Frequently Asked Questions

 

How do I schedule a free phone consultation with you?

You can call me at (301) 656-8891. I answer my own telephone, and I have a confidential voice mail. I offer a free phone consultation so that we can both decide together whether therapy might be helpful for you and whether I might be a good "match" for you as a therapist.

If it seems that I am not the best match for you as a therapist, and you would still like to pursue therapy, I will gladly provide you with referrals to other services or qualified professionals who may be better suited to help you.

What can I expect during the first appointment?

The most important part of the first session is understanding your current concerns. We will talk about why you have decided to seek therapy and begin to formulate treatment goals. I will ask questions to better clarify your current situation and your past life history, with a focus on events and people that may have shaped how you currently approach relationships and challenges. This is also an opportunity for us to get a sense of what it might be like to work together.

My role as your therapist is to provide you with active listening and non-judgmental feedback. Our sessions will be collaborative conversations. I will help clarify your current situation, and explore your options for making positive change.

How frequent are therapy sessions?

I see most of my clients once or twice a week. Once clients have begun to meet their therapy goals, we may taper back to meeting less frequently.

How long does each session last?

My appointments usually last 50 minutes. Some clients find it helpful to schedule an extended session of 75 minutes.

Are our conversations confidential?

All aspects of your treatment are confidential, and I will need your written permission if you wish me to discuss your treatment with anyone else, including your insurance company. Without your written permission, I cannot reveal any information about you or your treatment. Even the fact that you are a client in my practice is protected by confidentiality.

However, there are three important exceptions to confidentiality protections:

     1.  If I believe, in my professional opinion, that you are an imminent danger to yourself or to someone else, then I must attempt to ensure the physical safety of those involved, even if this means breaking confidentiality.

     2.  If you give me information pertaining to the abuse or neglect of a child, past or present, and I can identify the perpetrator of the abuse, I am required to report this information to the local authorities.

     3.  I may also be required to discuss aspects of your treatment without your permission if I am subpoenaed or court-ordered to do so.

These situations are rare, but if one of them does occur I will make every effort to fully discuss it with you before taking any action.