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Common Questions
Does therapy work?
Yes, therapy "works". Numerous research studies on psychotherapy have found significant positive effects across most psychological conditions. The results of psychotherapy also tend to last longer and are less likely to require additional treatment compared to psychopharmacological treatments. Clients report that the benefits are gleaned from therapy not only endured but continued to improve following therapy completion ("Recognition of Psychotherapy Effectiveness," Policy, American Psychological Association, August 2012). More recently, newer treatments have become available, including Blindspotting, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), and neurofeedback. Please feel free to look into these therapies as an adjunct to psychotherapy and to learn more.
Resources (partial list): Abbass, A., Kisley, S., & Kroenke, K. (2006), Systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 78, 265-274 Chorpita, B.F., et al. (2011), Evidence-based treatments for children and adolescents: An updated review of indicators of efficacy and effectiveness Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 18: 154-172 Holton, S.D., Stewart, M.O. & Strunk, D. (2006), Enduring effects for cognitive behavior therapy in the treatment of depression and anxiety. Annual Review of Psychology, 57, 285-315
How can therapy help me?
Psychotherapy is a healing practice designed to provide symptom relief, enhance quality of life, improve functioning in work/school and relationships, reduce future symptoms, improve adjustment and adaptation, and increase the likelihood of making healthy life choices. The process of psychotherapy includes many techniques to bring about change. One key component is the client-therapist relationship, which I value as an integral part of therapy. Developing a strong therapeutic connection creates a safe and accepting space so that clients are able to connect with areas of emotional pain, learn to observe themselves openly and begin relating to their pain with stronger internal resources to start the healing process. I am trained in multiple therapy techniques, including Cognitive/Behavioral (CBT), Relational and Self Psychology, and EMDR, all of which are used to produce changes in thought, emotion, awareness and functioning to ultimately create a greater sense of wholeness and knowing oneself. Each technique is effective within the context of a safe, consistent and warm therapeutic relationship.
Is medication a substitute?
Medication can be very helpful and is highly effective in the treatment of certain psychiatric disorders. Some clients prefer to give psychotherapy a try before determining their need for medication; others elect to pursue psychotherapy in lieu of medication. Many studies support psychotherapy as an effective treatment for certain conditions; other research advocates a combination of psychotherapy and medication to achieve positive results. Natural substances, including vitamin D, folate, NAC, and fish oil also have research to support their benefits. Broad spectrum "bright' lights additionally have been shown to effect help mood. In the first few sessions, I assess a client's history, symptoms, and symptom severity before recommending a treatment plan. Clients and I discuss these recommendations and decide together how best to proceed. When an evaluation recommends medication, I am happy to speak with the client's Physician/PA/NP and/or psychiatrist to better assist in the treatment process (with the client's written permission). A medical recommendation is never made without careful consideration of the benefits and side effects at issue for the client. While medication alone can be helpful, individuals commonly benefit from adjunct psychotherapy, where they learn about themselves, their emotions and acquire tools to better cope with and manage their lives. The length of treatment may be brief or long-term, depending on the issues being addressed.
Isn't it a crutch?
Psychotherapy is a treatment that requires a willingness to look at oneself and one's life honestly. It takes courage to "look in the mirror" and address rather than avoid the issues at hand. I view therapy as the opposite of a "crutch" as it requires effort, hard work, commitment, and honesty.
Do you accept insurance?
Therapy is an investment of time, emotions, and finances to reap the benefits. I am an In-Network provider for Aetna, Cigna, and Medicare. I am an Out-of-Network provider for most other PPO insurance. It is helpful to check with your insurance directly or confirm on their website that I am in your network, or you can use your Out-of-Network benefits. For HMO and Out of Network PPO insurance, the client is responsible for payment at the time of session.