1. How do I know if therapy is right for me?

 People seek out therapy for different reasons. Some want to improve their self-confidence while others want to help their child cope with stress and reduce conflicts at home. If you are experiencing changes in mood or stress and it is impairing your life, then therapy might help you and your family improve overall quality of life.

2. What age groups do you work with?

I work with children 6 years old and older. Children will engage in individual sessions to learn skills to cope with stress at home and school. This includes play therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, social skills training, grief therapy etc. Therapy provides adolescents a safe place to express their struggles and frustrations with peers, school, bullying, social media, etc. 

3. How long are the sessions?

Sessions are 45 minutes. Initial appointment is for parents to complete brief intake paperwork and discuss concerns without child present. In my experience it is not healthy for the child to sit in session as we discuss all their struggles. Parents will be able to discuss their concerns freely and in turn, children feel more comfortable discussing their emotions and frustrations without their parents present. 

4. What is your specialty?

I have extensive training in Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and have seen clients thrive using CBT techniques. I work with children/adolescents/adults with anxiety/depression/Bipolar/ ADHD and more. 

5. I've taken my child to therapy in the past and all they did was play games. How do I know if this will be any different?

Most child/adolescent therapists will use play therapy in sessions to help children prevent or resolve psychosocial challenges. This is thought to help them towards better social integration, growth and development, emotional modulation, and trauma resolution. During the course of treatment, your child will have a private folder that will remain in the office. At each session, your child will review their struggles of the week, complete a lesson plan and then place their work in their folder. At termination, your child can take their folders home so that they access to completed material during the course of treatment. The initial 30-35 minutes of the session will be working on material to put in the folder (drawings, CBT worksheets..) and if they completed their task, then we play a game. 

6. My Child has seen different therapists but they never made a connection. How do I help my child if they refuse to try therapy again?

This is a very common problem parents have, especially with adolescents who are often times the most resistant to participate in therapy. I have had great success connecting with children and teens. I receive referrals from school adjustment counselors and other counselors in the field who may be having difficulties with children they are working with. I encourage you to shop around for the right person for your child.

As a mom, I understand that it is a difficult decision to take your child to therapy. I try to treat your child as my own because it is what  I would want someone to do for my child. I can't promise that I might be the right person for your child but if I am not, I will gladly help you seek another provider who may be better suited for your child!  

7. Do you prescribe medication or have a Psychiatrist that you are affiliated with?

I do NOT prescribe medication and I am not affiliated with a psychiatrist. I refer clients to local providers that prescribe medications while in treatment. I also coordinate care with providers to widen our perspectives and ensure that all providers are on the same page during the course of treatment.

8. What is the difference between a psychotherapist and psychiatrist? 

A Therapist is a professional you see on a weekly or Bi-weekly basis. In treatment you will develop treatment plans, discuss symptoms, identify triggers, and learn new ways to cope to improve your quality of life. 

A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor who is specialized in psychiatry and Prescribes medication.

9. Does my child need medication? or Do I need medication?

Not everyone who is diagnosed with depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD needs medication. Parents are most concerned about putting their child on medication. Some children and adults make progress with therapy alone, while others may need medication to help them apply tools learned in treatment. After a full evaluation, the need for medication will be reviewed. 

10. Will I be in the room with my child during sessions?

The initial appointment is for the parents alone and the follow up session is for the child. Children tend to become more anxious when their parents are in the room as they begin treatment. Most children are anxious coming in to meet someone new for the first time. However, after several moments they become engaged and decrease their anxieties. Typically, after sessions, I will provide parents a brief summary and any coping skills/homework to be completed during the week. 

11. Do you take insurances?

Yes. I currently take the following insurances. 

Blue Cross Blue Shield, Tufts Health Plan, Optum, United Behavioral Health, Harvard Pilgrim.

Please note, I do not accept standard Masshealth.

I do accept private pay. For more information on rates, please feel free to CONTACT ME.