Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy Sessions

I offer psychotherapy sessions for adult individuals and/or parents.  Psychotherapy sessions take place in my office in Natick or via Zoom and are 45 minutes in length.  Sessions take place on a weekly or biweekly basis.  I offer a free consultation session to all potential clients to discuss what it is you are seeking help for, whether or not I may be able to be of help, and whether or not it feels like a good match.  

The next couple of sessions will typically involve me getting a thorough developmental and psychiatric history from you, as it is important, regardless of the presenting problem, that I have a sense of who you are/were before the presenting problem came to be.  This can sometimes be frustrating to patients as they are often understandably eager to focus on the here-and-now, but it is a necessary part of the process, and we will work through it together.  From there, we will together determine what you want from psychotherapy and how we will go about getting there.  I see psychotherapy a collaborative process beginning day one.      

My Approach

What you should first know about my approach is that I believe the most important part of the psychotherapeutic process is the relationship between the therapist and client.  And the research supports this:  study after study has shown that regardless of the type of treatment, the relationship between client and therapist is the most important factor.  So my approach throughout treatment is first and foremost focused on our relationship, the foundation upon which I believe many things - grieving, healing, acceptance, growth- can happen in therapy.  

The second thing you should know about my approach is that I am first and foremost a listener, but I am also active, direct, and authentic.  I am a real person in the room, not an image of one, and not someone so focused on the relationship that I will not tell you what I am really thinking.  In fact, quite the opposite.  I actually believe that the relationship demands that we be real with each other- I am asking that of you, I have to give that in return.  Does that mean I will tell you all about myself?  No.  I believe in limited, very thoughtful therapist self-disclosure.  I don't believe I need to tell you all about myself in order to be real with you.  But I do need to respond to you with authenticity; I do believe I owe you that.  

One last thing.  I am a firm believer in "to each his own."  I do not believe it is my job as a psychologist to pass judgment on your choices or decisions, or even- and this is a tough one for some patients - to give advice.  I believe it is my job to help you give yourself advice.  No matter how many sessions I sit with you or anyone, I will never have walked in your shoes as long as you have.  If it comes from you, it will be much more powerful, and empowering, than if it comes from me.  That said, I do believe it is my job to use my knowledge and skills to help you see things that maybe you are having a hard time seeing - for example, that you may be grieving or that what you are feeling makes sense, etc.  

Fees and Insurance 

As of January 2024, I am no longer in-network with any insurance companies, and my fee is $175 per session. However, I am happy to create monthly receipts (aka "Superbills") for you to submit to your insurance company for possible out-of-network reimbursement.  I would encourage you to contact your insurance company to find out about your benefits and whether or not reimbursement is a possibility.