FAQ

What is therapy like?
Every therapy session is unique, and tailored to each individual and their specific goals. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. I see my role as that of a trained and supportive facilitator in what is a very collaborative process.

What is EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an extensively researched method of psychotherapy. It aims to desensitize, relieve and resolve unconscious memories with their accompanying emotions and negative beliefs, that have continued to interfere with a person's relationships, feelings about oneself and quality of life.
The name EMDR refers to the use of bi-lateral stimulation, either through eye movement or hand-held pulsars, to activate both sides of the brain. We know the right side of our brain is the experiential side, the emotion and sensation, while the left side is the rational, able to analyze and make sense of an event. In a trauma we get caught in the experience physically & emotionally with little to no rationale. Following a serious car wreck a person may continue to feel the feelings of anxiety and fear and tension felt during the event, even though he knows rationally the event is over and he is safe. EMDR can bridge the gap between what we ‘know‘ to be true and what we ‘feel’ is true.
EMDR works as part of therapy, or in conjunction with on-going therapy. I work collaboratively with therapists who recommend EMDR for their clients.
What is Somatic Experiencing®?
Somatic Experiencing® (SE) was introduced in Dr. Peter Levine's 1997 book Waking the Tiger. It is a body-awareness approach to therapy, aimed at relieving and resolving the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental and physical trauma-related health problems, by focusing on the client’s perceived body sensations (or somatic experiences). SE® can be effective in treating stress reactions caused by disturbing life experiences ranging from combat stress, assaults and natural disasters to painful childhood events and life challenges of adulthood. SE® provides a framework to understand where an individual is “stuck” in the traumatic response and the tools to help to process the experience fully, so the event can be another part of the story rather than be the story.
What are your fees? How does insurance work?
I have a sliding scale and can provide reduced fee for demonstrated financial need. I accept all Aetna plans as an in-network provider. If you carry other insurance and want to determine if you have mental health coverage, first check with your insurance carrier to find answers to the following questions:
What are my mental health benefits?
What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?
How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?