Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located?
My office is located near the Old Greenwich train station. Here’s the address:
177 Sound Beach Avenue
#9 (2nd floor)
Old Greenwich, CT 06870
There is parking on the street or behind Dunkin’ Donuts.
Sadly, there is no elevator (like most of the old buildings in town).
What are your hours?
I try to meet the needs of my clients, as I appreciate the impact of commuting, working long hours, or needing to meet during school hours.
I have sessions as early as 8 am and as late as 8 pm, with some weekend hours to accommodate times when it’s impossible to make an appointment during the week.
In terms of scheduling, some clients prefer the same time every week, while others need more flexibility.
We can usually figure out a time that works!
Do you accept insurance?
I am out-of-network for most insurance panels, but I can provide or submit a “Superbill” to your carrier for possible out-of-network mental health coverage.
Although not guaranteed, many insurance plans offer significant reimbursement, keeping your out-of-pocket costs low.
How do I pay?
I accept credit card payments through my electronic medical record as well as cash, Venmo, and Zelle. Please reach out with any further questions.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment?
I have a 24-hour cancellation policy. If you cancel with less than 24 hours’ notice, you’ll be billed the full session fee.
I understand that life can be unpredictable, leaving you no choice but to cancel your appointment. For those rare emergencies, I will waive the fee if you reschedule within the same week.
What is your professional training and experience?
With nearly 25 years of experience as a clinical social worker, I have worked with individuals, couples, families, and groups in medical and mental health settings.
I received my master’s degree from Columbia University School of Social Work.
I am certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and hold other certifications for work with trauma, addiction, chronic illness, grief, loss, and lifestyle and wellness coaching.
I’ve also completed training at the Ackerman Institute for Family Therapy. I have a special interest in compassionate inquiry and Internal Family Systems therapy.
What age ranges do you work with?
I work with teens, young adults, adults (men and women), older adults, and couples.
How do I prepare for my first therapy session?
We will speak before your first session, so I will have a better understanding of why you are seeking therapy and what your priorities are.
Before we meet, I’ll send you a link to the Electronic Medical Record (EMR), where you can answer some intake questions and provide concrete information, such as your insurance, address, and emergency contact information. You will have to sign a few consent forms, including paperwork that allows me to submit to your insurance company.
During our first 50-minute session, we’ll review your intake questions and exchange more information to get to know each other.
What do you actually do in sessions with clients?
Sessions are focused on what you need. Sometimes, clients have had a very stressful week and need to process everything that has happened.
Other times, we will be working on something specific (e.g., a traumatic event) that requires us to move ahead with EMDR or Flash Technique to make your symptoms more manageable.
I make sure you feel safe (even if not always comfortable). Therapy can be uncomfortable at times, but the relationship with your therapist should feel secure and welcoming. If you don’t feel this in therapy, it is probably time to find a new therapist!
Do your clients receive assignments to work on between sessions?
Homework assignments can be very helpful in between sessions to reinforce a strategy you’re working on or practice breaking a pattern of behavior.
But if you don’t want homework, that’s okay! Figuring out what works best for each client is crucial for therapy to be effective and successful for YOU.
What if I don’t feel better after a few sessions?
Therapy can take time. You may feel immediate relief after the first session by sharing whatever is burdening you. Or, you may find that sharing painful things with a new person makes for a difficult first session.
Building a relationship and trust between us will make therapy more effective. It’s common for clients to feel ups and downs during the therapeutic process. Sometimes, you will make or see a “lot of progress,” and then there will be times where everything takes a bit longer.
Success depends on our being open with each other about how it’s going.
Can I contact you between sessions if I need support?
Yes! If you’re struggling, please schedule an additional session.
Call, text, or email at those times when you need extra support.
In the event of an emergency, please contact your medical or mental health provider, call 911, or visit your nearest emergency room.
Is therapy only for people with serious mental health issues?
Therapy can be beneficial for a wide range of concerns, from everyday stress to more serious mental health disorders.
How long will I need to be in therapy?
It depends on your needs and goals.
Some people only come in for an acute concern, such as losing their job and not knowing why it happened or where to go from there.
Others are struggling with long-term issues (e.g., anxiety), so they meet regularly to keep them at bay.
Why should I meet with you and not just talk to my friends?
At this point, you probably have spoken to your friends and found that it either didn’t help, you didn’t want to burden them, or you felt guilty about asking for help.
Meeting with a professional side-steps all those concerns. Plus, you can rest assured that what you share is entirely confidential with RARE exceptions (e.g., a court order or suspected elder or child abuse).
Can I eat during my session?
I’m pretty flexible. If you’re hungry and need to eat to focus, please do so.
If the only time you can go to therapy is during your lunchtime, please eat!
Can I bring my pet with me to therapy?
Sure! I love animals. As long as your furry friend is okay with it and won’t distract you during the session, I’d love to have them.
