frequently asked questions
How can therapy help me?
I tell people that everyone should go to therapy! This is the one place that it really is all about YOU! We set aside time to look at what has worked in your life to this point, and what has not been working. This can look like coaching to help you attain your goals, or a deeper dive into your past to look at where some of your unhelpful coping comes from. While I use a strengths-based approach and rely on principles of positive psychology, we can also unpack old trauma so it loses power over you. Therapists can provide support, enhance problem solving, increase healthy coping skills, and clarify a sense of self and goals for the future.
How is therapy different than talking to my family and friends?
Family and friends want to help...and they all have an idea about what would work best for you. Or maybe they don’t want to hurt your feelings, so they only tell you what you want to hear. A therapist is different. I help you see yourself as if in a mirror. We work to uncover the real you and to figure out what life would look like lived on your own terms. You never have to worry what I will think of you because anything you say in therapy is ok. You will be in a judgment-free zone.
Why shouldn’t I just take medication?
Doctors often prescribe antidepressants or antianxiety medications. These can be life-saving by helping you reduce negative feelings enough to face life...until another situation throws you down. Therapy treats the root causes of anxiety and depression. In therapy, you heal the wounds that cause the pain and learn healthy coping skills to be able to better face life head on. Medication without therapy is rarely a good, long-term strategy to manage mental health.
How do I get started?
We will schedule a free 15 minute consultation to see if we will be a good fit. If we decide to work together, we will schedule your intake session and I will send you intake forms to fill out and send to me before our first session. This paperwork is essential for me to get to know more about you and where to begin. During the initial session, we will determine initial goals and find out how you best feel supported. We have many options for the way we do therapy, and I want to ensure that you feel empowered to make decisions.