FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The first step is an initial meeting where we have an opportunity to talk and get to know one another. I invite prospective patients to come in for an initial session, ideally in person when possible, as this often allows for a fuller sense of connection and presence. I also offer both in-person sessions and teletherapy via secure video, and we can discuss what feels most appropriate for you.

Usually, no. Much like any interview or exploratory process, it is difficult to gain a meaningful sense of a person—or of the potential for working together—in a single meeting. The first session allows us to begin the conversation, but it is often only a starting point.

After this initial meeting, we can decide together whether it makes sense to continue with the consultation process.

The consultation process typically unfolds over approximately two to four sessions, though in some cases it may take longer. During this time, we develop a clearer understanding of your concerns, history, and current difficulties, as well as how you experience our conversations together.

This period allows both of us to assess whether working together feels like a good fit.

I am listening for how you describe your struggles, how you understand yourself and your relationships, and what you are hoping for from treatment. I am also considering whether psychoanalytic psychotherapy or psychoanalysis is likely to be helpful, and whether I believe I can be of assistance.

You may want to notice whether the sessions feel useful, whether the questions spark curiosity, and whether you feel understood and empathized with. Many people also pay attention to whether the conversations help them think differently about themselves or their situation, even early on.

These impressions matter in deciding whether to continue.

At the conclusion of the consultation, I will share my impressions and offer treatment recommendations. If we decide to work together, we will discuss the recommended format and structure of treatment. If another approach or referral seems more appropriate, I will help guide you toward other options.

If we move forward, we will discuss the structure of treatment, including session frequency, scheduling, and practical considerations. Psychoanalytic psychotherapy and psychoanalysis unfold gradually over time, guided by your experience and the rhythm of the work rather than a predetermined agenda.

No. There is no expectation that you arrive knowing exactly what to say or where to begin. You are encouraged to speak freely about whatever feels present, confusing, or important. Therapy begins wherever you are, including uncertainty or ambivalence.

Yes. Questions are welcome throughout the consultation process and beyond. Part of determining whether this work is a good fit involves understanding how you experience the setting, the relationship, and the way we think together.

Sessions are primarily a space for open conversation. You are invited to speak freely about thoughts, feelings, memories, dreams, or concerns. Over time, emotional themes and patterns emerge naturally through this process rather than being directed or imposed.

Psychoanalytic therapy is not primarily advice-giving. Instead, the focus is on developing deeper self-understanding, so that decisions and changes arise from insight and reflection rather than instruction.

Both. Psychoanalytic work attends to present-day experiences, relationships, and symptoms while also exploring how earlier emotional experiences continue to shape current patterns. The past is explored as it helps bring understanding to present experience.

No. This work is not about blame. It focuses on understanding how early relationships and experiences shaped ways of relating to yourself and others. These patterns are approached with curiosity and compassion, not judgment.

No. Psychoanalytic therapy and higher-frequency work are often especially well suited for people who are psychologically minded, high functioning, and interested in understanding themselves more deeply.

Many people who pursue this kind of work are functioning well professionally and socially, but feel emotionally constrained, internally conflicted, or aware of repeating patterns they want to understand rather than simply manage.

Psychoanalysts are first trained and licensed as psychologists, psychiatrists, or clinical social workers. In addition to this professional training, they complete an extensive and immersive psychoanalytic education that typically spans four to five additional years.

This training includes advanced coursework in psychoanalytic theory, clinical technique, and ethics; years of supervised psychoanalytic work; and a personal psychoanalysis, which is considered a central part of learning how to practice this work responsibly and deeply.

For people seeking a depth-oriented treatment that values careful listening, ethical practice, and lasting psychological change, this additional level of training can be meaningful.

Yes. A substantial and growing body of research supports the effectiveness of psychoanalytic and psychodynamic therapies for a wide range of emotional and relational difficulties. Research demonstrates not only symptom improvement, but also lasting changes that often continue after treatment ends.

One influential review examined outcomes of long-term psychoanalytic therapy and psychoanalysis:

de Maat, S., de Jonghe, F., Schoevers, R., & Dekker, J. (2009). The effectiveness of long-term psychoanalytic therapy: A systematic review of empirical studies. Harvard Review of Psychiatry, 17(1), 1–23.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19205963/

Another widely cited article synthesized decades of outcome research on psychodynamic psychotherapy:

Shedler, J. (2010). The efficacy of psychodynamic psychotherapy. American Psychologist, 65(2), 98–109.

https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/amp-65-2-98.pdf

More recent work has articulated the scientific and neurobiological foundations of psychoanalysis:

Solms, M. (2018). The scientific standing of psychoanalysis. BJPsych International, 15(1), 5–8.

For a broader, accessible discussion of contemporary psychoanalysis and its relevance today, you may also find this overview helpful: https://apple.news/AyrP7dIEfS86QS1-t4nuf3w

Additional summaries and references are available through the American Psychoanalytic Association.

There is no predetermined length. Some people work in therapy for a more limited period, while others choose longer-term treatment. Duration depends on your goals, the nature of your concerns, and how the work unfolds over time.

Fees can be discussed by phone. I do not participate directly with insurance plans, but I provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement if your plan offers that benefit.

I encourage you to contact me by phone to schedule a brief, complimentary 15-minute consultation call. This call offers an opportunity to ask questions, share what you are looking for, and get a sense of whether this approach may be a good fit.

A psychologist earns a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in psychology. This typically includes 5–7 years of graduate education, clinical training, research, a full-time pre-doctoral internship, and post-doctoral supervised experience before independent licensure. Psychologists are trained in psychological theory, assessment, diagnosis, and psychotherapy.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (M.D. or D.O.) who specializes in mental health. Psychiatrists complete medical school and residency training, are able to prescribe medication, and some also receive training in and provide psychotherapy. Many work closely with psychologists and therapists to provide comprehensive care.

The term “therapist” is broader and may include psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, mental health counselors, and marriage and family therapists. Training pathways and areas of specialization vary across disciplines.