FAQs

Q: Do you offer in-person and online counseling?

Yes, I offer counseling services in-person and online with video. My office is located at 142 Oak Tree Avenue #2A in South Plainfield, NJ. The office has a parking lot and a waiting room. Clients can also choose to meet online for their counseling sessions or a hybrid of both.

Q: How do I start therapy?

The first step is to contact me for a free phone consultation to discuss your needs. If you feel comfortable and we are a good fit, we can schedule an appointment. l will then gather some basic information such as birthday, insurance, and address. I will also explain how to login to your client portal and connect to your video session. I typically have appointments available within the week.

Q: What is the on-boarding process like?

After our phone consultation, you will receive a link to your private client portal. All on-boarding documents are completed electronically through the client portal. After you complete each document it is automatically saved and is sent back to me. Completing the paperwork typically takes around 15-20 minutes.

Q: How will I know if we are good fit?

If you think we might be a good fit, I recommend scheduling a free phone consultation. If you would like to continue exploring counseling services together, we can schedule a few sessions to get to know each other. In my opinion, the most important factor in therapy is the therapeutic relationship, which takes time to build. I think some signs we may be a good fit is if you are feel comfortable, safe, and like yourself in session. This is a good foundation to grow a therapeutic relationship.

If after a few sessions, you feel we are not good fit, that is okay. I am open to feedback that may help our relationship. However, it may take time to find the right therapist. I can help this process by providing information for other therapists.

Q: What can I expect from the first session?

During the first session we begin to build a relationship by getting to know each other. In this session, we review confidentiality and other information that inform our time together. We will also complete an intake which includes information about your history and current concerns. The intake is completed at your comfort level. I will not force you to answer any questions. I understand and honor that sharing information may be hard.

Future appointments are focused on discussing your needs on the path to reaching therapy goals. Typically, sessions are not structured, unless a certain topic would be helpful to explore.

Q: How often will we meet?

In the beginning, I recommend meeting once a week. Weekly sessions allows us to build rapport and trust, which takes time. Additionally, weekly appointments allows us to start working on your current concerns and needs sooner. As time progresses and depending on your needs, we can change the frequency of sessions. Some clients may need additional support meeting more than once week while others may need to meet less frequently. However, each client is unique, so during our phone consultation we can discuss your needs.

Q: How long are therapy sessions?

Therapy sessions are 45 minutes.

Q: Do you accept insurance?

I accept Cigna and Aetna. For information regarding insurance and payment please view the rates and insurance tab.

Q: Does something need to be ‘wrong’ to attend therapy?

No, people attend therapy for a variety of reasons. For example, some may seek support during a difficult time, break unhealthy patterns, or to have a safe place to be heard and seen without judgement. In our work together, I can help you identify your strengths and how to implement them in your daily life.

Q: What is the difference between talking to you or a friend or family member?

The difference is between someone who can do something, and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, counseling is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, and you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.