Frequently Asked Questions
What is counseling or psychotherapy?
Both of these terms are used to describe the process of talking with a professional about your thoughts and feelings in order to achieve and maintain your highest level of emotional health, well-being, and functioning. But it's not the same as talking with a friend; my training helps you resolve old issues, learn new strategies, and make sense of who you are.
But what if I don't really need therapy?
I specialize in helping people cope with stress, loss, and unwelcome change, which is part of life. So even if you're healthy, capable, and functioning, it can still be painful to face uncertainty. We'll start where you are and create goals that make sense for you.
What is it like to work with you?
My style is warm, friendly, flexible, and non-judgmental, so my clients feel comfortable pretty quickly. And my unique combination of personal experience and professional insight offers a warm, caring, and skilled empathy that makes counseling very productive. The process of counseling itself can be filled with joy as well as hard work, so I feel honored to accompany each person on his or her journey of self-discovery.
What can I expect the first time I come to see you?
We'll talk together about the problems that brought you in to seek help and what you'd like to accomplish. As we begin getting to know each other, I'll ask you some questions about your life and your history. We can discuss any of your concerns and anything you're wondering about because it's important for you to feel heard and understood. Then, if you're comfortable, we'll identify initial goals and arrange our meeting schedule.
How often will we meet?
Most people come in weekly, although that can be adjusted to meet your particular needs. Sessions run 50 minutes, and the continuity of regular work helps keep us on track in meeting your goals.
How long does it take?
That's really tough to say because it depends on so many factors. Some people might feel they've accomplished their goals in several sessions. Others may find that life's ongoing challenges need ongoing therapeutic support for a while. We'll discuss your specific needs at regular intervals and together figure out "where you are" compared with "where you want to be."
Do you only see people who are grieving?
My specialty is helping people manage stress and unwelcome change. Sometimes that relates to the death of a beloved family member or friend. But it can also mean the loss of a relationship, the loss of your health, your sense of well-being, or even losing your vision of what you thought life would be like. I'm here to help you through situations like these as you strive toward resilience. Give me a call at 847-977-4741 and we can discuss your particular needs.
Both of these terms are used to describe the process of talking with a professional about your thoughts and feelings in order to achieve and maintain your highest level of emotional health, well-being, and functioning. But it's not the same as talking with a friend; my training helps you resolve old issues, learn new strategies, and make sense of who you are.
But what if I don't really need therapy?
I specialize in helping people cope with stress, loss, and unwelcome change, which is part of life. So even if you're healthy, capable, and functioning, it can still be painful to face uncertainty. We'll start where you are and create goals that make sense for you.
What is it like to work with you?
My style is warm, friendly, flexible, and non-judgmental, so my clients feel comfortable pretty quickly. And my unique combination of personal experience and professional insight offers a warm, caring, and skilled empathy that makes counseling very productive. The process of counseling itself can be filled with joy as well as hard work, so I feel honored to accompany each person on his or her journey of self-discovery.
What can I expect the first time I come to see you?
We'll talk together about the problems that brought you in to seek help and what you'd like to accomplish. As we begin getting to know each other, I'll ask you some questions about your life and your history. We can discuss any of your concerns and anything you're wondering about because it's important for you to feel heard and understood. Then, if you're comfortable, we'll identify initial goals and arrange our meeting schedule.
How often will we meet?
Most people come in weekly, although that can be adjusted to meet your particular needs. Sessions run 50 minutes, and the continuity of regular work helps keep us on track in meeting your goals.
How long does it take?
That's really tough to say because it depends on so many factors. Some people might feel they've accomplished their goals in several sessions. Others may find that life's ongoing challenges need ongoing therapeutic support for a while. We'll discuss your specific needs at regular intervals and together figure out "where you are" compared with "where you want to be."
Do you only see people who are grieving?
My specialty is helping people manage stress and unwelcome change. Sometimes that relates to the death of a beloved family member or friend. But it can also mean the loss of a relationship, the loss of your health, your sense of well-being, or even losing your vision of what you thought life would be like. I'm here to help you through situations like these as you strive toward resilience. Give me a call at 847-977-4741 and we can discuss your particular needs.