Is therapy right for me/ How can it help me?
Seeking out therapy is an individual choice. There are many reasons why people come to therapy. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing psychological issues, or problems with anxiety or depression. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one's life such as a divorce or work transition. Many seek the advice of therapists as they pursue their own personal exploration and growth. Working with a therapist can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Therapy can help address many types of issues including depression, anxiety, conflict, grief, stress management, body-image issues, and general life transitions. Therapy is right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards change in their lives.

What is therapy like?
Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific goals. It is standard for therapists to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts around fifty minutes. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors. It is important to process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life between sessions. For therapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions. People seeking psychotherapy are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in their lives. Here are some things you can expect out of therapy:

• Compassion, respect and understanding

• Perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and negative feelings

• Real strategies for enacting positive change

• Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance

What is Walk & Talk Therapy?
I specialize in a unique form of therapy called Walk and Talk Therapy which combines traditional talk therapy with the physical exercise of walking. The client receives the benefit from mental health therapy, while at the same time receiving the benefits of physical exercise—a powerful two-in-one treatment. A number of studies have demonstrated a positive relationship between exercise and mental health The simple act of walking while talking out life's issues creates an environment of possibility and change.
The emphasis in Walk and Talk Therapy is on the therapy, and the walking is a secondary benefit. You should not expect an extremely strenuous workout or any sort of personal training.

Is medication a substitute for therapy?
In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. Working with your medical doctor you can determine what's best for you. It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness.

Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work?
I am an out-of-network provider for most other plans. To determine if you have mental health coverage, the first thing you should do is check with your insurance carrier. Check your coverage carefully and find the answers to the following questions:
What are my out-of-network, outpatient mental health benefits?
What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?
How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?



Is there any reason not to use my out-of-network insurance? 
Most people’s initial thought is that it’s better to use your insurance to pay for your therapy rather than private pay or Fee-For-Service. Here are some reasons why many clients choose not to use their insurance.



When insurance companies pay for mental health, they require a mental health diagnosis in order to justify the “medical necessity” for your therapy. This also gives them control to dictate how many sessions of therapy you are allowed and rights to see your treatment goals and assessments. They also have the authority to stop paying for your sessions for various reasons and sometimes future insurance benefits may be denied based on your previous diagnosis.

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Self-Pay clients have more privacy, flexibility and control over their therapy. Clients can chose their therapist based on a personal connection and personal needs. All treatment plans, goals and duration of therapy are decided between therapist and client. Without the third party involved, only you and your therapist have access to your mental health records. This allows you greater control over the privacy of your therapy.



Is therapy confidential?
In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and psychotherapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client.
However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:
Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The therapist is required to notify the police.
If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.