Frequently Asked Questions

Here and Wow Therapy Specifics

  • "In the here and now, we can touch the wonders of life.” - Thich Nhat Hanh (Vietnamese Buddhist monk and peace activist)

    "Life is now. There was never a time when your life was not now, nor will there ever be." - Eckhart Tolle

    "The past is over, the future has not yet come. Be present in the here and now." - Fritz Perls (Founder of Gestalt Therapy)

    Simply put: Because it sounds like here and now, one of my favorite concepts in therapy (and a central pillar of many reflective therapeutic practices). The here and now exists in contrast to the there and then, where our anxieties live. It's a breath of fresh air. It's where we slow down, put down the weight, and get to know ourselves. It’s where fear steps aside so connection, change, and healing happen. I changed now to wow to honor the wonder and delight that comes when we dive into reality.

    Encountering the here and now may not be pleasant at first; it entails sitting with everything the present moment holds, from unwanted sadness and grief to bittersweet joy. This is not easy, nor is it something we can rush. It takes time to trust that we can handle it. The therapist-client relationship makes this encounter more tolerable. Welcome to the here and wow.

  • Ultimately, the extent of the help I can provide depends on a few things:

    • Your willingness to engage in therapeutic work and commit to self-knowledge, even when painful.

    • Whether my expertise matches your needs.

    • Our rapport, which is built through the first few sessions.

    The first step to assessing our fit is to check out my website and specialties. If something resonates with you, reach out for an initial 20-min call.

    If a topic is beyond my scope (such as active addiction, persistent severe mental illness such as psychosis or schizophrenia, or couples therapy), I will refer you to a qualified colleague.

  • Learn more about my individual therapy specialties here.

    Regardless of the presenting issue, I work best with clients who are looking for self-knowledge and self-acceptance.

  • No. I am primarily a Gestalt therapist. Gestalt Therapy, like other humanistic therapies, is not particularly directive, due to its emphasis on fostering self-awareness, personal responsibility, and autonomy in clients. This approach believes that individuals have the inherent capacity to discover solutions to their own problems within themselves.

    Rather than give advice, I ask questions and provide education to help clients make the most informed choices possible.

    While this non-directive approach may feel uncomfortable at times (“Just tell me what to do!”), it is in service to your awareness and personal development.

General Therapy Questions

  • These letters (LPC, LCSW, LMFT, PsyD, PhD, or MD) indicate a therapist’s specific credentials, training, and licensure within their field of practice.  I am an LPC, or Licensed Professional Counselor. This designation signifies that I have met the necessary education, experience, and examination requirements to practice counseling in Pennsylvania. My licensure enables me to provide mental health therapy for a variety of individuals and presenting issues. In addition to my existing training, I seek out continuing education and certifications to enhance my practice.  I am not a medical doctor/psychiatrist, so I do not prescribe medication.  If appropriate, I may consult with a client’s existing medical team or refer clients to a licensed psychiatrist for evaluation. 

    Research shows that the relationship between the client and the therapist (aka their “therapeutic alliance”) is an extremely important part of a client’s experience, and letters are not necessarily predictive of outcome.  If you are not sure what therapist or therapy is “right” for you, start with those you believe you can build a relationship, regardless of letters.

  • Everybody’s reasons for seeking out a therapist are different. If you’ve come this far reading through my website, you’re likely more than ready to take action. While some people may seek help for conditions causing an interruption in their lives, such as anxiety and depression, others may need to deal with trauma from childhood or a specific event. There’s no right or wrong reason to go to therapy or even when to begin. Most people turn to a therapist when they’re in crisis or have not found a solution on their own, or they’ve tried a variety of things and therapy is their last resort. 

    I know that therapy is beginning to “work” when the initial crisis has resolved and the intensity of the presenting issue that brought us together is over. Therapy provides an opportunity for you to build a new relationship with yourself, regain a sense of choice in your life, and build self-awareness towards a more complete and whole version of yourself. 

  • This doesn’t have an easy answer. Some people come in, dig deep on one specific thing, and wrap up their work in 6-8 sessions. Others come in with a number of challenges that have been going on for years or decades and that takes time to address.

    My goal isn’t to keep you in therapy forever. My job is to help you grow awareness of your circumstances, make the changes you are wanting, and help you move forward in your life.  This takes as long as we determine it takes.

    Termination of therapy can be initiated by either the client or the therapist for a variety of reasons: Conclusion of salient issues, financial changes, relocation (I can only see clients in Pennsylvania), lack of therapeutic fit due to content beyond my scope, or irreparable therapeutic rupture. As I discuss in the intake session with a new client, I ask clients to schedule a final exit therapy before terminating therapy, rather than ghosting.

  • Sometimes you will start to feel “worse” after beginning therapy. These feelings are often associated with us uncovering and revealing parts of your life that have been pushed down, cut off, or which you’ve kept very well hidden. Sharing these parts of yourself can be scary and unsettling, even overwhelming. Please know this is part of the process. You and I will work together to ensure you are safe and have methods in place to handle emotions when they arise. As you begin to transform, it’s possible the environment around you will react. At times, this causes conflicts with friends, family, and loved ones, because the way you show up in their lives may start to change. This is normal and again, something we will make sure you have the support you need and tools to adapt to as the need arises.

  • Due to the ephemeral nature of the here and now/wow, as well as the unique individuals that we are, no two sessions of therapy are the same, even for the same client.

    Some of the interventions I use are: talking, role play, experiments, grounding, somatic experiencing, needs/feelings literacy, mindfulness, and more.

    There will be times that come up in our relationship when you’re going to want to bail out. It’s my job to help identify these moments and sit with you in the discomfort of what’s present and lean in. This is when the magic of therapy happens. Most people in your life will avoid what’s uncomfortable. By contrast, as your therapist, I’m not going to short-change you by avoiding what needs to be addressed. You deserve a therapist who dares greatly to show up with you; someone who sees you and remains present, constant, and consistent, and who operates from a place of willingness and awareness.

  • I see clients weekly, biweekly, or monthly, depending on your needs. This is discussed in the discovery call and intake session. Session frequency can change if we agree to it. Please be aware that I have a small practice, so I do not have time in my schedule to accommodate last-minute or frequent changes.

  • The discovery call is a 20-min introduction to each other. I will ask you about your reasons for seeking therapy, share my approach, and answer any questions you have. We will also talk about the logistics of my practice and whether it fits your schedule and budget.

    During the discovery call, we are both testing the waters about whether we want to move forward. I encourage you to research a variety of therapists that may be a fit for you. If we both see a fit, we will move to the intake session.

  • The intake session is our first session and takes around 90 minutes. We discuss your history (mental health, substance use, medical, family/social, safety concerns), review my practice policies, complete a safety/crisis plan, discuss any relevant mental health diagnoses and assessments, and discuss your goals for therapy.

  • I ask that all clients arrive on time for all of their sessions so that we may utilize our time together as efficiently and effectively as possible.

    I do not charge for appointments cancelled or rescheduled more than 24 hours in advance.

    You will be charged the full rate if you:

    • do not show to your appointment.

    • cancel your appointment less than 24 hours in advance.

    • arrive more than 15 minutes late.

    • report that you are out-of-state (if telehealth).

    • attempt to join your session (if telehealth) while driving or from an area that is not private and are unable to appropriately relocate to a safe/private space.

    The credit or debit card that you have on file will be charged the same day of your missed session. The only exceptions to these above circumstances are emergencies (e.g. sudden illness, family death, child illness or childcare crisis) that can be verified and/or if you would endanger yourself by trying to attend a session (e.g. driving on icy or snow-covered roads).

    For both telehealth and in-person sessions, I respectfully ask that all clients show up to session without using substances that day so that we can maximize our time together. If it becomes apparent that you are impaired due to substances, I will end the session.

Locations

  • Online therapy is a popular alternative to meeting in the office. There's no commute, parking hassles, or travel time to factor into your schedule. Clients are less restricted geographically in their search for the right fit, and health and safety issues are minimized. Video sessions make it possible to join from a comfortable and familiar location where it may be easier to open up—or to get emotional support from a pet. 

    Research shows that both telehealth and in-person have equal effectiveness.

    To optimize your telehealth experience, you will need a strong WiFi signal or wired internet connection. Headphones will increase privacy.

  • We meet, we walk, and we talk! All outdoor sessions take place in Wissahickon Park in Northwest Philadelphia, starting at Blue Bell Park (or another trailhead, if it makes sense).

    Meeting in an outdoor setting is peaceful, energizing, and allows for more spaciousness and free expression. A natural setting provides ample materials and metaphor for expression and growth.

    This walk is not intended for exercise purposes (we will not walk so hard that we cannot talk easily), but for therapeutic purposes - using nature as a co-therapist. We will take breaks and/or choose a spot to sit and talk.

    Walk-and-talks have special considerations: While our conversation is confidential, both client and therapist must acknowledge that we can encounter wildlife, dogs (leashed and unleashed), eavesdropping others (whom either of us may know), and inclement weather. Do not choose this option if you are not capable of walking 2 miles. If either party is injured, not capable of making the walking appointment, or there is more than 50% chance of rain, we will switch to telehealth, with at least 24 hours notice. There is no difference in fee for walk-and-talk or telehealth sessions.

  • As of fall 2024, I do not have an dedicated indoor office space. I plan to rent one in the future, but for now I am keeping my costs low as I grow my private practice.

  • If we run into each other outside of the therapy setting, I will maintain confidentiality by not acknowledging that I know you or that you are my client. If you acknowledge me, I will greet you and not linger. We can discuss the encounter in our next session.

Money and Insurance

  • Therapy costs money because you are working with a trained professional, the mental health equivalent of a nurse practitioner. I am here to help you to heal from the issues you are experiencing and grow towards who you want to be. This is intentional, skilled work that is an investment in your immediate health and long term wellbeing.

    All relationships have a give-and-take. In therapy, the therapist takes care of the client through listening, reflecting, and introducing tools. In exchange, the client “takes care” of the therapist by paying them. Or, as I heard once in graduate school, “The therapist’s fee is the rent the client pays to take up space in the therapist’s head and heart.” Money and money anxieties are valuable topics for therapy.

  • As my practice grows, I will expand to have a sliding scale and to take insurance.

    Discovery call: 20 min, Free

    Standard session: 50 min, $110

    Payment is due at the beginning of the appointment. All clients are required to have a credit or debit card on file, but you can pay in cash, check, Venmo, or bank transfer.

  • I am not currently in-network with any insurance plans. This will change as my practice grows; taking insurance is a part of my efforts to make therapy accessible.

    There are also practical and philosophical reasons I am not taking insurance at this time. Here are the main reasons:

    Severity of Issues Insurance only covers "medically necessary" treatments, requiring proof of severe impairment in daily functioning. Many seek counseling for issues that don't meet this criterion, meaning proactive mental health care isn't supported.

    Impact of a Diagnosis Once a diagnosis is reported to insurance, it remains on your medical records permanently. This can affect future opportunities, such as military service, federal jobs, or positions requiring security clearances. I believe my clients benefit more from viewing themselves as whole individuals rather than being defined by a diagnosis. If attaining a diagnosis is important to you, we can discuss that in session.

    Privacy Concerns Insurance requires detailed information about diagnoses and treatment plans, compromising client confidentiality. Insurance companies also limit the number of sessions covered, while I believe treatment should be decided by you and your therapist.

    Therapist's Perspective Accepting insurance involves extensive paperwork and reduced payments, diverting time from client care and professional development.

    Out-of-Network Options Some insurance plans reimburse for out-of-network services. I can provide documentation for you to request reimbursement, but privacy and permanent record concerns still apply.

    As my practice grows and changes, I may accept specific insurance plans.

  • Check your health insurance benefits online or call the number on your insurance card. Ask about "Out-of-network mental health benefits."

    If you need help with this, we can discuss it in the discovery call or intake session.

  • On January 1, 2022, a ruling went into effect called the “No Surprises Act”, which requires practitioners to provide a “Good Faith Estimate” to individuals who are receiving out-of-network services at an otherwise in-network healthcare facility or who are uninsured/self-pay. The Good Faith Estimate provides a list of services and items provided, applicable diagnoses, expected services provided, expected charges associated with expected services, and healthcare facility information. The Good Faith Estimate is meant to allow you to decide if you want to engage in treatment with a specific healthcare facility or provider (in this case, me!) prior to actually engaging in services.

    If you are not enrolled in a group health plan, group or individual health insurance coverage covered by a health insurance issuer, a federal healthcare program, or health benefit under the FEHB program OR you are insured and choosing not to use your insurance for coverage, then you are entitled to a Good Faith Estimate, which I provide prior to our intake session. You are not required to sign this estimate or participate in my services; however, in order to participate in counseling with me, this is one of the several documents at intake that must be signed.

    If you end up paying more than $400 over the Good Faith Estimate that I provide, you are allowed to dispute. For more information about the Good Faith Estimate, please visit https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises/consumers or call 1-800-985-3059.