Answers to Common Questions
Is therapy confidential?
I carefully protect the privacy of what you reveal, and consider the guarantee of confidentiality to be one of the most essential components of our work together.
There are a few very specific legal and ethical limits to confidentiality, which we will discuss in your first appointment. For example, if there is a clear risk that you will harm yourself or someone else, I will need to take steps to keep you and others safe. Otherwise, I will not share information about you with anyone, unless I have explicit written direction from you to do otherwise.
Do you adhere to specific ethical guidelines in your practice?
I am bound by the American Psychological Association's Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. This was written to guide psychologists in the United States. As a licensed psychologist, I have passed state and national exams that assess my knowledge of ethics, as well as federal and state laws that apply to the practice of psychology.
“Do not ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
—Howard Thurman
Different life experiences and types of issues lend themselves to different lengths of therapy. After we have met to assess your needs, I can make some recommendations to you. It is ultimately your decision as to how long you remain in therapy. We'll work on the things that are most important to you at the pace that is most comfortable for you. Some people use therapy in short durations of five to ten sessions, and others stay considerably longer. I will support you in remaining in a useful therapy, and I will support you in ending when you feel ready to do that.
How long will I need to be in therapy?
Does coming to see a psychologist mean there is something wrong with me?
Coming to see a psychologist means that you've taken stock of the fact that you're struggling. Psychology provides ways of understanding your life situation and helps you learn new strategies for your life.
Struggling is part of the human experience, and seeking help for it is a move toward health, not a reflection of illness. Just as human beings share the things that make us happy, we need to have support for our difficult times. I have training and experience in diagnosing and treating mental illness. However, most people who come to therapy do not have a psychiatric illness; they are coping with a time-limited problem that will resolve with some care.
What’s the difference between a clinical psychologist and a psychotherapist or counselor?
Clinical psychologists typically have more formal psychology training (6-8 years is common) than psychotherapists and counselors. In addition, they have been trained to use scientific measures in their work. This means that Clinical Psychologists are often focused on outcomes and using the most effective techniques for change available.
Because psychotherapists and counselors have a variety of backgrounds, it is best to inquire about their specific training and experience.
Do I need a referral to see you?
I am happy to accept self-referrals. I also accept referrals from primary care doctors, insurance companies, employee assistance programs, psychiatrists and other professionals.