Question 1

Do I come to an office, or are sessions telehealth?

Accepted Answer

All sessions are telehealth.

Question 2

What if I live outside of Pittsburgh? Can I still pick you to be my counselor?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! If you're in Pennsylvania, we can connect no matter where you are in the state.

Question 3

What is Counseling?

Accepted Answer

Counseling involves a partnership between the therapist and the client. In this collaborative environment, a professional counselor assists the client in identifying their goals and finding solutions to the issues that lead to emotional distress. Counselors focus on enhancing communication, developing coping skills, boosting self-esteem, and altering negative behavioral patterns. Ultimately, the main aim of therapy is to enhance the client's overall quality of life.

Question 4

Is Confidentiality Guaranteed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, anything you share during counseling is confidential. However, there are certain exceptions to this confidentiality. Legally, I am obligated to report if there are:
- Threats of harm to oneself
- Threats of harm to others
- Suspected child or elder abuse, whether the client is the victim or the perpetrator.

Question 5

How long is a counseling session?

Accepted Answer

Therapy sessions are typically 45-50 minutes.

Question 6

What Makes Therapy Successful?

Accepted Answer

Your success in therapy largely depends on your willingness to engage with the process. If you are open to introspection and committed to putting in the effort required for change, you will find success.

Question 7

Why do I need a counselor? Why can't I talk to a friend?

Accepted Answer

Counselors have specialized education in psychoeducation and are skilled in utilizing various theories and techniques. Their training equips them to assist clients in reframing thoughts and processing significant events, such as trauma and grief. Additionally, counselors provide a non-judgmental space, allowing clients to express themselves freely.

Question 8

Does seeing a counselor mean something is wrong with me?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not! Seeing a counselor does not mean there's something wrong with you. Rather, it indicates that you are taking proactive steps to understand your feelings, grow personally, and navigate life's challenges. Seeking support is a sign of strength and a commitment to your well-being.

Question 9

Do you take insurance?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, I do not accept insurance. Thank you for your understanding.

Question 10

Why don’t you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality:
 Insurance companies require a formal mental health diagnosis to process claims. This diagnosis becomes part of your permanent medical record and may be shared across systems in ways that could impact future employment, insurance, or other opportunities. By not billing insurance, your information stays between us.

Freedom to Tailor Your Care:
 Working outside of insurance allows us to focus entirely on your goals—without having to fit your experience into a specific diagnostic label or meet criteria set by insurance policies. This gives us more flexibility in how often we meet, the length of sessions, and the kinds of support I can offer.

Avoiding Stigmatizing Labels:
 Not everyone who seeks therapy meets criteria for a diagnosis, and some clients may prefer not to have one on record. When we’re not working within the insurance system, we can focus on your growth and healing, not your diagnosis.

FAQ