Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: I’ve never been to a therapist. What should I expect?

You should expect that we will spend the first couple of sessions talking about the problem you came in with, but I’ll also ask a lot of background questions, in order to get a clear idea of where you’re coming from. It’s my job to conduct the session so that you feel comfortable and understood.

The surest predictor of whether you’ve found the right therapist will be that you feel the therapist “gets” you. Usually clients have made up their minds about that by the third session. If you feel I don’t get you, please tell me! If you feel that the situation still isn’t working for you, feel free to ask for suggestions for another therapist who might be more suited to your personality and needs.

Q: How do I know that my business stays private?

All therapists are bound by law to keep your business confidential unless you give your written consent. The only exceptions to this are if the therapist believes you are going to harm yourself or somebody else, or if a court order demands the records.

Q: How do I get hold of you if something important comes up between sessions?

During the day, my voice-mail picks up messages, and I generally return calls within an hour or two. In cases of emergencies at night or on the weekends, the voice-mail message directs you to my cell phone

Q: I don’t know the difference between a psychiatrist, psychologist, psychotherapist, counselor…and what’s this about social workers being therapists?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor. Psychiatrists can conduct medical and psychological tests, do counseling, and prescribe medications. Your primary care provider can also prescribe medications for depression, anxiety and the like, but psychiatrists are experts at finding the right combinations of medications to help in complicated situations.

A psychologist has a doctorate in psychology. Psychologists cannot prescribe medications or conduct medical tests, but they can administer IQ and other tests that require special training to interpret.

What’s surprising to most people is that social workers provide the largest percentage of counseling services in New York State. A social worker has a master’s degree, and can do most types of counseling. We can’t prescribe medications or administer specialized tests, but we can do assessments and treatment for depression, anxiety, addictions, and other problems.

The words “psychotherapist” or “counselor” don’t mean anything in particular. Anyone can call him or herself a psychotherapist or counselor, but it does not mean that the person has training or licensing to do that kind of work. If you’re in doubt, ask the New York State Office of the Professions.

Q: What’s an Employee Assistance Program, and does my employer have one?

Employee Assistance Programs offer free assessments, brief counseling, and referrals to employees and their families. Even though employers pay EAPs for their services, they are not permitted to know which employees use them. Most employers’ EAPs offer 3-5 visits per employee per year. If your employer has an EAP it is probably described in your employee handbook. Check with your Human Resources Department to find out more.