FAQs

What is your experience working with people?
How do I know I need counseling? 
How do I know how to choose a counselor?  
How long will counseling last for me?
What is the difference between couples and individual counseling? 

What is your experience working with people?
I am a licensed, clinical social worker whose expertise is in helping people free themselves from the effects of hurts and injustices. I have counseled hundreds of people in many different settings, through working in agencies and hospital settings and now in my own office in Boston, Massachusetts. Since Covid-19, the work is done by Telehealth with a secure online platform.

I have helped people with debilitating sadness (depression), anxiety, suicidal feelings, substance abuse, relationship problems, isolation, stress, trauma, abuse, sexual problems, as well as problems from the effects of racism, sexism, poverty, wealth, ethnic origin, religious conflicts and other problems. Also, I help people with questions about whether or not to stay in a relationship, how to take responsibility for improving a relationship, parenting issues, conflicts in school or the workplace.

I have a love for my work and find immense satisfaction in assisting people to become freer to lead more fulfilling lives.

How do I know I need counseling? 
If you have gone as far as you can with the resources and connections you have, you might consider getting some additional help. Counseling is simply getting someone’s clear attention and skill to help you grow.

How do I know how to choose a counselor?  
You have a right to ask a counselor any questions that you feel are important. It is vital that there be a good philosophical fit between you and the person you choose. It is important that trust be built between you and your counselor because it is important for a counselor to challenge some of your beliefs that are not helpful to you. Due to boundary considerations, a counselor may not be willing to answer some personal questions, and should explain this to you. Trust your instincts and ask questions! It may be useful to meet a counselor for a session or two before committing to a longer series of sessions.

How long will counseling last for me?
This varies. Sometimes just a few sessions helps a person clarify their problem and find a course of action. Sometimes, the problems are more complex and take a longer time. Some people decide to make therapy a regular part of their lives to keep working on new problems that arise. Others come for a short time and then return if some new difficult situation arises.

What is the difference between couples and individual counseling? 
I am experienced in both couples and individual therapy. With couples, the task is usually to help the individuals have more successful conversations leading to more collaboration, kindness, understanding of each other and a more loving relationship. Individual therapy often explores a person’s current and early history which has led them to have a less than satisfying life. In both cases, people learn new skills for communicating and coping. Occasionally, during couples counseling, it becomes clear that one or both of the people have personal difficulties that they want to address in individual counseling, and they engage in individual therapy either with me or with another therapist in order to enhance the work together. Couples can give the therapists permission to talk to each other if they think this will be useful.