Appointments are usually 55 minutes unless more time is arranged.  The initial appointment is a time to gather information and talk about what brings you in. We will go over a few office rules,  review confidentiality and an agreed upon fee.

Typically, we start with the present situation and move into historical references where needed. I will ask about your health and wellness, your support system and what you are doing currently to cope with your feelings.  The first session is a step in the right direction toward making the changes you would like to see in your life.

How long will it take?

Some therapy relationships are longterm and some are not.  Most people come in to talk about a specific situation and find that their progress in one area opens doors to further self discovery and a continued desire to work together.

However, it is very important that a helping relationship be a healthy relationship that fosters independence.  I believe in and practice the “dependence paradox” which states that a close relationship of dependence when needed is ultimately associated with less dependence, more autonomy and self-sufficiency as opposed to more dependence (Fenny, 2007).  This hypothesis holds true for many relationships.

What does L.C.S.W. stand for?

LCSW is an acronym for Licensed Clinical Social Worker.  LCSWs are required to obtain a Master’s level degree in social work from an accredited school and complete 3200 hours of post graduate work under the supervision of a licensed Therapist.  In order to be licensed, the candidate must be registered with the Board of Behavioral Science Examiners, complete the post graduate supervised hours and pass rigorous testing. Licensed Clinical Social Workers are qualified to conduct several types of counseling and psychotherapy based on their scope of practice and areas of specialty, training or expertise.