Common Questions
Intake Process & FAQs
What is your intake process?
After your Initial Consultation, you will receive a confidential, HIPAA-compliant email with intake paperwork to complete before your first session.
For couples: Each partner fills out their own intake forms.
You will also review and sign:
Business Policies and Procedures
Informed Consent & Confidentiality Agreement
Payments are processed securely through Square at the end of each session, and you will receive a receipt for insurance reimbursement.
How often should I/we come for sessions?
The frequency of sessions depends on your needs:
Some clients notice improvements after just a few sessions.
Others benefit from longer-term support to create meaningful change.
My goal is always to help you move toward your own “Graduation” from counseling, with “tune-ups” only as needed. Throughout the process, I will check in to ensure our work remains aligned with your goals so you can experience progress as quickly as possible.
Why not just take medication?
Medication can be valuable, but it often does not address the underlying issues causing your struggles. Therapy helps you:
Identify the thorn in your foot: Discover what’s holding you back or causing pain.
Expand on what works: Build on your strengths.
Learn new tools: Gain strategies and skills to handle what isn’t working.
Tie it all together: Create a path to lasting, positive change.
Medication may support this process, but counseling provides the foundation for long-term healing and growth.
How long are sessions?
Standard Session: 50 minutes
Extended Session: 100 minutes (ideal for deeper work and often accelerates progress).
While extended sessions cost more per visit, many clients find the faster progress balances the overall investment.
What is your cancellation policy?
I understand that life happens, and I strive to be flexible with true emergencies such as illness, child care issues, or work crises.
No charge for genuine emergencies.
Full charge for sessions canceled or missed with less than 24 hours’ notice (unless due to an emergency).
Inclement Weather Policy: I follow Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) weather cancellations. However, if conditions allow you to safely reach the office (I have 4-wheel drive), please let me know if you’d like to keep your appointment.