General FAQ

As a Therapist (LPC), I provide therapy but cannot prescribe medications. Physicians, such as Psychiatrists (MD) or Nurse Practitioners can prescribe medications. I can refer you to local providers for this need if this would be helpful to improve your overall functioning (improve symptoms). I am happy to discuss this further with you.

Very often people share with me that they knew that it was time for therapy because things (symptoms, life, relationships, work, family) were pretty uncomfortable. Most people also have tried so many things to improve their situation and find that sometimes things are partially or temporarily better until they again become a problem. Some may share that they have yet to see any improvement or they find that things may be at a breaking point. Sometimes people have been to counseling with maybe even a few therapists before they see me. Or perhaps they share that the relationship was not a good fit for them. Sometimes a person may have had a good fit with the therapist, but therapy did not work for their schedule or finances or maybe even they just weren't ready for therapy.

Finding a therapist that is a good fit for you is very important - many people share with me that they feel comfortable with me. On the other hand, it doesn't matter if even 99% of people are comfortable with me because it only matters if YOU are comfortable with me. We all have different personalities, preferences, comfort levels and I may not be for everyone - that is OK. You will never hurt my feelings if you find that we are not a good fit - YOU getting what you need from therapy is my #1 concern.

Your appointment is reserved just for you. As a reminder from your Intake paperwork, I ask that you give me 48 hours notice if you need to cancel your appointment. If your appointment is cancelled (less than 48 hours) or you do show for your scheduled appointment, you will be charged the full fee for the missed session ($130). Most likely I will have your card information on file so this will be charged. If it is not on file, your balance will need to be paid before a new appointment can be scheduled.

Running Late for Appointments

I understand that things happen and people can have delays in arrival times. As a reminder from your Intake paperwork, if you are more than 15 minutes late to your appointment, I may decide to charge you for a missed appointment. As with the cancellation policy, this missed session fee will need to be paid before a new appointment can be scheduled.

The short answer is 'no,' but I know that this is also a common concern so I'll explain a little further. People ask me this question A LOT! I believe that pretty much everyone can use counseling. I even include therapists in this mix too. Most therapists, including myself, have therapy or regularly attend therapy. We need it to make sure we are working on our stuff so that we can help others work on their stuff too. No one comes into this world with a manual that lists what to do in every situation, relationship or emotional moment. No one has all of the answers... including me. I believe that most people are just doing the best they can with the tools they have at a given moment. So, no, you aren't crazy.