Frequently Asked Questions
Starting therapy can feel intimidating and you might have questions. In sessions, you can expect me to ask you questions. In the meantime, here are things clients often ask me.
Does therapy actually work? What can I expect? Therapy is a process that has potential risks and benefits. It's an opportunity to talk about a myriad of issues, events, memories or experiences for the purposes of sparking positive change. Therapy might feel uncomfortable and things might feel worse before they get better, but on the other hand, personal growth can be swift and easy. Everyone's experience is different.
What makes you different from other therapists? My approach is to listen first, speak second, and allow you to drive the conversation. Because of this, I work well with clients who want help processing thoughts and feelings in a conversation where they do most of the talking. I believe that the majority of self-improvement occurs outside of sessions. I tend to offer suggestions for things to practice, though don't assign mandatory "homework". I can be a great person for keeping you accountable, all while meeting you where you are at.
How do I start sessions? Whether it's by text, email, phone or website, the first step is to reach out! From there, we schedule a 15-minute consultation, should you have further questions, or an initial 55-minute session. Prior to our first meeting, you will have the opportunity to review consent forms -- because consent is important! After that, we are all set!
How long are sessions? Sessions are 55 minutes
What is confidential in therapy? Confidentiality is key to establishing a trusting therapeutic relationship. You have a right to expect privacy and confidentiality in our sessions. There are a few legal exceptions when a therapist must break confidentiality. As a mandated reporter, I must report when a client is deemed a real and present danger to themself or others; or when there is credible suspicion or knowledge of current or past abuse. It is important to discuss with me any questions you have about confidentiality.
What is your therapeutic approach? I use a free-flowing, eclectic, psychodynamic form of therapy. One important goal is to help you gain self-awareness and insight into how past experiences shape the present. Above all, I follow a person-centered approach. This means I incorporate tennets of CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, and other evidence-based practices based on each client's needs.
What is the Alma Portal? Alma is a service that helps me bill insurance companies and schedule sessions. Through this portal, you can input your insurance information and schedule a consultation on a day and time that works for you. You can access it through my "Contact" page.
How do you say your name? See -- Ann -- Uh (It looks different than it sounds)
