Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

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Therapy can be helpful in a multitude of ways.  As your therapist I am both nonjudgmental and unbiased - I don't "pick sides", but rather help you to work through problems and issues you have identified. You set the goals and I assist you on the path to achieve them. The benefits of therapy depend on how well you incorporate the information, and put into practice what you have learned.

Therapy can provide you with support and enhance your coping strategies for problems such as: depression, anxiety, family and relationship issues, low self esteem, work related problems, stress management, and just the daily stressors that are negatively impacting you. 

I always tell my patients that if someone tells you therapy is fun and wonderful they are not giving you the whole picture. The process of therapy can oftentimes be difficult and painful - we are dealing with issues and problems that may be causing you to feel sad or angry. My job during the process is to provide you the support system and coping techniques to deal with those feelings. If you do the work and resolve the problems in therapy -- than the end result is wonderful.

Everyone goes through difficult and challenging moments in life. People will often tell me they always handled problems on their own in the past. While you may have successfully navigated through other problems or difficult times, there is is nothing wrong with obtaining support and therapy when you need it. You do not have to tough it out on your own. Actually asking for assistance is not a sign of weakness, but rather one of strength. The acknowledgment of the problem is a sign of self-awareness, and something to be admired. You are taking responsibility for whatever is happening, and making a commitment to change the situation, and improve how you are feeling.

Therapy does not only provide short term resolution of the problem or issues you have identified, but provides long-lasting benefits.  Therapy gives you the tools and techniques you need to redirect damaging patterns, avoid triggers, and overcome other challenges you may face. 

Instead of just treating the symptom with medication, therapy addresses the cause of your distress and helps you identify behavioral patterns that have curbed your progress in the past. Through therapy you also learn assorted coping techniques that can be applied to other problems that might arise in the future. 

There is no one "magic pill" to make your problems all better; however, for some people  it is often a combination of both medication and therapy that will allow you to reach your optimal goals. I will be happy to work with your psychiatrist or physician so we can best address and treat your symptoms and problems.

Confidentiality is one of the most important components of therapy. In order for therapy to be successful you must have a high degree of trust that what you say in the office stays in the office; so you can  be honest and address oftentimes sensitive or difficult topics. Without that basic foundation of trust therapy is not effective if you only provide partial or pieces of information. All information you provide is protected under HIPAA guidelines just like any other medical appointment. 

Sometimes you may want me to share information or give an update to someone . Some common examples of who you might want information shared with are your psychiatrist, physician, or attorney. Sometimes you might want some information shared with other family members or loved ones. By law I can not and will not share any information without your "Informed Consent" and signed release of information specifying exactly what information you want shared.

However, state law and professional guidelines require all therapists and mental health professionals to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:

• If you are suicidal or homicidal. If a therapist has reason to suspect you are seriously in danger of harming yourself or you have threatened to harm another person. 
• Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children and/or elder adults.

If one of these situations does arise I am not only legally obligated to report, but would rather have you safe and alive, than unhappy with me for breaking confidentiality. This is not a common occurrence, and should a situation arise that I feel obligated to report I will do everything possible to include you in the process. 

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) sessions are a free service provided by your employer. It is a company benefit with a specific number of sessions (usually ranging from 3 - 6). Oftentimes, employees have a specific problem that can be addressed within this short time frame. However, if additional therapy is necessary I will make a referral to the most appropriate resource. 

Organizational services include: 

• Onsite Organizational Development and Consulting for companies to assist with specific topics or areas of concern within their organization.

• Critical Incidence Stress Debriefings (CISD) and Defusion sessions post a traumatic incident in the workplace.  These crisis management services help 

                  your employees to deal with the unforeseen and unimaginable critical incidents.

                  Some examples of when a CISD is necessary include:

                          * Mass fatality incidents

                          * Post a shooting or active shooter situation

                          * A robbery or violent episode in the workplace

                          * Death of an employee

• Trainings and Wellness Seminars can be catered to the specific needs of each company or organization. Management consultations, trainings, and team 

                  building services are often provided to different departments experiencing conflict.

                  Some examples of trainings and wellness seminars include:

                          * Stress Management In The Workplace

                          * Supervisory Training: How to Assist a Troubled Employee

                           * Sexual Harassment - Workplace Issues

                           * Violence in the Workplace

                           * How to Maintain a Healthy Balance of Home and Work