Frequently Asked Questions

Do you only see couples?

Not at all. We provide Couples Counseling services but we love working with individuals too.

I don’t know if my partner will attend.  Will you see me alone?

Ideally, it is better if both partners attend the first session.  I know that isn’t always possible.  Sometimes it’s hard to move from individual to couple’s work with the same therapist because of potential trust issues. If scheduling is an issue, you might each attend individually before a session together. If you have questions, schedule a free 15 minute consultation and we can talk about it.

Should I take medication instead of therapy?

You might want to try that.  Sometimes it isn’t enough or just doesn’t help.  Best practice recommends both for some issues.  Starting treatment with either is better than not seeking treatment at all.  We are all different in our responses so start where it feels right for you.

Do you prescribe medication?

We do not prescribe.  If you are interested in medication you may wish to start with your primary physician or associate provider such as a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant.  Psychiatrists are medical doctors with expertise in mental health and drug interactions.

How is Sex Therapy different?

Sex Therapy is a specialty in the field of psychotherapy which focuses on sexual concerns. Sex therapists work with you to address issues of sexual health including desire, arousal, orgasm, painful sex, gender, and orientation.

You can feel comfortable discussing any sexual concern as part of a regular therapy session with a sex therapist.  It is additional expertise they bring to the room rather than the focus of all sessions.

Sexual knowledge differentiates a Sex Therapist from other therapists. Sex therapists are first trained as psychotherapists and then pursue additional education and supervision as sex therapists. Much like a cardiologist is a doctor who specializes in working with hearts, a Sex Therapist is a therapist who specializes in working with sexual issues. The American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) is the organization that grants certification for Certified Sex Therapists (CST).

What’s the difference between different types of mental health providers?

Psychiatrists are medical doctors (M.D.) with additional training in treating individuals with mental health issues. They primarily treat with medication and utilize the medical model.  Appointments more closely resemble medical appointments in length and their expertise may be particularly useful for complicated cases or when the interaction of medications is a concern.

Psychologists (PhD or PsyD) are doctoral level providers who work with individuals but are not medical doctors so they usually do not prescribe medication. They often use psychometric testing to aid diagnosis and treatment and work with clients for a 50 minute therapy hour.

Masters level psychotherapists come from a variety of disciplines including Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy (LMFT), Licensed Professional Counseling (LPC), and Licensed Clinical Social Work (LCSW). They generally meet with clients for 50 minute therapy hours.

What’s the difference between talking to you or a friend or family member?

A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way–introduce new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you to listen to yourself.

Therapy is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing your business” and if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, you won’t start avoiding the friend or family member you confided in once your situation has resolved.  It’s helpful to talk to someone objective when you are making big decisions.

I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do?

I am glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication is crucial to your success. After all, we only see each other for a session a week. It’s the work you do outside of our sessions that will really help you see your personal growth and development.