FAQs

I’ve never talked to anyone before. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?

Not at all. Reaching out for support takes courage, insight, and strength. Therapy isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign that you’re ready to understand yourself more deeply and make meaningful changes. Everyone needs help at different points in life, and therapy is a safe space to work through challenges with guidance and support.

What’s the difference between talking to you and talking to a friend or family member?

Friends and family can offer care and encouragement, but therapy provides something different. As a trained mental health professional, I offer a confidential, neutral, and non-judgmental space focused entirely on you.

Therapy helps you gain new perspectives, learn practical tools, and explore difficult emotions without worrying about burdening someone you care about or affecting personal relationships. Everything shared in therapy remains confidential.

Is therapy confidential?

Yes. Confidentiality is a foundational part of therapy. What you share in sessions stays private, with very limited legal exceptions related to safety. This allows you to speak openly and honestly without fear of judgment or exposure. Confidentiality policies will be discussed in detail during your first session.

Why shouldn’t I just take medication?

Medication can be helpful for some individuals and may be an important part of treatment. However, medication alone often doesn’t address the underlying emotional, behavioral, or relational issues contributing to distress.

Therapy focuses on understanding patterns, developing coping skills, and building long-term strategies for growth. For many people, a combination of therapy and medication offers the most comprehensive support.

How does therapy work? What do I have to do in sessions?

Therapy is a collaborative and personalized process. Because everyone’s experiences and goals are unique, sessions are tailored to your specific needs.

Together, we may explore thoughts, emotions, behaviors, past experiences, and current stressors. There’s no pressure to have everything figured out—showing up and being open is enough. You set the pace.

What if I don’t know what to talk about?

That’s completely okay and very common. You don’t need to have the “right words” or a clear agenda. I’ll help guide the conversation and ask questions to help uncover what feels most important to address. Sometimes the most meaningful work starts with simply sharing how you’re feeling in the moment.

How long will therapy take?

There’s no universal timeline for therapy. The length of treatment depends on your goals, the challenges you’re facing, and how you’d like to use therapy.

Some people come for short-term support around a specific issue, while others choose longer-term therapy for deeper personal growth. We’ll regularly check in about your progress and adjust our approach as needed.

How often will we meet?

Most clients attend weekly sessions, especially at the beginning. As progress is made, some choose to meet biweekly or adjust the frequency. We’ll work together to find a schedule that supports your needs and fits your life.

What if therapy brings up uncomfortable emotions?

Therapy can sometimes bring up difficult or uncomfortable feelings—but you won’t face them alone. Part of the process is learning how to sit with, understand, and move through emotions safely and at your own pace. Many clients find that working through these emotions leads to relief, clarity, and greater emotional resilience over time.

What if I’ve tried therapy before and it didn’t help?

It’s not uncommon to have mixed or disappointing experiences with therapy in the past. Every therapist and therapeutic relationship is different. If you’ve tried therapy before, we can talk about what worked, what didn’t, and what you’re hoping for this time so we can approach things differently and more intentionally.

How do I know if you’re the right therapist for me?

A strong therapeutic relationship is one of the most important factors in effective therapy. It’s okay to ask questions, share concerns, and notice how you feel during sessions. Many clients find that feeling heard, respected, and understood is a good sign that therapy is a good fit.

I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?

Your willingness to engage in the process is key. Being honest, showing up consistently, and practicing skills or reflections between sessions can make a meaningful difference. Progress takes time, and being patient and compassionate with yourself is an important part of the journey.

What’s the first step to getting started?

Getting started is simple. Reach out to schedule an initial appointment or consultation. During the first session, we’ll talk about what’s bringing you to therapy, answer any questions you have, and begin outlining a path forward together.