FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We’ve compiled a list of the most frequent questions that we have received from previous clients. It’s normal and encouraged for patients to ask many questions when choosing to work with a licensed therapist. Here are some answers to the questions we receive the most. If you can’t find what you are looking for, please get in touch.
WHAT STYLE OF THERAPY DO YOU USE IN COUNSELING?
We find our style and counseling theory to be eclectic, with a focus on cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centeredness, internalized family systems, and trauma-informed queer theory. We believe the client is "the expert" of their own narrative and we let the client take the lead in sessions, addressing all intentions upfront while also providing moments to challenge comfort (i.e. only when the clinical relationship has developed significant trust). We lead questions in session with curiosity, compassion, and encourage growth and alignment with self-values. For more information on this please see the Theoretical Orientation page of the website.
DO YOU ACCEPT HEALTH INSURANCE? IF NOT, DO YOU OFFER SLIDING SCALE RATES?
Currently, we are in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield and Optum plans (United Healthcare, and MGBHP), and Point 32 Health (Harvard Pilgrim and Tufts Commercial) as well as accepting private pay, or out-of-network clients. For private-pay sessions, we do offer reduced fee self-pay rates on a limited case-by-case basis. Please contact us for more information regarding this. We provide superbill documentation if you would like to submit out-of-network claims to your insurance for reimbursement.
WHAT IS THE DURATION AND FREQUENCY OF EACH THERAPY SESSION? WHAT POPULATIONS DO YOU SPECIALIZE IN?
Therapy sessions typically can last 45 to 55 minutes in length. Session frequency is typically weekly or biweekly.
We specialize in providing individual therapy to adults ages 18+ struggling with depression, anxiety, body image/body dysmorphia, work-related stress, existential life stress, lack of fulfillment, difficult life transitions, family and/or partner relationship conflicts, sexual and/or gender identity, coming out, experiencing gender dysphoria, and complex trauma. We can provide referrals to services in medication management, couple's therapy, and family therapy.
HOW DO I SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT?
You can contact us directly to inquire about scheduling. You can also click here to directly request an appointment as a new client. We usually begin the process with a free 15-minute phone call consultation to determine clinical needs. After an appropriate clinical fit has been determined, we would schedule an in-person or telehealth intake and diagnostic evaluation.
Please keep in mind that we could have limited availability when you contact us. If this is the case, you can request to be placed on our waitlist.
DO YOU OFFER TELEHEALTH SERVICES?
Yes, we are a hybrid private practice, which means we are offering telehealth office visits and in-person visits in our therapy office in West Newton, MA. Our telehealth services are conducted through the HIPAA-compliant encrypted SimplePractice video portal. Telehealth clients must be full-time Massachusetts or Rhode Island residents.
I'M LOOKING FOR A THERAPIST WHO CAN ASSIST ME IN SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL, AND MEDICAL GENDER TRANSITION. WHAT IS YOUR LEVEL OF EXPERIENCE WITH THAT?
I have been working with transgender, non-binary, and gender diverse individuals for at least 7 years at this point. I have processed countless experiences at different phases and elements of transition. Social affirmation might also include trying new or different clothing, tucking and binding parts of your body, using prosthetics like packers or breast forms, growing, cutting, or shaving your hair, and playing around with how you use your voice. Medical affirmation is a bit different from social affirmation because we are required to interact with the medical system, including nurses, doctors, and surgeons. For some people, this will involve hormone blockers, or taking either masculinizing hormones like testosterone or feminizing hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Some trans people will want affirmative surgeries. These may include chest or breast surgery, facial surgery, tracheal shaves, or genital surgeries, including genital reconfiguration surgery (GRS), hysterectomies, or orchiectomies. I will assist in the discovery and processing of all aspects of transition with my gender-diverse clients. I can also provide medical transition letters of support.
IF I'M ALREADY SEEING A THERAPIST, BUT THEY AREN'T TRAINED IN EMDR, CAN I STILL WORK WITH YOU SHORT-TERM?
I am open to working with a select number of adjunctive therapy clients who are only seeking services in EMDR. Even though these relationships are short-term and shorter than more long-term therapy relationships, they can still be very meaningful ones. EMDR is a very specialized form of therapy that only those clinicians who go through intensive training can provide. If you already have a therapist and they have suggested you engage with EMDR, you are in the right place! Please reach out here.
HOW DO I FIND YOUR THERAPY OFFICE?
My office address is 1121 Washington Street, Second Floor, Suite 1 Newton, MA 02465. It is a 15-minute walk from the Newton stop on the Framingham Line of the Commuter Rail or a stop off the 554 route on the MBTA bus.
It is located on the second floor of the building above Trader Joe's. There are two entrances, one on the north side and one on the south side of the building. The main entrance is on the North side of the building, on the right of the East entrance of Trader Joe's. That entrance is also accessible with an elevator.
Parking:
If you are driving, there is metered street parking along Washington Street. Unfortunately, you can NOT park in the Trader Joe's parking lot if you are not going to be shopping there. I encourage you to be safe and park on the street rather than be towed.
When you arrive on the second floor:
Bypass my office (as I may still be in session with the previous client) and head to the waiting room. I will retrieve you when I am ready to begin the session and we will walk down the hall to my office.