Frequently Asked Questions

During the consultation call, we discuss the concerns that are bringing you to therapy and how those concerns are affecting your daily life. We also talk about your current level of functioning, what you hope to accomplish, and any questions you have about the therapy process. In addition, we review practical matters such as scheduling, availability, fees, and practice policies. The goal is to determine whether my services are a good fit for your needs and whether working together makes sense moving forward. 

The first session is focused on understanding and prioritizing the concerns that brought you to therapy. We will identify the issues causing the greatest distress and determine where our efforts are most likely to produce meaningful change. While I provide a supportive and nonjudgmental space to discuss your experiences, the session is also focused on developing a practical plan for moving forward. By the end of the session, you should have a clearer understanding of the path ahead and the initial steps we can take together. 

Yes. I offer in-person therapy sessions at my office in Annapolis, Maryland. Many clients appreciate the opportunity to meet face-to-face in a private and professional setting. Telehealth services may also be available depending on your location and needs. 

If you have been trying to solve a problem on your own and continue to find yourself stuck in the same patterns, therapy may be worth considering. As a doctoral-level psychologist, my role is to bring a deep understanding of human behavior, relationships, and evidence-based treatment into the decision-making process so that you do not have to navigate difficult challenges alone. Effective therapy requires honesty and vulnerability, but that does not mean you have to face those conversations without support. My job is to make the process as comfortable, productive, and manageable as possible while helping you create meaningful change. 

Finding the right therapist is a lot like finding the right hairstylist—you would not swear off haircuts simply because one stylist was not the right fit for you. While my approach is a good fit for many people, it would be unrealistic to claim that I am the best fit for everyone. A strong therapeutic relationship is one of the most important factors in successful treatment, and finding the right match matters. My goal is either to provide the care that best meets your needs or to help you find a therapist who can.

The frequency of therapy depends on your goals, the nature of the concerns being addressed, and your current level of distress. During periods of crisis or significant difficulty, weekly sessions (or sometimes twice weekly sessions) may be recommended. If symptoms are stable and you are primarily focused on maintenance, growth, or accountability, meeting every other week or even monthly may be appropriate. In most cases, we can work at a pace that balances your needs, goals, schedule, and preferences. 

The length of therapy varies depending on the nature of the concerns being addressed, your goals, and the amount of change you are seeking. Many individuals experience noticeable relief and meaningful progress within the first 12 sessions of treatment. Couples often begin to see significant improvements in their relationship within the first 15 sessions. Some clients choose to conclude therapy once their goals have been met, while others continue for ongoing growth, support, or maintenance. 

Scheduling an appointment is simple and can be done in whichever way is most convenient for you. All prospective clients begin with a free 30-minute consultation, which can be scheduled through the online client portal or by contacting me directly by phone. The consultation gives us an opportunity to discuss your concerns, answer questions, and determine whether my services are a good fit for your needs. If we decide to move forward, we can then schedule your first therapy session. 

One of the greatest myths about couples therapy is that the therapist's job is to keep the couple together at all costs. I see my role differently: my job is to identify the patterns that have led to relationship distress and help each partner develop the skills and insight necessary to have healthier relationships. For some couples, that process reveals a viable path toward repair, reconnection, and a stronger relationship together. For others, therapy serves as a structured discernment process that helps them determine whether separation is the healthier choice and, if so, how to navigate that transition with as much clarity, respect, and long-term well-being as possible. 

Friends can provide support, encouragement, and a listening ear, which are all valuable. A therapist brings something different: specialized training in understanding human behavior, emotional functioning, relationships, and evidence-based methods for creating meaningful change. As a doctoral-level psychologist who graduated summa cum laude, I have spent decades studying the science of human behavior and applying that knowledge to help people overcome challenges and improve their lives. Therapy is not simply a conversation—it is a structured process guided by clinical expertise, research, and a focused effort to help you achieve your goals.

It is common for one partner to be more interested in therapy than the other, especially at the beginning of the process. If your partner is unwilling to participate, I am happy to meet with you individually to discuss the relationship and better understand the challenges you are facing. Together, we can explore strategies that may increase your partner's willingness to participate and identify steps you can take to improve the relationship regardless of their level of involvement. Even when only one person attends therapy, meaningful changes in relationship dynamics can still occur.

I have heard many clients express this fear over the years, especially when they have been struggling for a long time or have tried other solutions without success. Often, depression, anxiety, trauma, or other mental health concerns can make it difficult to see possibilities for the future and can create the feeling that nothing will ever change. My experience has been that people are often far more capable of growth and healing than they realize in the midst of their distress. If you are feeling stuck or hopeless, let me help you better understand what is happening and identify the most effective path forward for your care.