Frequently Asked Questions

Why did you name your practice Intergenerational Healing Collective?

• I find fulfillment in working on exploring and breaking intergenerational cycles. It is a common theme amongst many of the clients I have worked with throughout the last decade. It is not something that only impacts the individual, it also impacts their direct family and future generations. When clients have done their work and normalize healing, it models that behavior to everyone around them through their actions. In order for humans as a whole to heal, it takes a collective effort and the support and strength of a community.

What is your style as a therapist?

• I am a very process oriented therapist. I value dialogue and asking direct and pointed questions to empower my clients in identifying and healing patterns and/or experiences. I integrate skills and techniques derived from Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and a Strength Based, Humanistic approach. 

What can I expect in my first session?

• In our first session, I really aim to get to know you better. I would like to identify your purpose and goals for therapy and what has historically helped and hurt the process. Prior to the first session, you will receive an intake form to complete detailing your history. If you are not comfortable doing that beforehand some of those questions can be discussed in this session as well.

How long do I have to be in therapy?

• That question is extremely subjective and determined by the individual. I will make recommendations and initiate conversation if the goals you have established in therapy have been met. I will also have conversations with you if we have hit a plateau or if things feel more stagnant. Ultimately, no one can dictate when your healing is complete. I like to check-in periodically on how things are going and if you feel like you’re getting what you need out of our sessions.

Do you prescribe medication?

• No, I do not prescribe medication. It is common for people to confuse a mental health therapist, psychologist, and psychiatrist. 
  • A mental health therapist is a professional who has a master's degree (MA or MS) in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field. In order to be licensed, the professional counselor also needs two additional years' experience working with a qualified mental health professional after graduate school. A mental health therapist is qualified to evaluate and treat mental problems by providing counseling or psychotherapy.
  • A psychologist has a doctoral degree (PhD, PsyD, or EdD) in psychology, which is the study of the mind and behaviors. Graduate school provides a psychologist an education in evaluating and treating mental and emotional disorders. After completing graduate school, a clinical psychologist completes an internship that lasts two to three years and provides further training in treatment methods, psychological theory, and behavioral therapy. Licensed psychologists are qualified to do counseling and psychotherapy, perform psychological testing, and provide treatment for mental disorders.
  • A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (M.D. or D.O.) who specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating mental illness. A psychiatrist's training starts with four years of medical school and is followed by a one-year internship and at least three years of specialized training as a psychiatric resident. A psychiatrist is trained to differentiate mental health problems from other underlying medical conditions that could present with psychiatric symptoms. As a medical doctor, a psychiatrist is licensed to write prescriptions.

How do fees and billing work? 

• Please check out my fees page which covers this. 

Am I allowed to ask you personal questions?

• Every therapist can have a different answer to this question. Historically, therapists, including myself, have been trained to not self-disclose information to clients. Over the years, and especially in my work with teens, I have acknowledged that there needs to be authenticity in our therapeutic relationship. It’s hard to expect someone to disclose everything about their life in session, while knowing nothing about me. As we are building rapport I don’t have an issue with you asking me reasonable questions. If there was ever a question I found to be too personal, I would set the boundary and explore why that question may be of importance to you. There are cultural components that need to be considered in this dynamic as well. The most important piece for me is to always ensure that any self-disclosure is for the progression of your treatment and healing as our sessions should never be focused on me.

Do you ever have plans to see clients in person?

• While I value in person therapy, it will not be something that I will offer for the year of 2024. I do hope to return to in office work in the future as I acknowledge there is something special about seeing people in real life versus over a screen. 

If I see you in public, will you say hello to me?

• If I ever see you out and about, it is within my professional laws and ethics to not acknowledge you in order to maintain your privacy. I would never initiate contact with you in public. If however, you feel comfortable and want to say hello to me, I would reciprocate.