Do you provide wheelchair access?

Yes. Wheelchair access is available at my office. Please let me know in advance that you will need these services and please prepare to arrive 15 minutes in advance of your scheduled session. My office also allows service animals, please let me know in advance if you will be bringing an emotional or physical support animal with you.

How often should I plan on therapy sessions?

I see patients weekly. The connection we establish in session soothes discomfort and opens up opportunities for more connection continuing forward. When more than one-week lapses, our connection suffers and defenses take over. For lasting, sustainable change, weekly sessions work best

What is the benefit of talking with a therapist versus talking with a close family member or friend?

Support systems such as close family or friends are vital when weathering difficult life circumstances and should never be underestimated. Therapy often acts as a supplement to these supports, providing an objective perspective and when appropriate, recognizing and addressing unhealthy life patterns. Therapy should not be mistaken as a replacement to family and friends, but rather an addition to propel you to a happier state of mind.

How long will I be in therapy?

Therapy, as I mentioned before, is an intensely personal experience and very much depends on the life issues currently bringing you into therapy. I encourage you to proceed at your pace, only moving forward when you feel safe and ready. You may begin or end therapy whenever you feel you have accomplished what you hoped for. Whether that is a few weeks, months or years, we will work together to create an appropriate timeframe that meets your needs and accomplishes your goals.

What happens in therapy?

My work in our time together is to help create a space that feels secure and safe, free of condemnation, judgment or bias. Therapy is also about exploring the relational dynamics that come up between us in session. As we explore these dynamics with respect and kindness, we release anxiety, recognize patterns and adopt better, healthier methods of relating. As for each patient, the time in therapy is yours to do what feels right. Be silent, talk about the past, talk about the present, complain, vent frustrations, reveal fears, express doubts and insecurities, be vulnerable or not, cry, rage, be scared, do what feels right to you. It is your time.

What are the limits of confidentiality?

Confidentiality is a crucial aspect of the client/therapist relationship and a foundation to building safety and trust. The law protects therapy clients and their rights to confidentiality and what you share cannot be revealed outside the counseling setting. However, for the additional protection of therapy clients, the law does outline several exceptions. You’ll find the exceptions to confidentiality listed below.

1. The client gives written permission to share confidential information.
2. Anything that suggests a crime, harmful act or any abuse to individuals unable to defend themselves such as minors or elders.
3. The client is threatening suicide or major self-harm and I am unable to obtain their agreement not to engage in those acts.
4. If the client is a minor, and there is indication that she/he was the victim or subject of a crime.
5. The client brings charges against the counselor.
6. In response to a subpoena.
7. As required under chapter 26.44 RCW.