Frequently Asked Questions

A reluctance to change is common. People tend to rely on familiar ways of thinking and acting, often because those approaches have been effective in most areas of their lives. At the same time, they may realize that these same patterns no longer lead to the outcomes they want in some other areas.

It is therefore typical for individuals to come to therapy with mixed feelings: a willingness to consider alternative approaches alongside some hesitation about doing things differently. Though therapy can help clarify what need to change and what alternative approaches may be available, making changes is up to the person. The therapy process is intended to foster insight and understanding; whether to change and what to change remains up to you.
Across different approaches to psychotherapy, there is a shared understanding that choices and actions are shaped by underlying beliefs that are often taken for granted and not closely examined. A central function of therapy is to help people become more aware of these beliefs and then help them evaluate whether these beliefs remain accurate and whether they serve their current goals. Over time, this process of self-reflection can create the conditions for more deliberate and effective choices.

Insight and practical approaches are typically integrated over the course of the therapy. Greater understanding of the beliefs and behaviors that contribute to a difficulty often clarifies where more targeted, skills-based intervention may be useful.

For example, a pattern such as chronic procrastination at work may be linked to underlying self-critical judgments about competence, e.g. doing work on a project will demonstrate that “I’m a fraud.” As these underlying self-critical judgments(“I’m a fraud”) and the ineffective coping responses (procrastination) become clearer, the work in therapy may integrate more practical strategies—such as CBT to target the self-critical judgments and to develop alternative coping mechanisms to the procrastination.

Recurring arguments often persist because the issue being debated is not the central concern. More often, the disagreement reflects a more sensitive underlying issue that is difficult to share openly and directly. The intensity of these exchanges is frequently driven by this underlying concern, even if it is not fully recognized by either partner.
In therapy, these patterns of communication often emerge in real time and there is then an opportunity for the couple to examine them more closely with the therapist’s facilitation. This process can help partners identify the underlying concern that is driving these recurring arguments and begin to communicate more directly and openly about that concern instead of repeating the same surface-level conflict.

Improved communications can be satisfying in itself but it is often a means to the end of a more satisfying and secure relationship. Couples’ therapist can help partner make progress in their communications and also help them improve the quality of their relationship.

My fees are $325 for a 45-minute individual session and $400 for a 60-minute couples session. The initial 60-minute consultation is $400.

I am an out-of-network provider. If your plan includes out-of-network benefits, I can submit electronic claims on your behalf with your consent. After your deductible is met, many plans reimburse a portion of the fee, often in the range of 60–75%.

Yes, communications in therapy are confidential and are disclosed only with your written consent, with some exceptions.

Exceptions include situations involving suspected child or elder abuse, or when there is an imminent risk of harm to yourself or others.

If you use out-of-network insurance benefits, some information about your treatment—such as your diagnosis and billing codes—must be submitted to your insurance company in order to process reimbursement.

That depends largely on your therapy goals. On average, therapy lasts 6 months to 2 years.

A psychologist holds a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) and is licensed to practice psychology. Psychologists focus on psychotherapy and, in some cases, psychological assessment.

A psychiatrist is a physician (M.D. or D.O.) who has completed residency training in psychiatry. Psychiatrists are licensed to prescribe medication and may also provide psychotherapy.

Psychologists are licensed by the state in which they practice. In New York, licensure can be verified through the New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions:

https://www.op.nysed.gov/verification-search
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