This section includes some questions many people have before attending their first session:

Q:  Who will answer my phone call or e-mail message?

A:  I will personally respond to all phone calls, usually within the same business day.  If you call after hours or on weekends, I will return your call the next business day.  If I am away from my office (e.g., out of town) and will not be returning calls, my voice mail will indicate that.  I do check my e-mail regularly, but I do not always have access to it.  If you need to speak to me, it is usually better to call the office and leave a message.  While it is fine to send an e-mail with a question about my services, I prefer not to correspond with ongoing clients by e-mail, due to the limits on security of the internet.  Please do not send confidential information in an e-mail.

Q:  What will my first appointment consist of?

A:  Your first appointment will be a consultation visit lasting 60 minutes. You and I will discuss the problems you are having and I will gather some background information.  At the end of the consultation, we will decide if we are a good fit to work together and if so, how often we will meet.  I also might suggest readings or other assignments for between sessions.  Generally, I recommend meeting weekly at least for the first few sessions if possible in order to establish a good flow of communication.  If we are not a good fit, I can give you some names of other practitioners who might be better able to meet your needs. 

Q:  What do you mean by assignments?

A:  We meet for 60 minutes weekly or every other week.  As with any new skill, progress is much more likely if you practice what you are learning on a regular basis.  The best way to eliminate an undesired habit is to replace it with a desired one and that takes practice.  While I serve as a guide in your journey, ultimately you are the one who will make the changes that improve your life.  Assignments might consist of activities such as reading, tracking your moods, thoughts, and behaviors, or changing the way you communicate with others.

Q:  How long are subsequent sessions?

A:  Each following session is 60 minutes long.  After an initial period of time, sessions can move from weekly to every two weeks.  Some clients find it helpful, once the initial problems are addressed, to continue to meet monthly for a while to maintain new skills learned.  The overall length of therapy varies depending on the issues being addressed and progress being made.  After therapy is terminated, it can be resumed in the future if the need arises.

Q:  Is what I share with you confidential?

A:  Your confidentiality is protected by state law and by the rules of my profession. All information concerning clients is held confidential and is released only through procedures consistent with the law and professional ethics.  The Office Information handout that you will read and sign prior to our first session outlines the possible exceptions to confidentiality.  I have no staff and my voice mail is password-protected.  Charts are kept in a locked cabinet.  I try to schedule appointments to avoid or minimize overlap in the waiting room.

Q:  What if I think I need to be evaluated for medications or I am already prescribed medications?

A:  I am licensed and trained to practice psychology, not medicine. However, if it seems indicated to obtain a consultation regarding medication, I can give you the names of several psychiatrists who you may contact for an evaluation.

Q:  How will I know if I'm getting better?

A:  After our first session together we will identify the goals that you would like to accomplish during therapy. We will continue to measure your progress by evaluating these goals.

Q:  What is meant by positive psychology?

A.: Since therapy was originally tied to a medical model, issues have traditionally been given diagnoses and the work of therapy has been thought of primarily in terms of illness.  The term positive psychology refers to a movement toward recognizing that therapy can also serve to help people recognize what is right with them, what enables them to thrive and grow.  It can provide a safe place to explore options and strengthen existing skills in order to obtain maximal satisfaction in life.  It can enable self-awareness, building on core strengths that can be called on in future stressful times.  Taking care of your emotional health can increase energy, enhance self-confidence, strengthen relationships, improve work performance, and decrease stress.  Given that many visits to primary care physicians are due to stress, attending to your emotional health can reduce overall health care costs.  Positive psychology emphasizes health and wellness, acknowledging the connection between the mind and the body and how they affect each other. 

Q:  What do you mean by mindfulness?

A:  Mindfulness emphasizes staying focused on the present.  While it is important to learn from the past and plan for the future, much anxiety and sadness come from being unwilling to let go of the past or repeatedly anticipating possible events in the future.  Learning to maintain a non-judgmental awareness of what is going on right now, both inside and outside, leads to a calmer, more balanced life, and also increases the ability to make positive changes.  Accepting yourself and your feelings is an important first step in improving your life.