How many sessions do I need to feel better?

I wish there was a simple answer for this question. Therapy, to me, is a relationship that develops through time. It is asking a lot for you to come in and immediately trust me with your whole self. Through connecting, processing, and working together, we can build a secure place for you to really start to feel better.
The reality is that things often start to feel a little worse before they really start to feel better. Bringing your emotions to the surface to sort through can be a draining and heavy process. I cannot guarantee instant relief, but what I can offer is the room to feel it all in a safe environment. And with time, the positive shifts will be undeniable.

Is therapy even right for me?

Therapy is not and should not be a one size fits all system. Humans are complex and unique. Therapy is a choice that I feel strongly is right for most people. However, not every therapist is the right therapist for you. When you start your search, I recommend thinking about what YOU need. What got you to sit down and google therapy in the first place? Are you hoping for a systematic approach with homework and checklists? Are you looking for someone you can be vulnerable with as you sort through life?

When you have your initial call with your potential therapist, ask them questions! We therapists love curious minds!

How often should I be seeing a therapist?

I highly recommend seeing a therapist at least once a week, at least at the beginning. Life comes at us fast and it’s crucial to keep the momentum going. There is a lot to process, a lot to talk about, and a lot to potentially work on, so give yourself the space and time to do so.

What does a normal session look like?

At the start of the hour, we will sit down in the room (or in our respective spaces over telehealth) and begin to connect. Some people need a few minutes of light-hearted talk, check-ins, and some form of easing in. Other people are happy to dive right into the deep stuff, bypassing the small talk entirely. Most probably fall somewhere in between.
Throughout our 50 minutes, our structure and path of conversation will be largely dictated by what is the most present need. To me, therapy is a collaboration. I do not believe in forcing the conversation in directions that are not wanted or not safe to explore. That does not mean I won’t push when it feels you can handle it. Sometimes we need a little extra encouragement to get to where we need to go.

What issues are suitable for therapy with you? What issues are not?

I work using a relational and post-modern lens. In simpler terms, I believe that therapy is a collaboration between the therapist and the client. I also acknowledge the very real power dynamics that can feel present in the room. Through the years, therapy has often been positioned as a process between client and expert. The therapist is supposed to hold the answers. However, I have found that no matter how many books I read, I will never be the expert in someone else’s life.
When it comes to topics in the room, I have a passion for working with folks that are experiencing life transitions of all kinds, be it a new job, a break-up, sexuality and gender exploration, a big move, changing world views, new social circles, or whatever shifts may occur that feel destabilizing.
I also feel drawn to working through identity, codependency, and self-esteem issues.
That said, I will work with many issues that may not fall into those categories. For instance, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, career changes, coping skills, family conflict, grief, peer relationships/friendships, stress, confidence, and more.

If you present with an issue that I am not suited to help with, I will offer referrals and resources for other therapists and facilities that are able to help. Therapy should be available to all who need it and I believe in helping others feel supported through the process of finding the right fit.

What if I am scared to start?

That is absolutely normal and okay! Starting is so scary! New things can be so intimidating. I will do all I can to make our space together feel warm, welcoming, and safe. All I ask is that you reach out and show up. We can sort through the scary parts together.