What happens in therapy?
We will talk about whatever you want to talk about. But the simple process of talking or “getting it out” is only a very small part of good therapy. By discussing your concerns, we will work to better understand the causes of what is going wrong, and bring more attention to what is going right. After about 1-3 sessions, I usually have a pretty good understanding of what the central focus of therapy should be, and at this point we will work together to form a plan of action. As a psychologist, I cannot and do not prescribe medication and I do not administer any physical treatment, aside from helping you learn to breath more effectively and physically relax on your own. By talking through problems, we will work together to identify thinking and behavior patterns that lead to, for example, infidelity, a lack of intimacy, marital conflict, or anxiety. We will then use this knowledge to find more helpful ways of thinking and acting.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes. Virginia law and the rules of my profession prohibit me from revealing any information about you or what we discuss. Anything you say to me is completely confidential and will never be shared with anyone. The only exception is if you give me written permission to do so, or to prevent serious danger to yourself or others, although I will not break confidentiality if you are an adult who is currently being abused. Information is not shared with spouses or other family members without written consent from you.
How much do you charge? Do you accept insurance?
Visit my Fees and Insurance page for more information.
How long will therapy take?
This depends on the nature of your concerns and a number of other factors. Marriage counseling and treatment of problems related to sexuality can range widely in duration as some couples problems are very minor, while others are experiencing very severe, long-standing problems such as those involving repeated infidelity.
Additional Questions
I am always searching for ways to improve my level of service. If you have a question that is not addressed on this page, please contact me through my contact form.