FAQs
- What types of customers have you worked with?
Since 1984, Ive been providing mental health services for adults and adolescents in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings. As such, I have a varied experience with abuse, trauma, depression, grief/loss, issues of personal growth, relationships, stress, and mental illness. During that time I have also worked extensively with addictions (of all types) and related issues (co-dependency, eating disorders, alcoholism, dual diagnosis ). My responsibilities have ranged from Licensed Psychiatric Technician (where much of my experience in mental health and medications comes from), to Program Director. Currently I am in private practice, life coaching, teaching, providing clinical supervision to prelicensed therapists, providing some staff training and consultation.
- What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
In addition to a therapist having education and experience with the specific issues one is struggling with, I think it important that there be a principled, organized, practical body of material available to address specific issues. Something I do differently than some of my colleagues, in addition to a brief and free consultation over the phone, we arrange for a face to face meeting for an hour and a half (the equivalent of two sessions). I think its not enough time to try and complete an assessment within just one session. The goal is to get to know one another, and for me to do an assessment of the presenting problem(s) and history. After this meeting if we decide to work together then you would pay for both sessions. However, if I end up having to provide you with a referral to another therapist, then you dont have to pay me for that time. Its important to me to do things this way because I dont think anyone should have to pay to experiment with therapists.