Most therapists are caring people, good listeners, and have extensive training and experience in their field. Traditional therapists and counselors, however, hold to the once per week session, with little or no contact in between. I have a slightly different take on this, and I have established some policies that will help me help you.

View Of Therapy and Client
I will never treat you as just another number or a diagnosis. I see each client as an individual, and I treat the whole person. I tailor the therapy to you and your needs.

Availability Between Sessions
I encourage short "check-ins" by phone or email between weekly sessions in order for me to stay caught up with current situations in your life, or to help you get back on track with what we have been working on during sessions. These check-ins are not to foster dependence on the therapist, but to help you practice the skills you are learning or to further explore thoughts and feelings you experience after sessions. These check-ins consist of no more than 8 emails between us or a phone call lasting 10 minutes or less. I consider these to be part of the services I provide and do not charge extra for these check-ins. If, however, you need more intensive help between sessions, then I will charge for longer phone calls and we might need to schedule additional therapy sessions until you are able to manage your daily problems on your own.

Client Advocacy
I believe in advocating for my child and adolescent clients. This may mean contact by phone, letter or email with teachers, guidance counselors and school administrators, doctors, social service, or juvenile justice agencies (only at the parent/guardian's request, of course). Occasionally, I will meet with these community leaders by attending a meeting or having them come to my office. With my adult clients, I encourage them to advocate for themselves, with my help and guidance. This is an important part of self-care, and improves your assertiveness and self-esteem.

Free Initial Consultation Session
Psychotherapy and counseling, regardless of the therapist's orientation and education, is most effective when there is a good "fit" between the client and therapist. This allows for the most effective communication to take place, which lays the foundation for healthy change to take place in the client. If after talking with me on the phone, you are not fully convinced that I am the right therapist for you, I offer a free 45 minute face to face consultation in my office. Following that consultation, if you choose not to work with me, I will assist you with providing referrals for other therapists. Please let me know during our initial phone contact if you would like to try the free consultation.