FAQ
What can I expect in therapy with you?
As with any mental health growth process, difficult emotions such as sadness, anxiety, or anger can arise. Initially, the distress can increase. While this therapy is not intended to prevent all future conflicts, it can give you a map to follow to help you find your way back to yourself or each other’s hearts.
No warranty or guarantee can be made, either explicit or implied, regarding the results of therapy.
To get oriented to what to expect in therapy, see the “What to Expect” page (link).
What are the benefits and risks of couples therapy?
Engaging in couples therapy is a hopeful act, a step toward building a more emotionally connected relationship. My role is to support you through a process to:
- identify your relationship goals
- discover patterns that block emotional connection and effective communication
- nurture the development of a secure and fulfilling bond.
I have been delighted by the improved connection and reduced distress my clients have enjoyed through participating in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy. The truth is that the outcomes, speed, and extent of progress depend on each person’s degree of willingness to change, the level of engagement of each partner, the trauma history, and the length of time the couple has endured in their distressing dynamic. If you want to be set up for success, go to the “Resources” page.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes, confidentiality is a necessary foundation for our work together. Everything mentioned in our conversations is private, creating a space of safety and trust. Your personal health information can be shared only with your written consent. This is true for my work with individuals or couples. In the case of couples, any information shared requires a separate release form from each adult.
The only exceptions to confidentiality are:
- the threat of serious harm to yourself or others (e.g., physical violence, suicide)
- suspected abuse or neglect of a child, dependent adult, or adult 65 years or older
- a court order
- a signed voluntary release from you AND your spouse
- clinical consultation with other advanced professionals to ensure the best care for you.
What if I am in a crisis?
In Massachusetts, the Behavioral Health Help Line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Anyone may contact the Help Line. Call or text 833-773-2445 for immediate help. For the national hotline, dial 988. And if you reach out to such services, please message me or your individual therapist to let us know you have engaged emergency services.
What if I need to speak with you after hours?
I’m not available after hours. Please use crisis services as listed above as needed.
What forms will I need to complete?
There are forms to sign that give me legal permission to see you to provide therapy. I also have a brief intake form to cover essential demographic information and to describe what you are looking for. For couples, there is a connection survey.
What is a Good Faith Estimate?
A Good Faith Estimate is what gives you a clear understanding of what your therapy costs might be when you’re paying out of pocket. Any charges or fees are described in it so that you won’t have surprises. There’s no way to know how many sessions you’ll need. Each person has unique goals in therapy and progresses at their own pace. My aim is to be clear and transparent in the Good Faith Estimate so that you know what to expect financially.
What’s a good time buffer between couples therapy and going back to work?
Keep in mind that my couples work goes for at least 1 hour. I also offer 1 1/2-hour and 2-hour sessions. We start with the 1-hour session and decide together if longer is better for you. Couples are complex and need time to be heard and felt completely. No matter how long we meet, I suggest you plan a 15-minute connection time with your partner after a session. It might be a tea, a short stroll, or time to hug. You may benefit from some time to switch gears from deep connection to put on your work face before plunging back into your day.
Anything else I should know?
I recognize and respect the courage it takes to reach out for support to grow in the most personal and vulnerable parts of your life. I value your trust as you explore the possibility of working with me. Going to deep emotional places isn’t always comfortable or easy. By exploring this website, you’re already showing how much you value your desire for growth and renewal. I’m honored to be part of this process and support you along the way.
