How does sliding scale work?

We can discuss that when you come in for your initial consultation. Generally, we assess your income bracket and what you feel able to spend on therapy and if any of my sliding scale slots are available, we can discuss the timeframe of this agreement. I often change rates yearly (by $5-10) and sliding scale is assessed at the frequency we decide together and based upon circumstances in your life. If you are able to pay more, we will revisit this agreement. 

What happens if I see you in public?

This happens more often than you think, particularly if we have any mutual connections or when in a smaller town. I leave this up to you, as you could want to say hi one day, and prefer not to another, depending on who you are with, etc. In order to protect your confidentiality with anyone you may be with at that time, I will not initiate saying hello to you, but would be more than happy to chat briefly should you decide you’d like to say hello.

Will you give me advice on what to do in situations?

I don’t generally see my role in your life as a directive presence, and giving specific advice is something I usually try to avoid. I prefer to be present with you as you ask hard questions of your life, of your past and of your current situations. I will help re-frame things in ways that hopefully help you find the answers from the inside out. Cheesy, but true.

What if I don’t know what to talk about one day or feel I won’t have enough to say in therapy?

The fun thing about therapy, is that everything is up for grabs. If you are feeling anxious about talking and feeling that there is nothing to talk about one day, we can start by talking about that feeling and see where it takes us. The thing is, we are all complex, beautifully unique souls and if we have started to believe along the way that we are boring and don’t have anything important to talk about in therapy… well, then that is a beautiful beginning place for the work to unfold. 

What kind of timeline should I expect?

This varies greatly person to person. I would say I generally work with people for at least a year, and 3 years is maybe the average time I spend with someone in therapy. I’ve seen people for up to 8 years, and as a little as a few months. We are ever-unfolding, complex beings, so I believe we could all be in some kind of therapy/self-discovery our whole lives. However, I won’t try to trick you into staying longer than you’d like. We will co-create the kind of therapy you are needing and the timeline that is right for you. 

What if you don’t take my insurance? 

We will either assess if you are a candidate for sliding scale fees and you can begin with a sliding scale rate, or we will meet for the full amount and I will provide an EOB at the end of every month for you to submit to your insurance company for Out-of-Network benefits. It is up to you to be in touch with you insurance agency to determine what Out-of-Network Benefits you are eligible for. 

What if I decide after a few sessions that therapy isn’t working?

If you are beginning to feel that things aren’t working for you or you are unhappy with what I am offering, I would be more than happy to talk about that. I often find those conversations to be very fruitful, in and of themselves. Occasionally, this may mean that I’m not the best fit for you and I will offer some names of other therapists. I generally find that when we are able to talk openly and directly, even these conversations can propel the therapy forwards and bring things to light in unique ways.