What do the letters after your name mean ("MSW and LISW")?

​

MSW means "Master's of Social Work."   I completed 4 years of college then went to graduate school for two years and received a master's degree.  LISW refers to  "Licensed Independent Social Worker."  There are many types of licenses for social workers; LISW is the highest level of licensure.  In order to qualify you must receive 2 years of supervision following your master's degree and pass a comprehensive exam.  There are different types of social workers; I am a clinical social worker.

​​

​

What can I expect from the first session?

​

In the first session we will discuss why you came to treatment and what you would like to accomplish in treatment.  We will identify your strengths, your support system and stressors.  After some discussion, I will tell you if I think I can help you and we will sketch out a preliminary plan.  I may provide some education about what I have learned about your problem from my experience.  If I do not think I can be helpful, I will provide information about an appropriate referral.  I will ask about your method of payment and insurance.

​

​

How many sessions can I expect and how long are they? 



Treatment length is typically 3-12 sessions (50 minutes long) scheduled weekly or every other week.   There are a lot of variations to this schedule and you may find that 1-2 sessions are enough or that we need to continue after 12 sessions.  Sessions may become less frequent as treatment progresses.    

​

​

I have been to several other therapists but didn't feel like I got better or that I made any progress.  How do I know you will be different?

​

There is no way to know for sure until we are in treatment.  We will be assessing your satisfaction with treatment and your progress on a regular basis so hopefully you will not experience this.  If you or I feel that our time together is not productive and not moving forward I will refer you to another provider.

 

Mostly, I want to assure you that therapy is a collaborative, open process and I encourage you at regular times in your treatment to discuss what is and what is not working for you.  I am not the type of therapist who says "tell me about your week" and then allows you to discuss the events of your week without any real focus or purpose.  We will link information from one session to the next and our sessions will have a clear direction.

​

​

I have a full time job and it is hard for me to take time off for appointments.  Can you see me on ​

Saturdays?​

​

Yes, I have appointments available on Saturdays from 8-12, have availability on most evenings from 5-7pm and some morning appointments at 7am.  The beauty of a private practice is the flexibility in scheduling so I am open to determining a time that works for both of us.

​

​

I do not have anxiety but have other problems- can you help me with depression, grief, family relationships, etc.?

​

Yes, I have lots of experience treating depression, bipolar disorder, issues associated with aging, grief and loss and many others.  Please call to see if I might be able to help you.