Telehealth Only
At this time I only offer telehealth sessions. I use Telehealth for secure, HIPPA-compliant video sessions. For video therapy to be effective you must have a computer, phone, or tablet with a strong internet connection that allows for video conferencing. You also need a private space where you can speak freely and be free from interruptions.
Myths of Therapy
For many people therapy has been a process shrouded in mystery with the assumption that the therapist possesses some magical ability to change your life. This is simply not true. While the therapy process can teach you a great deal about yourself and change the way you live your life, this is no mystical process. It takes hard work and courage as you take a deep, inward look to examine your inner world. As a therapist I will be your supportive guide and cheerleader in helping you meet your goals.
Will Therapy Instantly Make Me Feel Better?
It depends. People often report feeling better at the onset of therapy. It can often feel like a relief to share with a safe person what you are feeling and what is happening in your life, while getting positive support. However, as you examine your life and work on your goals, therapy can often bring up difficult feelings from the past or present. Often we bury our feelings and become numb when they feel overwhelming and we don’t know how to cope. In therapy the goal is to build your coping skills and help you mange these feelings in a safe way. These feelings can be difficult and unpleasant during therapy. This is normal and my job as a therapist is to help you to learn and choose new ways to perceive and cope with these difficult emotions. We will do this safely and at a pace that feels right for you.
Paying For Therapy
The Cost of Therapy is $130 for a 50 minute session and $65 for a 30 minute session . I do not accept insurance. Payments are made electronically before the session begins. I may work with individuals on a sliding scale when affordability is a barrier. Feel free to message me if you would like to discuss options.
Can I Make An Appointment If I Don’t Live In Vermont
Unfortunately at this time I am only registered to provide therapy in the state of Vermont. However, I hope that this website has resources that can be helpful for you. In most states you can dial 211 and they can help you find an appropriate therapist. Psychology Today also hosts a great site to find therapists in your area. Just follow this link: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us
What Is Therapy?
Psychotherapy is a process creating positive change in your life. Typically this consists of a 50-minute appointment once a week. The first few appointments will focus on discovering what is getting in your way and what your goals are. Depending on your goals and preferences, therapy can include examining your thought patterns and behaviors, understanding the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, learning new wellness and coping skills, and practicing skills outside of therapy. When we set goals, I will give you options of how we work together and explain how and why certain techniques are offered. We will examine your goals together and you have the final say in how you meet those goals.
Does Getting Therapy Mean I’m “Crazy?”
Absolutely not! Every single person on this planet is unique in their experiences, abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. Mental Health challenges occur for many reasons, including life circumstances, biological and genetic catalysts, past trauma, negative relationships, and sometimes life is just downright tough!
Not everyone in therapy has a mental illness. At times we all need some help when we are feeling stuck or want a safe place to explore our thoughts and feelings. And yes, many people struggle with mental heath disorders. These disorders can happen for many reasons, as listed above. However, everyone has resilience and value they can call upon to heal and cope with mental illness. Mental illness is no more a sign of weakness then having a broken arm. Ignorance and lack of understanding have caused people over the years to stigmatize those with mental illness. The fact is, folks with mental illness are fully capable of leading happy lives and often with great courage and strength.
Is Therapy Confidential?
Yes, absolutely! What you share with a therapist is protected health information. Ethically and legally a therapist cannot share your information with anyone without your permission. However, there are some exceptions to confidentiality.
If you are under the age of 18 then parents have a right to access your medical information. If parents ask for information it is my policy to discuss this with my client before disclosing information. As a client, you have the right to share your therapy experience with whom you wish.
The other major exceptions to to confidentiality involve serious threats to harm yourself or others. In these situations, I am legally obligated to notify appropriate people. Usually this means contacting the local crisis team and your emergency contact. In the case of hurting someone else I am obligated to contact that person and let them know they are in danger. This also applies to property. For example, if you share that you are planning to damage someone’s car, then I am obligated to warn them of this threat under specific circumstances.