FAQs
I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?
Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the courage to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. In our work together, I’ll help you explore and identify your strengths and how to implement them to reduce the influence of the problems you are facing.
What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?
The difference is between someone who can do something, and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, counseling is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, and you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.
Why shouldn’t I just take medication?
Medication can be effective but it alone cannot solve all issues. Sometimes medication is needed in conjunction with counseling. Our work together is designed to explore and unpack the problems you are experiencing and expand on your strengths that can help you accomplish your personal goals.
How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?
Because each person has different issues and goals for counseling, it will be different depending on the individual. I tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific needs.
How long will it take?
Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time counseling can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek counseling in the first place.
I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?
I am so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication will be crucial to your success.
Why might I choose an LMFT over an LPC?
LMFTs receive specialized training in systemic therapy, meaning they look at how relationships and family context contribute to personal struggles. This training applies even in individual therapy sessions, not just couples or family work. It can give clients an added layer of relational insight beyond standard individual-focused counseling.
Does that systemic training help even if I'm going alone, not as a couple or family?
Yes. LMFTs are trained to ask "who else is affected by this, and who could be part of the solution?" — even in individual therapy. This can mean incorporating relationship patterns, attachment history, or family dynamics into your treatment in ways a more individually-focused clinician might not emphasize as heavily.
How is EMDR different from talk therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) uses guided eye movements or other bilateral stimulation to help the brain reprocess distressing memories, rather than relying primarily on verbal discussion. It's an evidence-based approach often used for trauma, and can be applied individually or within couples work when past experiences are affecting a current relationship.
What is a certified neurodiverse couples therapist?
A certified neurodiverse couples therapist has specialized training in relationships where one or both partners are autistic, have ADHD, or process the world differently than their partner. This training focuses on communication styles, sensory needs, and conflict patterns that don't show up in standard couples counseling models.
What does neurodiverse couples therapy involve if only one partner is autistic or ADHD?
Therapy focuses on helping both partners understand each other's communication and processing differences without assigning blame. This often includes building shared language around needs, adjusting expectations around social and sensory demands, and developing strategies that work for both partners' actual wiring rather than a one-size-fits-all model.