Frequently Asked Questions

How do I schedule a free phone consultation with you?
You can call me at (301) 633-3104.  I answer my own telephone, and I have a confidential voice mail.  I offer a free phone consultation so that we can both decide together whether therapy might be helpful for you and whether I might be a good "match" for you as a therapist.

What can I expect during the first appointment?
The most important part of the first session is understanding your current concerns.  We’ll talk about why you have decided to seek therapy, and we will begin to formulate some goals.  I’ll ask questions to better clarify your current situation and your past life history.

My role as your therapist is to provide you with active listening and non-judgmental feedback.  Our sessions will be collaborative conversations.  I will help clarify your current situation, and explore your options for making positive change.

How frequent are therapy sessions?
I see most of my clients once a week; some people come more frequently in certain circumstances.  Once clients have begun to meet their therapy goals, we may taper back to meeting every other week, or even once a month.

How long does each session last?
My appointments usually last 45-60 minutes.

Is therapy confidential?
The law protects the privacy of all communications between a patient and a psychologist. In most situations, I can only release information about your treatment to others if you sign a written authorization form. There are some situations in which I am legally obligated to take action in order to prevent harm. These situations are unusual in my practice, and include the following:

1. -Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
   

2. -If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s. The therapist must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
   

3. -If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in insuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, further measures may be taken without their permission in order to ensure their safety.
   

If such a situation arises, I will make every effort to fully discuss it with you before taking any required action, and I will limit disclosure to what I believe to be legally necessary.