I want to provide you with some answers to questions that you may have. If I haven’t answered them here, please feel free to email me.

What do I do at my first visit?

The first session involves getting to know each other. Doing this time I will ask you questions about why you came to counseling. We may discuss how we will proceed in therapy, to decide if this is a short or longer term issue and whether or interventions other than talk therapy would be appropriate.

What about hypnosis?

I use hypnosis in my traditional therapeutic practice when it is appropriate and the client is comfortable with this intervention. I also provide a Wellness Program designed to deal specifically with Weight Reduction, Smoking Cessation, Stress, Chronic Pain and Anxiety. In these programs, hypnosis and NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) are primary.

How will I know if you are the right therapist for me?

I believe that it is important to have a therapist who has the appropriate education and post-graduate training. I also believe that you need to work with someone with whom you feel comfortable. Together we can decide if working together makes sense. Also, asking questions will also be helpful for you to determine if I am the therapist for you.

Do you take insurance?

Yes, I am able to take Highmark, Aetna, and UPMC insurance. I only accept insurance for the traditional psychotherapy work. The Wellness Program is a payment for service program. You may also pay out of pocket for therapy services. I have a sliding scale for morning and afternoon sessions. I also accept debt and credit cards.

How many sessions do I need to attend?

This depends on the size and scope and length of the issue. Sometimes this is difficult to determine until I get to know you for a while. However, this is something that we will discuss in treatment.