The only way to know for sure is to come in for a session. Most people have a good sense of whether I am right for them within the first or second session. I have tried to provide you with a sense of who I am in my website but there is no substitute for a one on one in-person session. I am happy to provide a 10 to 15-minute phone conversation to answer any questions about my approach or preparation for counseling.

I provide counseling for adult individuals, couples, and adolescents or young adults. In sum, I work with all ages except for kids 12 years and under. In regards to individual therapy my focus is on anxiety, depression, and trauma. However, I have also helped individuals with situational issues surrounding these topics such as loss and grief, transitional issues such as retirement, and other life changes. In terms of couples therapy I help couples who feel disconnected and hopeless. I help couples find meaning and connection, giving them a framework by which to understand each other and themselves. They begin to understand their attachment needs, fears, and sadness associated with their sense of disconnection. Finally, I work with young people to help them understand themselves better and then feel better.

There are important differences between those therapists who are licensed and those people who call themselves therapists but who are not licensed that have to do with education, training, and accountability.  A Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and other licensed therapists have a set of strict standardized requirements they must complete including a 4-year bachelor’s degree generally in psychology along with a 2-year master’s program accredited in counseling. Before reaching a special status as a counselor they must be under supervision for 3,000 hours not to exceed 3 years. Upon completing the requirements to become licensed the therapist must take continuing education units every year to stay current on counseling skills and knowledge.  A licensed therapist also follows a strict code of ethics and he or she is accountable to a State Board who oversees each therapist, should the therapist conduct themselves in a non-ethical manner. Individuals who refer to themselves as counselors or therapists without a license have no oversight and do not have to be accountable to a State board.

Generally, my approach is rather eclectic in nature, drawing from a variety of approaches from my formal education, my readings and training, and my professional and sometimes personal experiences. For couples therapy, I use an attachment-focused approach found in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), along with Gottman and Imago therapies. In terms of my approach for individuals, I use a combination of attachment-based therapy such as Sensory Motor therapy and mindfulness with client-centered and systems therapy. I will also draw from other approaches to a lesser degree such as psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral and Morita therapy (Morita therapy mindfulness therapy based in Japan). For trauma, I use EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Recovery), Brain Spotting and sensory-motor therapy.

The session length is approximately 53 to 55 minutes, lasting just under an hour or about 80 minutes for a longer session lasting just under an hour and a half. Insurance only pays for a 53-minute session and not for the longer sessions. The length of the session determines the cost.

The usual and customary charge for the first session is $180 and subsequent sessions are $160 for a 55-minute session if the client chooses to pay out of pocket. The charge for an 80-minute session is $225. Individuals who use insurance are subject to limitations of the specific rules, for example insurance only pays for a 53-minute session although most sessions last 55 minutes.

I require a full 48-hour advance notice for any cancelations and without that advanced notice the client will be charged for the full cost of a 55-minute session, which equals $160. The first cancelation without prior notice will not be charged, but subsequently all late notices will be charged.

Licensed therapists are legally bound to privacy and confidentiality standards outlined in the Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor code of ethics. There is a board that oversees all licensed therapists and a therapist can lose their license if he or she violates the code of ethics among other consequences.  

There are several limits to confidentiality that should be noted. Confidentiality limits include the following:  

1) In the event, the person is in imminent danger of harming themselves or others.

2) When a therapist is subpoenaed by a judge in a court of law.

3) When the client is using insurance to pay for services and the insurance company requires clinical documentation.    

Other than the exceptions noted above, therapist information can only be shared after the client has provided written permission to share information.

Finally, in regards to promoting trust, it is recognized that the therapist-client relationship is privileged in one sense regarding confidentiality and at the same time limited. It is recognized that a client seeking help is at risk of being vulnerable and therefore, the therapist shall avoid a dual role relationship or conflict of interest. For example, the therapist cannot be a friend and a therapist, and cannot be an employer and a therapist. The therapist cannot in absolute terms engage in romantic or sexual relations with the client.