Frequently asked Questions

"I can give you a little insight into how therapy with me could be. Although, with full transparency, who knows - every therapy is different. 

In a collaborative therapy session, the therapist and person in therapy develop a partnership in which they talk with each other, not to each other. Individuals can tell their story while a therapist actively listens and seeks to understand their perspective. To facilitate dialogue, the therapist might ask questions, comment, and make sure they accurately understand what the person in therapy is saying. By forming a cooperative relationship, they work together to create a new understanding of the individual's experience, allowing for transformation. A crucial part of collaborative therapy is the therapist's recognition that a person in therapy is the expert on their own experience."

"I am not the expert here, you are.  I am not an authority figure and I do not have greater knowledge or understanding. I can offer my own suggestions or perspective, but I avoid imposing my own ideas on you in therapy. I value transparency, so I often will share those ideas, and receive direction from you.

Specific techniques a collaborative therapist may use include inviting you to tell your story in your own way and at your own pace.  I am interested in your experience and will listen attentively, and also respond, often asking you (the expert on your own life) whether my interpretation of your experience is accurate, and pause, using silence to create space for reflection." 

"In the beginning stages . . . 

I like to work collaboratively and with a ton of flexibility.  

We will construct the structure of our experience together, in a way that will work for us (frequency of interactions, means of interactions, use of tools, expectations etc.).   If, later we find our construction isn’t working, then we will change it.  We won’t be held captive in non-productivity by a system that we design." 

"We will work together to set a therapeutic agenda.   Research shows that if you and I co-create explicit and clear ‘objectives’ or ‘goals’ then you will experience a better outcome from being in counseling.   I have a framework I prefer to use, but depending on the nature of your concerns we may choose to create something new."  

"Where and when you experience change is hard to predict.  No two counseling sessions are ever the same and the path of growth is always different person to person.  Between sessions there will be ongoing opportunities to reflect upon insight, participate in experiments, strategies, exercises and chances to practice new skills. We are not limiting our work to live sessions. 

Feedback and transparency are crucial in this space. 

 I am committed to being transparent, and while I hope that over time you trust me enough and our relationship becomes secure enough that you will be fully transparent with me, I can’t require you to be.  I will build in time at the end of every session to check in and hear from you about your experience during the session."