Frequently Asked Questions

Entering therapy is a courageous act of self-care and self-compassion. It can be a deeply rewarding experience leading to lasting, positive change in your life. I have seen it many times.

Your level of engagement and willingness to participate fully, however, can significantly impact the results you’ll see. Being open, honest, and actively involved in the process helps you get the most out of it.

Some benefits you may experience from therapy include:

• Increased insight into the patterns of behavior or thought that may be holding you back

• Healthier coping mechanisms

• More fulfilling relationships, and

• Increased engagement in what matters most to you.

I believe in the importance of the therapeutic relationship and view it as a tool to help you make positive changes in your life. Research shows that a strong therapeutic relationship can facilitate new insights about yourself and others in your life, promote growth, and produce change.

The therapeutic relationship offers opportunities to learn how to:

• Build trust gradually

• Show up to a relationship with authenticity and transparency

• Do emotional intimacy, and

• End relationships gracefully (because, by definition, therapy is not forever).

Relationships

• Individuals navigating relationship struggles

• Partners in committed relationships / marriages of any length

• Dating couples

• Engaged couples

• Newly married couples

• Couples contemplating parenthood

Anxiety

• Generalized anxiety and worry

• Health anxiety and hypochondriasis

• Specific fears and phobias

• Social anxiety

• Death anxiety, fear of death

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

• Panic attacks

Trauma

• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Abuse

• Acute stress

Grief and Loss

• Loss of a loved one

• Loss of a pet

• Loss of a relationship, health status, or other life situation

• Anticipatory grief

• End of life emotional support

Depression

• Acute and chronic depression

• Perinatal and postpartum depression

Life Transitions

• Aging

• Retirement

• Considering or adjusting to parenthood

• Adjusting to a new job or city

• Newly single or dating again

• Cross-cultural adjustment

Challenges in Living

• Intimacy and sexuality

• Work, school, and career concerns

• Anger and irritability

• Stress management

• Procrastination

• ADHD/ADD

• Existential concerns + meaning-making

Reach out via phone, email, or by using the contact form found here to schedule a free, 30-minute initial consultation. We can discuss what’s bringing you to therapy, and I’ll share about my approach and how I may be able to help. At the end of the consultation we’ll make a joint decision on whether to proceed with scheduling a first therapy session.

The first few appointments are generally evaluative sessions that focus on telling your story, clarifying goals for therapy, and determining whether my services are the right fit for your needs. We will also collaborate to develop a treatment approach that works for you. Prior to and during this evaluative phase, I will ask you to complete electronic intake forms and assessments so that I can gather information about you that will help me individualize your care.

For couples, we will start with a conjoint introductory session, then complete individual assessment sessions with each partner, and finally return together for a conjoint feedback session where I will share my impressions and provide recommendations. Learn more about couples therapy here.

Moving forward, our sessions will begin to focus more fully on the specific areas you are wanting to address. I will routinely check in about how therapy is progressing, adjusting my approach as needed.

Core Wellness Psychology’s cancellation policy requires 48 hours’ notice in advance to avoid the session fee. If we can find another time to meet in the same calendar week, Core Wellness Psychology will not charge the fee. We will make a good faith effort to honor scheduling requests.

No, I am not a medical doctor. Many of my patients find medication helpful, but many of them also progress well in therapy without medication. If you have a need for a medication evaluation, I will assist you with connecting with a prescriber. I value a team-based approach to mental health care, and welcome the opportunity to collaborate with your prescriber.

I offer both.

In-person visits take place at my office in Arlington, VA, which is a short walk from the Rossyln Metro Station on the Orange/Silver/Blue lines.

Virtual appointments are offered via a secure HIPAA-compliant video telehealth platform.

I a member of the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT), which authorizes me to practice telehealth in Washington, D.C., as well as Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. If you are located in any of these areas, I can meet with you virtually.

Some of my patients choose a hybrid option, allowing for virtual therapy or in-office visits, whichever is most convenient during a given week.

My office is located in the Park Place Building at 1655 Fort Myer Drive Arlington, VA 22209.

There are metered spaces on Fort Myer Drive, Lynn Street, and on other surrounding streets. Arlington County uses Parkmobile to pay for metered parking using your phone. Click here to see a parking map of the area.

There is a parking garage in the building (~$15/hour) and there are also other garages in Rosslyn.

Free two-hour parking is available at the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima) - about a 4-minute walk to the building. To reach the memorial, continue on Ft. Myer Drive past the building, cross Rt. 50, and proceed until the stop sign (the entrance to Ft. Myer will be on your right). Make a left at the stop sign and another left into the memorial. If you park towards the rear of the memorial, you can walk up to Ft. Myer Drive and cross the bridge over Rt. 50 to the building (about 2 blocks). The building is right in front of you between the two one-way streets.

Determining the length of treatment is a collaborative process based on your treatment goals and personal circumstances.

Length of time in therapy can vary widely. Some people find that they meet their goals in just a few sessions, whereas others benefit from months or even years of therapy. We will discuss the anticipated length of treatment during our first sessions. As symptoms subside and goals are reached, I will work with you to determine when to reduce frequency or wrap up therapy.