Psychotherapy FAQ

What can I expect from my time in therapy?

Therapy is a highly individualized process that will largely depend on collaboration. Whether you have specific goals or you’re feeling lost, we will work together to come to an understanding of what you need and what you feel ready for.

The more you put into therapy, the more you will get out of it. Therapy will evolve over time as you become familiar with the process and you begin to grow. 

What kind of therapy is best for me?

There are as many types of therapy as there are colors in a paintbox. Therapy styles range from structured to unstructured, insight-oriented to solutions-focused, and skills-based to depth work. Trying to find the right one for you can feel overwhelming!

The best type of therapy for you will be one that matches your goals and your personality. This is something that we can talk through in our first few sessions, and in the meantime please read more about the different types of therapy.

I use an integrative approach which allows me to draw from many different types of therapy in order to tailor treatment to you. Please don’t hesitate to ask for more information.

How long does therapy take?

Therapy is a process and works best when you don’t put a time limit on it. However, some people will benefit more from short-term work while others will be better suited for therapy over a longer period of time. You might choose to be in therapy for months or years, and therapy will evolve and adapt with you. You may adjust your frequency of sessions over time as you need more or less of therapy. You may reach your initial goals and decide you’d like to work on something else. In short, therapy is a process! 

How will I know it’s working?

Therapeutic progress can be subtle or it can be a little more obvious. It all depends on you. Progress looks different for everyone, but you’ll know it’s working when one or more of the following is happening:

  • you feel better

  • you have a better understanding of yourself

  • you have learned more effective ways to cope

  • you have increased awareness and ability to recognize patterns in your life

  • you have made positive life changes

  • you have seen improvements in your relationships

  • you have a reduction in symptoms

  • you feel more balanced and regulated

  • you have a healthier mindset and/or worldview, or

  • you have met your goals

You may feel this internally, others may comment on the changes they see in you, or I might point out the changes I see during session. 

I heard that many therapists just listen, nod, and don’t say much. Is this true?

There are infinite ways to practice therapy. While empathic listening and holding space for you are crucial for the therapy process, I believe in an active approach. Therapy should be collaborative and conversational rather than one-sided. While it’s true that you will likely do more of the talking, getting feedback from your therapist should be a given part of the work. 

I’ve had a negative therapy experience in the past. How can I find the right therapist for me?

This is an unfortunate reality that many people have experienced. Brava to you for considering giving it another shot!

Finding the right fit is paramount to a successful therapy experience and is more about interpersonal connection than anything else. You and your therapist might be similar or different in many ways, but the right person will be easy and enjoyable to talk with. You should feel comfortable, safe, and curious to discuss your life in session. It can take time to build rapport, but you’ll know you’re in the right place if you feel seen and heard. 

What does out-of-network mean? How does billing and insurance work? 

Out-of-network means that I am not contracted with any health insurance plan. Out-of-network benefits are often provided by health insurance companies to help you pay for treatment that is not in-network.

For the billing process, you are responsible for the full fee at the time of each session. If you have out-of-network benefits, I will submit a claim on your behalf at the end of each month and you will then be reimbursed by your health insurance plan. Typically, out of network benefits cover between 50-85% of the cost of therapy. 

Do you have plans to resume in-person sessions?

My practice has permanently moved to virtual sessions. I offer several in-person weeks in Brooklyn, NY throughout the calendar year.

Can you help me with medication?

As a psychologist, I am not able to prescribe medication. However, I will provide you with referrals should you need medication management to support your therapeutic work.