Individual I enjoy working with adult individuals who are experiencing relationship challenges or life transitions such as a break-up or divorce, relationship distress, difficulties with emotion regulation, postpartum depression or anxiety, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, work stress, gender and sexual identity, children leaving/coming back home, chronic illness, parenting issues such as children with medical illnesses, and challenges that might arise around neurodiversity. Finding an Individual Therapist Finding the right “match” in your individual therapist can be difficult. It is important to find someone who resonates with you and where you feel both seen and heard as well as supported. It isn’t always a “match” right away and it can be helpful to have some questions ready when you are speaking with a future therapist. Here is a short list of questions that you might ask a potential individual therapist: My problem is ________________. How would you go about treating that? Some therapists are more comfortable addressing the immediate problem, while others want to focus on the deeper issue. Which are you? Do you tend to lead the session, or follow my lead? What role does our relationship play in our work? What are your strengths as a therapist? Have you ever been in therapy? What to Expect During Individual Therapy During the first appointment we will review your completed paperwork. This gives me an opportunity to learn about you and the challenges that you might be experiencing in your life. Additionally, this first appointment is a time for you to see if you feel comfortable working with me, if we are a “match.” Over the course of the next couple of sessions, I will continue to learn about you and what lead you to seek counseling as well as identify your goals for therapy. Fees for Individual Appointments Initial Individual Appointment, 90 minutes $225 Individual Appointment, 55 minutes $150 Couples Finding a Therapist Finding the best therapist for two people is sometimes complicated. Both people have to be willing to get help, have some initial confidence that the therapist is the “right” person for them, and not feel instantly “in the hot seat.” Indeed, balancing the psychological pressure between the two parties is a chronic challenge. Most relationships begin with a phone call. While many consumers of therapy know they should be asking questions, many don’t have any idea what to ask. You probably want a chance to hear (briefly) how this person thinks, approaches problems, and inspires confidence. The following questions do not have right/wrong answers, but may give you some insight into how a therapist approaches a couple: How active are you in the therapy process? Do you recommend if people should stay together or separate? If so, on what basis? What is your comfort level/experience with (as relevant): LGBTQ couples affairs or polyamory sexual abuse domestic violence addiction problems blended families step children If you had to pick, do you have an orientation toward preserving the relationship and/or toward fulfillment of individual needs? What do you do if there’s an alcohol or drug problem? We have ___ sexual problem. If that something you have experience with? What do you think helps couples improve their communication? Information that will be helpful for the therapist to know is a brief statement of the problem, how long you’ve been together, if you have sought help before, as well as your needs for scheduling. If one person is in distress, such as having suicidal thoughts, struggling with addiction, domestic violence, or having an active affair, be sure to tell the therapist during the intake call. What to Expect in Couple Therapy Theoretical orientation is a significant driver in how therapists structure their sessions. Family systems therapists perceive the couple as a system of interacting parts/humans and often believe that individual sessions detract from working with the presenting system/couple. I follow the EFT model of couple therapy. The first appointment is with both partners. Following the first session, I will meet with each of you individually for a 90 minute session to learn more about your individual concerns. After these individual sessions, all future sessions are held together. Over the course of these sessions, I will review your completed paperwork and begin to understand your patterns of interaction. We will explore your relationship and therapy goals. Fees for Couples Appointments Initial Couples Appointment, 90 minutes $250 Couples Appointment, 55 minutes $170