Helpful Information

I offer in-person as well as online/virtual therapy sessions as part of my practice. Online therapy can provide flexibility and convenience, allowing us to work together regardless of your location. These sessions are conducted securely and confidentially via Zoom and/or telephone.

Therapy:

• Focus: Therapy primarily focuses on addressing emotional, psychological, and mental health issues. It aims to treat conditions like anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health disorders.
• Goals: The primary goal of therapy is to promote healing, self-awareness, and emotional well-being. Therapists work to uncover underlying issues, provide coping strategies, and facilitate personal growth.
• Approaches: Therapy involves various evidence-based therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychoanalysis, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and more. Therapists often delve into a person's past experiences and emotions to understand and address current challenges.
• Credentials: Therapists, such as psychologists, counselors, social workers, and psychiatrists, require specific education, training, and licensure to practice. They adhere to ethical and legal guidelines.
• Confidentiality: Therapy sessions are confidential, and I am bound by legal and ethical obligations to protect your privacy.

Coaching:

• Focus: Coaching is typically focused on helping you achieve specific goals, enhance performance, and improve certain areas of your life  such as career, relationships, or personal development.
• Goals: The primary goal of coaching is to empower you to identify and reach your goals through actionable steps, skill development, and accountability.
• Approaches: Coaches often use a solution-focused and action-oriented approach. I will help you set goals, develop strategies, and overcome obstacles. Coaching is generally forward-looking and emphasizes personal development and achievement.
• Credentials: While there are various coaching certifications available, coaching is less regulated than therapy. Coaches come from diverse backgrounds and may have specialized training in coaching techniques.
• Confidentiality: Coaching sessions may vary in terms of confidentiality, and you should clarify confidentiality expectations with me. In some cases, I might work with clients' consent to involve other stakeholders, such as employers with your consent.
• Scope: Coaching is often used in professional settings, such as executive coaching, career coaching, and life coaching. It is also used in personal development contexts.

In summary, therapy is typically focused on addressing mental health issues and emotional well-being, while coaching is focused on achieving specific goals and personal development. Both approaches offer valuable support, and the choice between therapy and coaching depends on the individual's needs, preferences, and the nature of the challenges they're facing.

The terms "therapist" and “psychotherapist” are considered unprotected or unregulated professions in many places, which means that there are no standardized educational or training requirements specifically tied to the use of this title. Unlike regulated professions such as psychology or social work, where specific qualifications and licenses are required to practice, the term "therapist" can be used more broadly by individuals from various backgrounds. 

Here are some reasons you might consider choosing a psychologist over a “therapist” or “psychotherapist”:

• Advanced Education and Training: Psychologists typically hold doctoral degrees (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in psychology, which involve extensive education and training. This level of training equips them with a deep understanding of human behavior, psychological theories, and therapeutic techniques.
• Specialized Expertise: Psychologists often have specialized training in specific areas, such as clinical psychology, neuropsychology, forensic psychology, or child psychology. This expertise allows them to address a wide range of complex mental health issues.
• Psychological Assessments: Psychologists are qualified to conduct psychological assessments and diagnostic evaluations. If you require a formal diagnosis or assessment of cognitive, emotional, or personality functioning, a psychologist is typically the professional to consult.
• Evidence-Based Practices: Psychologists often have a strong foundation in evidence-based therapeutic approaches and research. They are skilled at tailoring these approaches to your specific needs and tracking your progress.
• Regulation and Licensing: Psychologists are licensed professionals, regulated by state or provincial licensing boards. This regulation helps ensure that they meet specific standards of competency and ethical conduct.

Being licensed as a psychologist is important for several reasons:

• Expertise and Knowledge: Obtaining a license demonstrates that I have met the educational requirements, completed supervised clinical experience, and passed licensing exams. This ensures that I possess the necessary knowledge and skills to practice psychology ethically and effectively.
• Client Protection: Licensing helps protect the public by setting standards of competence and professionalism. It ensures that only qualified professionals with appropriate training and credentials can work with individuals who may be vulnerable or seeking mental health support.
• Ethical Responsibility: Licensing requires adherence to a professional code of ethics, which promotes a responsible and ethical practice. It establishes guidelines for maintaining client confidentiality, ensuring informed consent, and providing competent and culturally sensitive care.
• Quality Assurance: By regulating professional standards and competence, licensing institutions help maintain and enhance the quality of psychological services. Licensing also requires ongoing professional development in the form of Continuing Education Units (CEU's), ensuring that psychologists stay updated with new research and treatment techniques.
• Recognition and Trust: Being licensed lends credibility and legitimacy to my professional identity. It allows clients, employers, and other professionals to trust my qualifications and expertise, leading to better collaboration and referrals.

Overall, being licensed as a psychologist helps protect the public, ensures ethical practice, maintains high professional standards, and fosters trust in the field of psychology. 

Yes, therapy is typically confidential. Confidentiality is a crucial aspect of the therapeutic relationship and is designed to create a safe and trusting environment for clients to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of judgment or disclosure. Here's what you need to know about the confidentiality of therapy:

• Legal and Ethical Obligations: Mental health professionals, including psychologists, counselors, and psychiatrists, are bound by legal and ethical obligations to maintain the confidentiality of their clients' information. They are required to keep your personal and sensitive information private.
• Exceptions to Confidentiality: While therapy is confidential, there are some exceptions where a therapist may be legally obligated to breach confidentiality. These exceptions typically include situations involving imminent harm to yourself or others, suspected child or elder abuse, or when a court order is issued.
• Informed Consent: During your first therapy session, your therapist should provide you with information about their confidentiality policies and any potential exceptions. This is often covered in an informed consent agreement that you both discuss and sign.
• Third-Party Involvement: Your therapist will not disclose information to third parties, such as family members or employers, without your explicit consent. If you want them to share information with someone else, you would need to provide written permission.
• Collaborative Care: In some cases, therapists may work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals involved in your care (e.g., primary care doctor, or psychiatrist) while respecting your privacy. They would usually seek your permission before sharing information.
• Protection of Records: Therapists are also responsible for safeguarding your written or electronic records to prevent unauthorized access.
• Online/Virtual Therapy: If you're engaging in online or virtual therapy, it's important to choose a secure and reputable platform that maintains confidentiality.
• Minors and Guardianship: For minors (under 18 years of age), therapists often involve parents or legal guardians in the therapy process, but discussions with the minor are still treated as confidential within certain boundaries.

It's essential to have an open discussion about confidentiality with your therapist at the beginning of therapy. If you have concerns or questions about how your information will be handled, don't hesitate to ask. Building a trusting and transparent relationship with your therapist is crucial for the success of the therapeutic process.

I offer a free, complimentary 30-minute consultation session to get an idea of your issues to see if I can help you and to determine if we are a “good fit”. 

You may call my Voice Mail and leave a message at (513) 378-7000 and I will get back to you as soon as possible but no later than the end of the next business day.