Frequently Asked Questions

Individual sessions are 45 minutes long and couples’ sessions are 60 minutes long.

The first session (called the intake session) may run over the set time by 10 minutes or so. During this session, I want to better understand the factors that contribute to your current difficulties. Some therapeutic work may be done; however, the main work typically begins around session 2 or 3.

I take cash, check, Paypal, and the following credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Payment is collected before or after the session.

I do not accept insurance.

Of course, the fee per session is normally higher in this case. However, many clients choose to self-pay, because they are not required to report a diagnosis to the insurance company – which goes on their record.

I can provide you a printout of the amount you’ve paid for therapy up-to-date. Please contact your insurance company to find out the necessary forms you need to file for reimbursement.

I do not fill out insurance forms or send them to the insurance companies.

Boynton Beach Office: When you arrive in front of the building, it’s best to send me a text message at my business cell number (954) 281-2756 to let me know you are here. The office opens straight into the session room, so I may be in a session if you arrive early. I will let you know when the room is cleared for you to enter.

Lake Worth Office: Call the office number (561) 220-1973, or text my business cell (954) 281-2756, to let me know you’re here, because the door to the office is locked on the outside.

Yes, you may cancel at any time. However, to avoid being charged the full fee, my policy is to cancel 24 hours in advance. I want to limit last-minute cancellations and allow other clients the opportunity to schedule during that time block.

For clients who reschedule their first session more than once, without 24-hour notice, you must pay a $50 deposit to hold the session.

My perfect client is anyone willing to work on self-improvement. The work may prove to be challenging at times, but I will be there along the way. My focus is on creating lasting change.

I work with adults of all ages and minors ages 4-18.

For minors, I require that at least one parent or guardian also receive individual therapy. This may be with another therapist or with me. If with me, the parent’s session will focus on their emotions surrounding the reason the child is attending therapy and developing effective strategies to manage the presenting concern.

If the parent receives outside therapy, they will be required to meet with me once a month for parental coaching concerning their child. This session will be in place of the child’s session for that week. I have found that this approach yields the most effective and lasting results for the child.

Most definitely!

Absolutely!

It depends on many factors. I’ve had clients from one day to over a year. There are also clients who return after some time, and those who’ve completed therapy and come back for booster sessions each month or every couple of months. After a few sessions, I can better gauge how long therapy may last.

No, you do not have to tell me everything. There are ways to work on a problem without revealing things you do not feel comfortable sharing. You are in control.

There are people who wish to open blocked memories through hypnosis or hypnotherapy, but that is done with the client’s consent. Be wary of someone who tries to force you to be open about something you do not feel comfortable expressing.

I am a firm believer in holistic health. Exercise can work wonders for depression. Meditation is phenomenal for many mental health conditions. Yoga and relaxation techniques can be great for anxiety. Connect with others through support groups, your church if you have a religious faith, and other means.

There’s also a variety of great books that supplement therapy, and some people even find them helpful on their own. Here are a few:

The Four Agreements – by Don Miguel Ruiz
The Body Keeps the Score – by Bessel van der Kolk M.D.
Feeling Good – by David D. Burns
The Buddha and the Borderline – by Kiera Van Gelder

I may change and update these books over time. Please see the resources page for additional tools and information.

I limit the number of clients I see, so that I have enough time outside of the session to develop and rework each client’s treatment plan. I want each session to be as effective as possible.

I utilize an integrative approach that incorporates different techniques from different modalities. The ones I use most are emotion-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, schema therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, and existential therapy.

My focus is on creating change on three levels. The first order change focuses on symptoms reductions – the work is geared toward reducing the symptoms that brought you to therapy (e.g., anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, anger… etc.).

The second order change is pattern shifting. The work will largely focus on changing the automatic thought patterns and behaviors that place you in similar situations over and over. This work is also aimed at helping you better manage those situations when they come.

The third order change is being your own therapist. At this stage, my goal is to help you develop strong internal resources to better manage and navigate your way out of future difficulties. You will also, hopefully, develop new ways of finding solutions that work best for you.

I look forward to embarking on this journey with you.

I’ve come to see that I learn just as much, if not more, from my clients as they do from me.

I feel extremely blessed to have found this vocation that’s in line with my passion for helping others. I love to encourage others to see how great they are and guide them toward being more at peace in this world. It is possible to have an internal peace and calm during storms, and my goal is to help as many people as possible reach this level.

During the first session, I take a lot of notes. This tends to decrease over time. Eventually, I only jot down a few things to remember and revisit them later.

All your information is confidential, and this will be discussed further in your first session. We can also discuss any concerns you may have with note-taking.

So far, everyone who comes in finds it comfortable.

No, you do not. Normally, clients choose to sit. You are also welcome to lie down.

You can ask whatever you choose; however, I may choose to not provide an answer.

It’s important that the therapy focuses on you, and the effectiveness of your therapy may be compromised by me answering personal questions. If this produces negative feelings for you, I would encourage you to share this with me during the session.

Paper