Making the initial call to a therapist is a significant step for many. Following a brief phone conversation, we can schedule an initial office consultation.

A consultation offers an opportunity to speak openly about one’s emotional difficulties in a confidential setting – perhaps like no other - and to invite a fresh perspective about personal thoughts, feelings, and experiences.  During those initial conversations, your reasons for seeking help, your background, goals, and what might be helpful in addressing your problem are explored and discussed.  A series of sessions can then be scheduled if there is mutual agreement to work together.

Patients’ preferences play an important role in conversations about treatment selection during the initial consultation and as treatment unfolds. Many patients see me for talking therapy without taking medication.  Others see me for talking therapy in conjunction with medication, and still others for medication treatment alone. Sorting out which treatment approaches are most helpful is an important part of the initial office visits.

Psychotherapy involves a partnership in conversation in a secure private space.  The collaboration offers commitment and sensitivity to accessing and understanding new layers of meaning about one’s emotional life and about how one interprets oneself and others.  As the process unfolds, options for experiencing and acting with greater openness and flexibility in the world become more available.