About Therapy

How does therapy work?

Therapy with me isn’t about someone telling you what to do and when to do it.

With me, therapy is about helping you figure out what you are capable of – and I guarantee it’s much more than you think. Whether you’re an adult seeking help for yourself or a parent seeking help for your child, I want to support you as you take steps and conquer your challenges. You decide your goals and where you want to be. Then, together, we see how we can realistically get you there.

Therapy isn’t a place where all your problems will miraculously disappear.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but as with most things in life, therapy takes work. Sometimes a lot of it. Buckle up!

How quickly does therapy work?

Therapy does not provide a quick fix.

It is a process that takes time. If a stranger came and frantically knocked on your door and said, “Quick, run, zombies are coming!” would you run right out of your house and follow them? That is not likely (though I know there are a few of you out there who would be the exception).

What if it were a friend or loved one you trusted at the door instead? If you trust them enough, there is a higher chance you will pay attention and maybe even get yourself to safety.

Working together in therapy must be built on trust, emotional and physical safety, and mutual respect. Those things take time to build. Once we have that kind of relationship, the potential for you to achieve the growth you want will feel much more achievable.

“Do I go to therapy only when things get bad?”

Therapy is not a sign that you fail at life because you can’t fix things for yourself.

People seek therapy to help them meet life’s challenges. Our brains are programmed to need human connection. (I’ll abstain from my soapbox on that topic for now, but I’m sure you’ll hear that from me when we meet!) Everyone needs help at some point in their lives.

Sometimes help comes from friends, family, strangers, or great one-liners from TV shows or books. However, it must sometimes come from trained professionals with insight and experience that may help guide you.

Why do some need help with parenting?

Therapy does not allow someone else to do the parenting for you.

Parenting therapy does provide tools for facing parenting challenges. As a parent, I have never shed as many tears in my life as I have around issues with my kids, both happy, sad, and mostly mad ones. It’s not an easy task to raise children, and all of us need help.

But what parenting therapy doesn’t take away are the skills you need to learn to provide for your children. They see you far more than they will see me. I can’t be there to help you get your kids out the door to school each morning (I have to do that for my kids!), deal with complex tests at school, or manage challenging friend relationships. I can help your child learn skills to give them the confidence and resilience they need to work through those things.

Simultaneously, as a parent, I will help you feel prepared to help your children handle those things. Sometimes, that means doing some work on yourself. If we meet to discuss one of your children, you will hear me say this: Kids do well if they can. When we meet, we will discuss what this means for you and your situation.

What’s it like to work with me?

One of my favorite parts of my office, besides my comfy couch that used to be in my living room at home, is the ever-growing art kids put up on the walls as they learn to navigate their emotions. Not only does it help them conceptualize their feelings, but it also lets other kids know they aren’t alone in feeling that way.

My only regret about becoming a therapist is that after you finish treatment, I can’t legally call you once a year to check up on you and see how your life is going. Of course, you can always email me and voluntarily let me know about all the fantastic and challenging things you’re doing.

I love to watch people grow and reach their potential. It’s why I do what I do!