You have questions, we have answers!
Here are answers to some of the questions I hear most often. If yours isn't here, feel free to reach out.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
How long will therapy take?
Every person is different, so there isn't a set timeline. Some people come for 6-8 sessions, gain practical tools, and that's exactly what they need. Others are looking for longer-term therapy and appreciate ongoing support as they work through deeper patterns.
The length of therapy depends on many factors, including whether you're already working with another therapist and how much you're able to practice and experiment with new skills between sessions.
My goal isn't to keep you in therapy indefinitely. It's to help you develop the confidence and skills to continue making progress long after our work together ends. We'll check in regularly to make sure therapy continues to feel useful and aligned with your goals.
-
What if I already have a therapist?
That's great! Many people work with me specifically for BFRBs while continuing to see another therapist for trauma, relationships, anxiety, or other concerns. With your permission, I'm happy to collaborate with your therapist so your care feels coordinated and complementary.
-
Do you take insurance?
I'm an out-of-network provider and do not bill insurance directly. If your plan includes out-of-network benefits, I'm happy to provide a superbill that you can submit for possible reimbursement. If cost is a concern, feel free to ask about my limited sliding scale openings.
-
What happens during the first session?
The first session is a chance for us to get to know each other. We'll talk about what brings you in, how pulling or picking shows up in your life, what you've already tried, and what you'd like to be different. You'll also have plenty of time to ask questions so we can decide whether we're a good fit.
-
Do you work with children?
I primarily work with adolescents and adults.
That said, if your child has a body-focused repetitive behavior and you're having difficulty finding specialized BFRB care, please don't hesitate to reach out. I consider working with younger children on a case-by-case basis, particularly when there are limited treatment options and we feel like a good fit. I also work with parents who want guidance in supporting their child's BFRB, even if I'm not meeting with the child directly.
Even if we don't end up working together, I'm always happy to help point families toward resources whenever I can.
-
Is recovery actually possible?
Many people worry they'll struggle with pulling or picking forever. While everyone's experience is different, I've seen meaningful change happen over and over again. Therapy isn't about perfection—it's about building a different relationship with urges so they take up less space in your life.
-
How often will we meet?
I typically recommend starting with weekly sessions because it gives us the best chance to build momentum and see meaningful progress. That said, I'm also flexible and happy to work with you to find a schedule that fits your needs and circumstances.