Frequently Asked Questions

Where being different is always WELCOME!

What is therapy?

All types of Psychotherapy, whether the therapist is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, a Licensed Creative Art Therapist or Licensed Clinical Social Worker, is a process where you and a professional helper come together once a week in a safe environment and together examine your specific concerns, your feelings, your behaviors, your ability to form healthy relationships and your awareness of your true self. Once you identify what you want to work on, you will be able to set goals and with the support and guidance of a trusted therapist make those goals a reality.

The most important indicator of growth and healing in therapy is the relationship between the client and the therapist. If the connection between client and therapist is genuine and is based on trust, honesty, mutual respect and acceptance a client will grow and become the healthiest version of his/her self.

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

Choosing a therapist is a very important decision. The relationship that you form with your therapist will determine how effective the therapeutic process will be. A client needs to feel safe, comfortable and understood. When you choose a therapist, you are looking for a highly skilled individual, but you should not feel intimidated or judged in any way. You need to feel unconditional acceptance from the therapist. Education and expertise are required but neither of those assets mean that the therapist and the client are not equals.

You can use your initial phone consultation to assess your comfort level with a therapist and to ask her/him any questions that you need answered.

Is going to therapy a sign of weakness? Other people solve their own problems. Am I defective or crazy?

Making the decision to seek out therapy isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a wise act of self-care to reach out for support from professionals when there’s a challenge you need help with. You’d reach out to a doctor for help setting your broken bone or to a lawyer if you needed help filing divorce paperwork, wouldn’t you? When it comes to your mental and emotional health it’s no different. Reaching out for professional support is an act of self-care to address the challenges you’re facing.

Do you have expertise in working with issues like mine?

I invite you to read more about my areas of expertise here and if you would like more information about whether or not my skills would be a good match for you at this time, contact me so we can set up a complimentary 20-minute phone call.

What type of clients do you work with?

I work with individuals, couples and families of all ethnicities and lifestyles. My clients are children, adolescents, adults and seniors. People from diverse professions, gender expressions, sexual orientations, family backgrounds and varying lifestyles. I work with any person who is in pain and ready to work through the suffering.

Do you accept insurance?

I do accept some insurances that allow out of network therapy visits. I am also happy to provide itemized receipts for your insurance company for your out-of-network therapy benefits if you prefer to submit them yourself to the company.

Do you do online video sessions?

I offer both telehealth (phone sessions) and video therapy (online) sessions. I am currently working with several individuals who need to rely on teletherapy or online video therapy.

What is the cost per session?

Please contact me by phone at 585-766-8800 to learn more about my fees.

What is unique about the training of a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist?

A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist has the skill set needed to help individuals, couples and families. These therapists receive extensive training in systemic approaches that view relationships, families and individuals as a part of the system. Couple systems, family systems and systems that society requires individuals to be a part of, can be examined and the therapist can help restore balance to individuals, between members of a couple and among members of a family.

How often do I need to attend therapy sessions?

I see clients on a weekly basis. The therapeutic relationship must be a strong relationship that is built on trusting and caring, to insure that the process is successful. Meeting weekly creates a framework that will allow you to grow and change. You come to therapy to work with a professional helper so that you can reach your therapeutic goals, not to visit with the therapist. In my experience, meeting less frequently and consistently turns the process into you only reporting what you experienced since the last session, instead of working with the therapist to reach your therapeutic goals.

How do you work with a client?

As your therapist, I provide you with a safe space where you can feel comfortable enough to be yourself and to speak freely without judgment. Together we can discover your unique self and be able to identify and understand your needs, thoughts, feelings, concerns and passions. The most important person you will ever meet is YOU and every one of us has a unique set of instructions the inside to help us get to know who we are. As a therapist, my style is to be accepting, attentive, caring, challenging, direct and honest, I am honored to work with you as my client and I respect your concerns and struggles.

How long will I need therapy? How will I know when I’m done?

There is no way to determine how long your therapeutic process will take. Every individual is different. Together we will determine the acuteness of your issues and we will know when you have achieved the outcome that you desire.