Frequent Asked Questions
1. How do I know you are the right therapist for me?
This is a meaningful question, as most studies show that the fit between the client and the therapist is a key predictor for therapeutic success. I encourage you to take your time in choosing your therapist. Ask questions and gather all the information you need to make this personal, important decision.
2. What happens during my initial phone consultation with Sarah?
We will chat for about fifteen minutes during our initial phone consultation. This will provide you an opportunity to share what current concerns have led you to seek therapy. I also suggest that you use our initial phone consultation to ask the questions important to you, and to get a sense of what it feels like to work with me.
3. What can I expect from my first session?
During our first in-person meeting we’ll talk more in depth about why you have decided to pursue therapy and what your goals are for our time together. This first meeting is also an opportunity for you to get to know me, to ask me any further questions you may have, and to see how you feel in my office. At the end of our first visit, we can decide together if it feels right to move forward in scheduling another session and beginning the rest of the therapeutic journey.
4. How do you work as a therapist?
As your therapist, I work to create a safe and unique environment where, for 50 minutes each visit, we can explore, understand, and transform behaviors, thoughts, and patterns that may be holding you back from ultimately living the life you want to live. My style is empathic, warm, and collaborative; I tune into your strengths and potential. When we work together as therapist and client, we will earnestly explore, address and clarify the content you bring into the room; however, I believe that it’s actually the relationship between the two of us that becomes the therapy. I’ve often found that it is only through relationships that patterns can shift and be healed. I also have specialized training in play therapy. If you would like to learn more about my play therapy services, please click here.
5. What kinds of clients do you work with?
I work with children, teenagers, and adults. Many of my clients are professionals; I also work extensively with graduate, undergraduate, and high school students. While my clients’ professions, ages, ethnicities, and lifestyles vary widely, all of them share something in common: they are people who are at a point where they are willing to commit and invest in themselves in order to change and create something different in their lives. I am inspired to work with all those who desire growth and improvement, and am honored to be a part of the exploration process.
6. How often should I come to therapy?
Some clients find weekly sessions the most productive. Others feel that bi-weekly or monthly sessions are the right pace for them.
7. How long does the therapy process last? How will I know when I’m done?
Each therapy experience is unique and the length of treatment cannot always be estimated from the outset. Generally, the client senses that therapy has been successfully completed when major barriers have been overcome. They will notice that they have new energy, interest, and enthusiasm about their life – as well as the confidence to tackle new challenges on their own. The length of time you participate in therapy will always be your decision.
