FAQs

Q: What should I expect during my first therapy session?

A: The goal of therapy is to decrease distress and increase well-being—so that’s where we’ll start. We’ll talk about what’s bringing you in at this time and begin exploring what you want to focus on.

You’ll also get a feel for how I work. While the free 20-minute phone consultation gives a brief introduction, your first session offers a clearer picture — through the kinds of questions I ask, the reflections I offer, and what I’m curious about.

This session is a chance to begin building trust, start identifying your goals, and get a sense of whether I’m a good fit for your needs and style.

Q: How do I know if therapy is right for me?

A: Here are a few questions to consider as therapy progresses:

• Do you feel heard and understood?
• Do the interventions or reflections make sense to you?
• Are you beginning to feel some relief after several sessions?
• Is therapy helping you clarify your values and live in alignment with them?
• Are you gaining new perspectives or feeling more like yourself?
• Is your clarity increasing? Are your relationships improving?

If the answer to enough of these is “yes,” then you may be getting what you need from therap — and it may be worth continuing.

Q: Do you offer telehealth, and how does it work?

A: Yes — my practice is fully telehealth. Support is available no matter where you live in Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, D.C. through secure, HIPAA-compliant video sessions.

I use a platform called Sessions, through Psychology Today. Before your appointment, I’ll send you a personalized link. At the time of our session, just click the link and sign in — you’ll be placed in a virtual waiting room.

At your scheduled time, I’ll start the session and we’ll be able to see and hear each other. It’s a straightforward process, but if you have any trouble (especially with audio or video), we can troubleshoot together — usually restarting the browser or switching to Firefox helps.

Q: What types of issues do you work with?

A: I work with people navigating anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, and emotional overwhelm. I also help clients who feel stuck or uncertain about their next steps — whether they’re going through a transition, sorting out priorities, or seeking a better understanding of their values.

Grief is another area I work with often, including grief over the loss of companion animals.

Depending on your needs, I use a range of therapeutic models and techniques to support you in moving out of distress and toward clarity, balance, and meaningful change.