Frequently Asked Questions
Why therapy?
That's an amazing question, to which I say, why not? Listen, one of my favorite examples to use with people to help explain the difference between talking to a friend and talking to a therapist is responses. If your friend or partner is having a bad day and hits you with the infamous 'K' or subpar response, you're going to feel discouraged. You may be less inclined to open up. As your therapist, I promise to never minimize your thoughts and feelings. I want to be that unbiased party to hear, validate, and process with you.
Okay...but why should I choose you as my therapist?
Another fabulous question! Truth be told, I never want to try to convince anyone why they should allow me to be their therapist. That's a decision completely up to you, and my two cents really shouldn't play a role. But, what I will say is this: I love to laugh with clients in session (when appropriate, of course) , I'll never ever make you talk about anything if you don't want to (or at all, really), and I will always be your biggest cheerleader while still holding you accountable when necessary.
What should I bring and expect for my first appointment?
The very first meeting we will have is called the intake appointment. This is when I will go over all of the paperwork and gather information regarding presenting problems (essentially what's been going on). From there, we can work together to establish treatment goals! Please bring your photo ID and insurance card for the first meeting.
NOTE: For kids and teens, parents can stay for the paperwork portion, but after that, I typically speak one on one with your kiddo to start building that rapport. Of course, this is just a maybe and not a requirement.
How long will this take?
That's an amazing question that I absolutely do not have the answer for! It's person dependent! Typically, people come in to work on X, Y, and Z. Once those goals are met, they "graduate" from therapy! Some prefer to stay in therapy to have a trusted party to confide in and process things with. You get to decide how long, or short, you'd like this journey to be!
How are faith and culture specialities?
Faith and culture are so deeply ingrained in so much of a person's identities! They influence so much of who we are. As an Afro-Latina woman, I can come into sessions with fellow BIPOC clients and process from a truly empathetic standpoint. Many challenges faced by minority communities are universal, and so my clients can trust that I can understand their experiences and sentiments in a deeper, more relatable way.
As far as faith, this will only be implemented by request. Specifically, please let let me know if you'd like Christian based counseling, or I else I will never impose any type of religious beliefs into our sessions.