What to Expect

Step 1: Reach out!

Contact me by filling out the form below with any questions or concerns. Or call me at 212-847-0149.

I will always answer if I am free.

If I don’t answer, it’s likely because I’m in a session. Just leave a message, and I will call you back as soon as I can.

Step 2: Phone call

By phone or email, we can set up a time for our 20-minute consultation. It’s free and will help identify whether working together is the right fit for you. After things are squared away by the end of the call and if you choose to move forward, we can set up an intake session.

Step 3: Intake Session

I recommend 60 minutes for an individual intake session. During that session, we will discuss why you’re coming in to see me. Background on the situation. And goals for therapy. I like to ensure that we have a solid plan for what will be accomplished during our time together.

For couples:

I use a structured format to gather as much information as possible to be effective as your therapist. I will come with specific questions, but we will cater therapy around your needs.

Therapy sessions are typically conducted together (both members of the couple). However, for the second session, I like to have a 90-minute session divided in two so that I can see each member of the couple individually (this does not need to be on the same day). The purpose of this is to identify any issues that have not been addressed in a couple’s capacity and will help guide treatment in the future.

Generally, couples come in with a lot of different issues, related to intimacy, communication, work-life balance, parenting, etc. Together, we will identify the most pressing issues and get started addressing those first.

For families:

I find the most helpful approach is to work with as many members of a family system as possible. It does not matter whether you are pursuing family therapy because being a new parent is presenting overwhelming challenges, or you are seeking family therapy to understand how to have a closer relationship with your adolescent.

Just like treatment for couples, I generally like to have all members present for sessions; but there will be times when seeing one person could be helpful. We can discuss further when such times exist.

For individuals:

Your life does not have to feel so stuck anymore. Having someone who understands, who’s lived it, will likely make life not feel so isolating.

In therapy, talking through what’s holding you back will provide a way out. Individual therapy with me is about providing a safe place where “all is fair.”

It’s common to think that showing emotion or sharing thoughts indicates weakness. I suggest the opposite. Being able to honestly express what’s really going on for you takes courage. Identifying how your past informs your present and future is a key step to getting yourself “unstuck.”

Any feelings or thoughts you have are valid. I do my best not to judge. Just being heard can be the difference between “I can’t” and “I can.”

Being authentic is my nature, so I do my best to provide a space for your authenticity to be a key player in our therapeutic relationship. If that means crying, great; it’s healthy. If that means cursing, no worries there – I likely will, too. All is “fair game” in my office. I will work with whatever “good, bad, or ugly” side of you walks into my office. Just showing up is the first step to living a life you love.

Step 4: Scheduling

Seeing clients once a week is most effective for yielding the best results. In exchange for your weekly commitment to sessions, I will be sure to save the same time slot for you, unless scheduling needs change.

I find that starting out with a consistent, reliable time slot allows for treatment to take its course most naturally. Who wants to waste time and money spending ten minutes every session talking about scheduling for the next week? I certainly don’t. I work early mornings, during the day, and evenings to accommodate those with hectic schedules.

Step 5: Getting started!

Doing the work of achieving your therapy goals is the responsibility of both the therapist and the client. The roles each of us play will change according to what we decide is best.

Sometimes my role will be teacher – providing skills, psychoeducation, or an alternative way of doing something.

Other times, my role will be “tour guide” showing you where to find answers in yourself as I guide you to come up with your own solutions.

Or I will just be a listener. I will sit with you as you talk about the chaos of your life and “let it all out.”

Although these roles will shift, one role that I will always play is a person who provides safety for you to process what you’re going through in the best way possible for you. I may not always have the solutions, but we will learn together the best way to discover them. Honesty and forthrightness is important to me. If something is not working for you, just let me know–and we will talk about what’s the best course of action.

Take the first step toward living a life you love. Contact me.