Holistic therapy for an inspired life.
Frequently Asked Questions
You Ask - I Answer
What is your theoretical framework or approach?
My approach is largely relational, person-centered (Rogerian), and holistic, meaning I take time to consider and stage interventions that address all aspects of my clients well-being, including spiritual, mental, emotional and physical. I firmly believe you are the expert in your own life, but I understand how your own inner wisdom can become clouded in the wake of loss, trauma and other de-centering experiences. I draw from an selection of evidence based interventions (such as cognitive-behavior therapy) and ancient contemplative practices (such as yoga) to help you integrate difficult experiences and discover the exuberance of creating a life of your choosing.
Who do you work with?
I work with individuals and couples over the age of 18 who are open to a transformative change process that requires honesty, risk, and commitment. It is sometimes necessary or beneficial to include family members or close friends in treatment and these individuals are welcome in the process as well. I have extensive experience in helping clients cope with a wide range of emotional challenges, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, addiction, trauma, and loss, to name a few. If we find your concerns fall outside the scope of my work, I will gladly refer you to a qualified colleague.
What are your rates and do you take insurance?
My standard rate is $175/session for individual counseling or coaching and $250/session for couple counseling. The group rate is $50/session, payable in 5 session blocks to support consistency and commitment in treatment. It is my goal to help make therapy accessible and sustainable for everyone. To this end, I reserve a number of slots for those clients in need of a reduced rate. Please let me know if you would like more information on this option.
I do not accept insurance for several reasons. Not doing so allows me to focus my time and energy completely on the clinical work, increases client confidentiality and privacy, and allows me to be more flexible, creative, and responsive in my treatment. As I am an independently licensed mental health counselor in Massachusetts, I am able to provide a Superbill for Massachusetts clients planning to use their health savings account or seek partial reimbursement from their insurance companies. Your insurance company will be able to tell you if this is available under your policy.
I request a minimum of 24 hours notice of cancellation. Except in the case of emergency, clients who cancel within 24 hours or fail to show up for their appointment will be charged for the cost of the service. Likewise, if I need to cancel within the 24 hour window, your next service will be free.
Do you prescribe medication?
No, but there are cases where the best mental health treatment does involve a combination of medication and therapy. Your primary care physician is a good person to begin that conversation with as they are most knowledgable about your unique medical situation and any contraindications this may mean for you. I also have relationships with several prescribing medical professionals who I would be happy to refer you to if necessary. A collaborative relationship between your primary care physician, prescriber, and therapist ensures you receive the most comprehensive and responsive care possible.
What is the difference between therapy and coaching? How do I know what's right for me?
Clients presenting with symptoms that interfere with daily functioning may qualify for a clinical diagnosis according to the DSM-5, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual published by the Americal Psychiatric Association and used by mental health professional to classify and diagnose mental health conditions. An accurate diagnosis can be deeply revelatory and offer a path forward that has been illuminated by years of psychological research and study. If symptom severity suggests a diagnosis is warranted, the course of therapy will be determined in part by which strategies and approaches clinical evidence has shown to be most effective. Also of note: licenses to practice therapy are issued by state and I hold my license in Massachusetts. The state licensing board requires my therapy clients to reside in the state of Massachusetts at the time of service. Therapy is also ideal for those looking to collaborate with other medical professionals, such as those that might be able to prescribe medication.
Coaching is a space that does not require a license and is therefore subject to far less regulation. While in some cases this can be deeply problematic (i.e. coaches that make unrealistic and sometimes dangerous promises, such as a convincing clients they can make their ex return or their twin flame fall in love with them), it also creates space for healing modalities that have been bypassed by Western medicine and honors the age old tradition of mentorship. While I use many of the same practices with my therapy and coaching clients (meditation, breathwork, yoga, narrative restructuring, etc.) coaching allows for greater range of choice and freedom in the healing journey. Coaching clients also do not receive a diagnosis and can reside anywhere in the world.