A. I appreciate you visiting! To begin, we should arrange an introductory call or video meeting at a time that suits us both. During this call, I'll ask you some questions about your reasons for seeking therapy, your past therapy experiences, if any, your expectations, and practical details/matters like whether you plan to use insurance or pay privately, as well as your scheduling preferences. You are also welcome to ask me about my therapeutic approach, how I work, and my experience.
Q. I am curious about what therapy would look like? What are the steps that I need to take to start working with you?
A. If we decide to move forward, I will send you an introductory email with instructions and the necessary forms to complete and sign before our first therapy session. Once the paperwork is completed, you will be sent a link to the platform where our sessions will take place at the agreed-upon time and date.
Q. What happens next?
A. The focus of our first session can vary based on your current situation. Sometimes, new clients are experiencing significant/high levels of anxiety or depression. Under these circumstances, we may dive directly into therapeutic work. Conversely, if they are in a calmer/more stable/tranquil state of mind, we might use the initial sessions to explore their background, therapy goals, and the reasons they are seeking help. In either case, we'll discuss the diagnosis, treatment plan, appointment frequency, and whether I can effectively support you. If it turns out that I'm not the right fit for your needs, I will do my best to provide referrals or to assist you with other resources.
Q. What happens during our first therapy session?
A. During our therapy sessions, you will bring whatever is on your mind from that day, week or from your past. I prefer to focus on meaningful conversations rather than small talk, using our precious 55 minutes time wisely. I am curious about your life, your professional work or your academic studies. I’m interested in your experiences, dreams, struggles, fears, and interests, such as the books you read, the music you enjoy or the art you create. I may ask questions to better understand your life and I can offer insights, perspectives or advice if you’re interested. Otherwise, I will listen attentively to you.
Q. If we decide to continue working together, what would a therapy session look like?
Q. What type of clients do you work with?
A. My approach is psychodynamic and psychoanalytically informed, meaning we’ll work together to uncover the underlying meanings and patterns in your thoughts and behaviors that might be contributing to your personal problems/issues/challenges. By understanding these connections and patterns, therapy can bring relief, help alleviate confusion, clarify what is helpful or unhelpful, and identify potential changes in your life.
Q. What does it mean that your therapeutic work is psychoanalytically informed? What does it look like?
A. I typically work with clients on a long-term basis, which may involve ongoing sessions over several years. We would meet at least once a week, ideally twice, and more frequently if needed.
Q. How long does the therapy take and how often should I come?
A. I am in-network with Premera, LifeWise, Aetna, and Regence. For out-of-network clients, I can provide a Superbill each month for potential reimbursement from your insurance provider. Couple's therapy is private pay.
Q. Are you taking insurance?
A. My cancellation policy is 48 hours.
Q. What’s your cancellation policy?
A. My top specialties are Anxiety, Depression, Trauma and Complex PTSD. I have experience in working with a variety of mental health issues: Bipolar condition, Disordered Eating, Grief & Loss, Self Esteem, Life Transitions, Spirituality, Women's & Men's Issues.
Q. What are your top specialties and areas of expertise?
A. In my work with couples, I’m drawing my inspiration from the principles developed by Esther Perel, and I’m looking at the following categories:
When in couple therapy, my recommendation is to be in individual therapy as well, because the work can be disruptive, and it might be tremendously helpful to have your own space to process whatever might surface into couple’s therapy.
- Conflict – the habitual patterns and the responses you might have; how to metamorphosize conflict into connection.
- How you are as individual personalities and what do you bring into your relationship. I will meet with you individually at the beginning of our work together.
- What are the expectations about your partnership/marriage and what are your roles in your relationship.
- How to play with desire and in some scenarios how to bring desire back.
When in couple therapy, my recommendation is to be in individual therapy as well, because the work can be disruptive, and it might be tremendously helpful to have your own space to process whatever might surface into couple’s therapy.
Q. How do you work with couples?
A. I work very well with clients who are curious and motivated to explore and understand themselves, their lives, and their inner conflicts.
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