FAQ
Where is the office located?
My office is in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood. There is on-the-street parking and a nearby parking lot behind our building.
1900 Murray Ave., Suite 206 Pittsburgh, PA 15217
How long is a typical session?
What do I do to get started?
Do you accept insurance?
Can I cancel an appointment? Do you have a cancellation policy?
Please cancel 24 hours in advance to avoid being subject to a charge for the session.
You can call or email me to cancel or reschedule your appointments.
What is a free initial phone consultation?
With what age range do you work?
What can I expect from the first session?
What do you enjoy about being a therapist?
I enjoy talking about issues that matter to people while helping them gain a new perspective on their lives.
I love when clients have their “a-ha moments” and see new possibilities in their lives. This work is my passion.
Have you been in therapy?
Yes, going through therapy helps me understand myself better, my goals, values, and self-worth. Therapy also helps me become a better therapist and to understand the viewpoint from the client’s perspective.
I still return to therapy from time to time. Therapists are not perfect people, and we are also still learning and developing.
What is your educational background?
I received my Bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland. Before becoming a therapist, I obtained a degree in Occupational therapy and training in life coaching. I received my Masters of Psychology at Chatham University, worked over 3000 hours under supervision, and obtained my Masters of Counseling Psychology in 2007.
I went through an intensive program in Structural family-based counseling that involved vigorous training in clients’ homes.
I am a trained EMDR Practitioner, and I continue to receive training to stay up to date and informed about the best treatments. More recently, I trained in “Soulstir Dance,” a method of movement used to express a myriad of emotions.
As you can see, I love learning, and my best teacher has been my life experience.
Do you prescribe medications?
No, a therapist is not licensed to prescribe medications. I can make referrals to a doctor or psychiatrist if you need treatment with medication.
What is an HSP?
Dr. Elaine Aaron coined the phrase “highly sensitive person” (HSP). This trait involves a higher sensitivity to noise, bright lights, emotions, and general sensory stimuli.
Being able to identify this trait in yourself, a family member, or others can be very empowering. While research finds HSP in about 20 percent of the general population, it is a trait found in about 50 percent of individuals seeking therapy. Learning more about HSP can be a part of your therapeutic process.
Do you integrate spirituality into your therapy?
I think spirituality is an important component of therapy because it can add depth and meaning to a person’s life. I leave it to the client to see what and how this may apply.
Some people had negative experiences in their “organized religion” earlier in life, which caused them to cease looking for their path in connecting with a Higher Power.
Why do you call yourself Off the Couch Therapy?
I find people who have anxiety or depression often become stuck on their “couch.” Therapy or coaching helps move you off the couch!
Additionally, receiving therapy once involved laying on a couch indefinitely to gain deep insight into our inner selves. Therapy has progressed to the point where we now have techniques that can more quickly give us insight and lead to change.