current examples include: $220 for 45-minute individual follow-up sessions, $260 for 55-minute individual sessions (or couples follow-up), $330 for 75-minute couples follow-up sessions, and $400 for 90-minute couples sessions.

    A brief 30-minute follow-up/urgent session is $150, and longer sessions are prorated at $260/hour.

    For the most up-to-date fee schedule, please see Rates & Insurance or contact me directly before booking.

  • I offer a free 15-minute consultation call to hear your goals, answer practical questions, and help you decide whether we are a good fit.

    To book, use the contact page to send a message or call directly. If we decide to move forward, I will help you select a session format and time that fits your needs.

    Payment is handled securely through IvyPay. For first appointments, payment setup is completed in advance.

  • My practice is currently telehealth-focused.

    I am authorized through PSYPACT to provide inter-jurisdictional telehealth psychology in participating states. If you are unsure whether your state is included, reach out and I can help you confirm.

A gentle reminder

“Choosing to ask for support is not a sign of weakness — it’s one of the most human, courageous things you can do.”

Everything shared in therapy is confidential, protected, and handled with the care it deserves.

Still have a question?

Let’s talk it through — on your schedule.

Book a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation and I’ll answer any lingering questions, so you can decide with clarity whether we’re a good fit.

Call directly

(215) 461-3604

Prefer to write? Send a private message through the contact page and I’ll get back to you shortly.