What can I expect from working with you?
First of all, you can expect an extraordinary level of commitment on my part. I love what I do and feel quite privileged when people let me into their lives and share their stories with me. If you are struggling with a specific problem, we will work together to develop solutions that fit and are comfortable for you. If you are not sure exactly as to the nature of your problems, distress or dissatisfaction, we will spend time exploring what is feeling off or disappointing about your life and work to identify those problems as well as their potential solutions. I will solicit feedback about your experience of our sessions and tailor them to be certain you are getting what you want from our time together.
What will our meetings be like?
During our time you will be invited to talk about the interests or concerns in your life or relationships. A session lasts 50 minutes. We meet as frequently or infrequently as you’d like. Often, when you begin therapy or coaching, you will benefit from more frequent contact (once or twice a week) early on as you describe your problems and goals. As you move forward on your goals, as well as experience relief from any symptoms you may be having (such as low mood, sleeplessness or anxiety) we will discuss altering the frequency of our appointments. Our meetings will likely vary over time. Sometimes, you may have a lot of say and I will listen with empathy and compassion as you share your struggles and triumphs. Other times, you may feel stuck and will be looking for advice and direction. I feel very comfortable and skilled moving from active listening to helping you craft and carry out new behaviors and goals. I often assign “homework” - activities to do between our sessions to help you move forward on exploring, solidifying and achieving your goals. We will then discuss how the homework went and refinements that you may need to make. I also believe in the healing and creative power of humor and try to incorporate it respectfully in our work together.
What benefits can I expect from our sessions?
There are many benefits to meeting with a psychologist and coach. First, often it is enormously helpful and comforting to share your successes, sorrows and dreams with an objective person outside of your professional and personal life who can offer a fresh perspective. Many people experience growth and relief merely by sharing with a skilled, compassionate listener. Other benefits from working with me include:
· Learning new ways to solve problems and get more from life and relationships.
· Improving communication skills so that relationships are more satisfying.
· Improving your self-esteem and self-confidence.
· Discovering new ways to cope with stressful situations and difficult people.
· Managing anger, anxiety and depression.
· Exploring how to deepen pleasure and happiness in your everyday life.
· Gaining tools to help you clarify and solidify your long term goals and hopes.
· Exploring your interests, skills, values and personality to determine if your energies are directed in ways that are meaningful and satisfying to you.
Is therapy and coaching confidential?
Confidentiality in psychotherapy is protected by professional ethics and state law. While confidentiality in coaching is not specifically protected by law, it is protected by professional ethics. I treat both therapy and coaching confidentiality the same.
What are your areas of expertise?
I help people address many different issues including:
· Relationship problems
· Career questions and development
· Low self-esteem
· Anger management
· Effective parenting
· Life transitions such as birth of a child, empty nest, new job or retirement
· Grief and loss
· Infertility and family building
· Anxiety and depression
· Managing chronic illness, cancer and pain
What is the difference between psychotherapy and coaching?
Both psychotherapy and life coaching are similar in that they involve a professional helper and a person seeking guidance to improve his or her life. Both will often involve similar activities such as detailing areas for growth, setting an agenda and creating goals. Psychotherapy is often employed when a person is struggling with particular symptoms such as depression, anxiety, sleeplessness or difficulty concentrating. Individuals seeking coaching typically are not experiencing mental health symptoms but rather seek assistance to help develop, foster and enact their goals and dreams.
What are your fees?
My rate is $190 per session at my office or by phone. I do have a sliding scale for individuals who demonstrate financial need. Payment can be made by cash, check or credit card at time of service.
Do you take insurance?
I accept Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Medicare. Services may be otherwise covered in full or part by your health insurance or employee benefit plan. Please check your coverage carefully by asking the following questions of your insurer:
Do I have mental health benefits?
What is my deductible and has it been met?
How many sessions per calendar year does my plan cover?
How much does my plan cover for an out of network provider?
If I don't accept your insurance, I will provide monthly receipts for you to submit to your insurance carrier for reimbursement.
First of all, you can expect an extraordinary level of commitment on my part. I love what I do and feel quite privileged when people let me into their lives and share their stories with me. If you are struggling with a specific problem, we will work together to develop solutions that fit and are comfortable for you. If you are not sure exactly as to the nature of your problems, distress or dissatisfaction, we will spend time exploring what is feeling off or disappointing about your life and work to identify those problems as well as their potential solutions. I will solicit feedback about your experience of our sessions and tailor them to be certain you are getting what you want from our time together.
What will our meetings be like?
During our time you will be invited to talk about the interests or concerns in your life or relationships. A session lasts 50 minutes. We meet as frequently or infrequently as you’d like. Often, when you begin therapy or coaching, you will benefit from more frequent contact (once or twice a week) early on as you describe your problems and goals. As you move forward on your goals, as well as experience relief from any symptoms you may be having (such as low mood, sleeplessness or anxiety) we will discuss altering the frequency of our appointments. Our meetings will likely vary over time. Sometimes, you may have a lot of say and I will listen with empathy and compassion as you share your struggles and triumphs. Other times, you may feel stuck and will be looking for advice and direction. I feel very comfortable and skilled moving from active listening to helping you craft and carry out new behaviors and goals. I often assign “homework” - activities to do between our sessions to help you move forward on exploring, solidifying and achieving your goals. We will then discuss how the homework went and refinements that you may need to make. I also believe in the healing and creative power of humor and try to incorporate it respectfully in our work together.
What benefits can I expect from our sessions?
There are many benefits to meeting with a psychologist and coach. First, often it is enormously helpful and comforting to share your successes, sorrows and dreams with an objective person outside of your professional and personal life who can offer a fresh perspective. Many people experience growth and relief merely by sharing with a skilled, compassionate listener. Other benefits from working with me include:
· Learning new ways to solve problems and get more from life and relationships.
· Improving communication skills so that relationships are more satisfying.
· Improving your self-esteem and self-confidence.
· Discovering new ways to cope with stressful situations and difficult people.
· Managing anger, anxiety and depression.
· Exploring how to deepen pleasure and happiness in your everyday life.
· Gaining tools to help you clarify and solidify your long term goals and hopes.
· Exploring your interests, skills, values and personality to determine if your energies are directed in ways that are meaningful and satisfying to you.
Is therapy and coaching confidential?
Confidentiality in psychotherapy is protected by professional ethics and state law. While confidentiality in coaching is not specifically protected by law, it is protected by professional ethics. I treat both therapy and coaching confidentiality the same.
What are your areas of expertise?
I help people address many different issues including:
· Relationship problems
· Career questions and development
· Low self-esteem
· Anger management
· Effective parenting
· Life transitions such as birth of a child, empty nest, new job or retirement
· Grief and loss
· Infertility and family building
· Anxiety and depression
· Managing chronic illness, cancer and pain
What is the difference between psychotherapy and coaching?
Both psychotherapy and life coaching are similar in that they involve a professional helper and a person seeking guidance to improve his or her life. Both will often involve similar activities such as detailing areas for growth, setting an agenda and creating goals. Psychotherapy is often employed when a person is struggling with particular symptoms such as depression, anxiety, sleeplessness or difficulty concentrating. Individuals seeking coaching typically are not experiencing mental health symptoms but rather seek assistance to help develop, foster and enact their goals and dreams.
What are your fees?
My rate is $190 per session at my office or by phone. I do have a sliding scale for individuals who demonstrate financial need. Payment can be made by cash, check or credit card at time of service.
Do you take insurance?
I accept Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Medicare. Services may be otherwise covered in full or part by your health insurance or employee benefit plan. Please check your coverage carefully by asking the following questions of your insurer:
Do I have mental health benefits?
What is my deductible and has it been met?
How many sessions per calendar year does my plan cover?
How much does my plan cover for an out of network provider?
If I don't accept your insurance, I will provide monthly receipts for you to submit to your insurance carrier for reimbursement.