Counseling Information

Beginning therapy or coaching is straightforward. We'll start with a free 15-minute therapy consultation where we can discuss what brings you to therapy and whether we're a good fit. . Once you decide to move forward, you'll complete some brief intake paperwork, and we'll schedule your first session. In that initial session format, we'll spend time getting to know each other, understanding your situation and goals, and discussing how we'll work together. There's no pressure; this is an opportunity for you to see if my approach feels right for you.

Our first therapy consultation is all about understanding you and your unique needs. During this session format, we'll explore what brings you to counseling, what you hope to achieve, and what has been helpful or unhelpful for you in the past. I will explain my systems-based approach and how we might work together to address the root causes of your concerns. You'll have plenty of time to ask questions and determine whether we're a good match. By the end of our first meeting, we’ll have a clearer sense of next steps and how to move forward.

I offer both in-person and online sessions to provide flexibility that fits your life. My office is located in Branford off of I-95. After parking behind the building, you will enter the side door under the awning. There is a waiting room and bathroom available for your convenience. For online sessions, I use Zoom, which is HIPAA-compliant and easy to use; you'll just need a reliable internet connection and a private space where you can talk comfortably. Standard sessions are 50 minutes long, and I generally recommend meeting weekly or bi-weekly depending on your needs and goals. 

$200 per 50-minute session is the standard counseling fee for individual therapy consultations. For family or couples therapy, the fee is $250 for a 50-minute session format. 

I've chosen a private pay model because it allows me to provide the highest quality care focused entirely on your needs. When you work with me, no diagnosis is required to be placed in your permanent records or insurance databases, protecting your privacy. You have complete flexibility in how long and how often we meet. Our work together is based on what you need, not what an insurance company deems "medically necessary" or will authorize. I'm able to dedicate full sessions to our work together rather than spending time on insurance paperwork and documentation. You maintain continuity of care even if you change jobs or insurance plans, and we work on your agenda and goals without external constraints.

At this time, I do not accept insurance or provide superbills for insurance reimbursement. 

Many people wonder how long therapy or coaching will take. The answer varies greatly depending on your goals and situation. Some clients find a few sessions helpful, while others benefit from longer-term work. We'll regularly check in about your progress and adjust our plan as needed. If you're curious about the difference between my counseling and coaching services, counseling typically addresses mental health concerns and past patterns, while coaching is more future-focused on goals and personal development. I don’t prescribe medication, but I'm happy to coordinate with psychiatrists or medical providers if medication might be helpful. Each session format is tailored to your needs, and everything we discuss is confidential, with standard legal exceptions for safety concerns, child or elder abuse, or court orders. 

I understand that life happens and schedules change. I ask for at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Please be aware that late cancellations or no-shows will incur the full session fee, as this time has been specifically reserved for you. I do make exceptions for true emergencies and unexpected circumstances.