FAQs
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Typically we will talk on the phone for a free, 20-minute consultation and then schedule an initial session if it seems we may be a good fit and to discuss goals. After the initial session, if it still seems we are a good fit, we will discuss the frequency of sessions, which depends on what the goals are and what type of treatment seems best. For people dealing with trauma for whom EMDR appears to be the beat treatment, I need a weekly commitment for in person sessions. For other issues, we will likely choose weekly, in-person sessions, but there is much more freedom with frequency and there is also the possibility of meeting over video conference. We may discuss a certain number of sessions, or we may agree to see each other for a few months and check in at a particular time to assess the need for more sessions. Treatment is always adapted specifically to the client.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development with a minor in Applied Developmental Psychology, a Master of Science degree in Health Psychology and PhD in Health Psychology. I am EMDR-trained through an EMDRIA approved course. I am a licensed Resilience Coach through HeartMath, Inc. I am currently in the process of being certified in Positive Psychology through the University of Pennsylvania (I'm a life-long learner!) I have worked with people facing many types of challenges such as cancer (am also a cancer survivor myself), HIV, drug abuse, chronic pain, chronic illness, and the sudden, unexpected death of a loved one, among other things. I worked for over a decade in the field of organ donation and companioned hundreds of families through the immediate aftermath of their loved one's loss. I did also, long ago, travel the western US & Canada leading bicycle and hiking tours and I certainly learned a lot about people in that job!
- What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
I highly recommend speaking with two or three different therapists and meet at least two in person, before deciding who is the best fit for you. You never know why a therapist may be a good fit for you! It often takes meeting in person in order to know if you feel comfortable with a connected to a person. Research shows that the fit between client and therapist is responsible for almost half of the success of treatment!