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Common Queries
Do you assign homework, activities, or readings for me to do between sessions? Why or why not?
During our sessions, we may explore specific skills or topics, and I often encourage clients to apply these learnings to their daily lives or to review related articles between sessions. The amount and type of homework assigned are always tailored to each individual client. Whenever I do assign homework, I make a point to check in with the client's feelings about the task. I aim to avoid adding unnecessary stress, and if a client feels overwhelmed by the assignment, we reassess its value. Conversely, some clients are enthusiastic about engaging in out-of-session work and may even request additional assignments. Regardless of a client's preference, I am open and accepting, always keeping their unique needs and goals in mind.
How can you tell if I am benefiting from working with you?
Do you ever find yourself grappling with questions like, "Why did I do that?" or "Why did I say that?" It's normal to feel curious about our motivations and actions; together, we can work to uncover the answers. Through our work together, we'll aim to better understand what drives your behavior and why you are the way you are.
As we progress, you'll notice that you gain greater self-awareness and insight into your own patterns and tendencies. Ultimately, my goal is to empower you to take control of your life and make choices that align with your values and aspirations. When you feel more grounded, self-assured, and in tune with your own inner workings, you'll know that your work together is having a positive impact.
How do your own core values shape your approach to therapy?
At the heart of my approach to therapy are two core values: authenticity and connection. I firmly believe that connection is the key to meaningful relationships with others and our own stories, memories, and identities. We can feel adrift, unfulfilled, and disconnected from our true selves without connection. In order to foster genuine connection, it's essential first to know, understand, and embrace who we are. That's why I'm committed to helping my clients unpack their unique identities and explore what makes them thrive. By embracing their authentic selves, my hope is that clients will be empowered to reconnect with their inner strength and build more fulfilling relationships in all areas of their lives.
How participatory are you during sessions?
I adapt my level of participation to each individual client, recognizing that what works well for one person may not be the best approach for another. For some clients, more verbal engagement and guidance may be helpful, while for others, a more laid-back approach can be more effective.
As a therapist, I aim to create a safe and supportive space where clients feel empowered to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences at their own pace. Sometimes this involves taking a more active role in the conversation, while other times it means holding space for the client to lead the way.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to remain flexible and open to the client's needs and preferences. Over time, we may use a combination of approaches to best support the client's growth and progress.
How much do you share about yourself during our time together and why?
At the core of my therapeutic approach is the belief that a strong and trusting relationship between therapist and client is essential for successful therapy. The therapeutic alliance serves as a reflection of the client's relationships outside of the therapy room. I aim to help clients build healthy attachments by modeling healthy communication, empathy, and respect.
I value creating a safe and supportive space where clients feel heard, seen, and valued. To that end, I am committed to fostering a collaborative and authentic relationship with each client. While I maintain appropriate boundaries, I am willing to share about myself or related experiences if I believe it will benefit the client and our relationship.
By building a solid therapeutic alliance, we can work together to address the client's challenges and achieve their goals for therapy. Whether it involves exploring past traumas, developing coping strategies, or navigating interpersonal relationships, I am committed to supporting each client's unique journey toward healing and growth.
How often will I need to attend therapy?
At the start of our work together, we typically schedule one session per week to establish a strong foundation for growth and progress. As we move forward and the client gains new insights and skills, we may gradually decrease the frequency of sessions to every other week, monthly, or even less frequently, as needed.
What can I expect during a therapy session?
As your therapist, you can expect a warm, compassionate, and collaborative approach to therapy. I believe that every client is unique, so I tailor my therapeutic approach to meet your individual needs and goals. I draw on a variety of modalities, including Internal Family Systems, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Psychodynamic theory, to help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and move towards positive change.
In our sessions, we'll work together to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a non-judgmental and supportive environment. Depending on your needs and preferences, we may use a range of techniques such as exploring your patterns and tendencies, identifying and working with your parts, guided meditation, and occasional journaling.
My ultimate goal is to empower you to take ownership of your own growth and progress, and to support you in making positive changes that align with your unique values and aspirations. I am always open to learning about new modalities or techniques that may be beneficial for you, and welcome your input and feedback throughout our work together.
I am committed to creating a safe and supportive space where you feel heard, seen, and valued. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process, and I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals for therapy.
How do you ensure confidentiality and privacy?
As a therapist, confidentiality, and privacy are of utmost importance in my practice. I take several steps to ensure that your personal information and therapy sessions are kept confidential and secure.
First, I adhere to all legal and ethical guidelines regarding confidentiality and privacy. This means that I am bound by law to protect your personal information and to keep our sessions confidential unless there is a legal or ethical reason to break confidentiality (such as suspected child abuse or harm to yourself or others).
I also take steps to ensure the security of your personal information. This includes securely storing any records or notes related to our sessions, using secure communication methods for scheduling and other administrative tasks, and taking reasonable measures to protect electronic records from unauthorized access or disclosure.
During our sessions, I can answer any questions regarding confidentiality and privacy you may have. I also work with clients to establish clear boundaries around confidentiality, such as discussing who else may have access to information about your therapy and under what circumstances.
Can’t find the answer to your question? Reach out, and I will get back to you as soon as possible.