General
Q: What is your per-session rate?
A: I utilize a sliding scale fee. I try to accommodate everyone despite their financial situations. I discuss all fees during the free consultation that I offer. Keep in mind, that this is an investment in your self and your future! Can you really put a price tag on being content and happy with your life?
Q: From your perspective, what are the goals of the patients you most often treat?
A: Goals are subjective to every individual I meet. Some people want to feel more confident and overcome the low self-worth they have experienced much of their lives, others want to form better relationships with their partners, and others just want to gain a better sense of who they are and where they belong in the world (identity). I want to be able to guide people toward a head-space where they begin to view the world around them as a less harmful, hurtful and mystifying place because everyone wants to be healthier, happier and more satisfied and content in the lives that they live.
Q: What are your goals when working with the people?
A: Triage before surgery. Let's get tools into your toolbox! Let's stabilize your day-today functioning and then start to dig into the issues in your life that may be causing the problems you are experiencing. I want to help you understand the ways in which you are affected by thoughts and feelings that are out of your awareness. Let's decide together whether uncovering or supporting will help most at that moment; and finally, let's uncover unconscious material and support mental functioning in the way that best helps you!
Q: Are there any expectation you have for people that you see?
A: I would say that radical honesty is extremely important, for all parties involved. You must not conceal painful areas of your life from me, because at the end of the day I am the person you have entrusted with your care and you will be working against me. My encouragement to anyone entering is to abandon your need to control, or your wish to be liked, and just be your authentic self. Secondly, you need to have patience and be devoted to the process of change. This process takes time. It has taken you a long time to end up where you are in life, and given that I see most people for one hour a week, it will take time to deconstruct and then reconstruct areas of your life that need attention.
Q: How are you different than other professionals?
A: I engage. The number one complaint I hear from the people I see is that when they have seen other professionals in the past, “they just sit there and don’t say anything”. At times I can be more quiet, but more often than not, my style is to engage with the people I see. I am filled with passion and a desire to help people change their lives, and I believe that passion shows through me when I am conducting my sessions.
Q: What are five words that describe your approach?
A: Compassionate, No Nonsense, Engaging, Truthful, Empathetic
Mental Health & Coaching
Q: What is the difference between mental health treatment and coaching?
A: Mental health treatment and coaching are distinct approaches aimed at fostering personal growth and well-being, but they differ significantly in their focus, methodologies, and goals. Mental health treatment is rooted in addressing emotional disturbances.
In contrast, coaching is a collaborative and goal-oriented process that emphasizes the achievement of specific objectives, personal development, and improved performance. Coaches work with individuals to identify strengths, set goals, and develop strategies to overcome challenges.
While mental health treatment is more oriented and geared towards alleviating symptoms, coaching is future-focused, aiming to enhance overall life satisfaction and success by leveraging an individual's existing capabilities. It's important to note that coaching is not a substitute for mental health treatment, and the choice between the two depends on individual needs and the nature of the issues at hand.
Q: Who is your ideal client?
A: Someone who has a deep desire to change and improve their life. Someone who likes to be challenged, that can accept feedback and take said feedback and begin to apply it to problem areas in their life. I don't limit myself to a specific demographic of people. All ages, lifestyles (sexual or otherwise), religions and cultures are welcome. The one characteristic that everyone shares who walk through my door is courage and the desire to change something that isn't working well within their lives.
Q: What aspect of mental health treatment is the most important?
A: Trust and rapport are utmost priorities when to a good course taken in treatment. If one cannot trust the professional in front of them, the more likely they are to filter, hide and resist the changes necessary to experience relief and a greater sense of satisfaction in life.
Q: Why don’t you accept insurance?
A: I came from agencies that used government funding or insurance providers for payment and what my day consisted of was very little face-to-face time with people I worked with and instead, lots of paperwork. I prefer to spend time getting to know the people I see weekly and building a rapport with them. I don’t like sharing intimate information with insurance companies and too many times I was asked to provide more details than what I felt comfortable sharing. My stance is that the details of one's life are between me and the person I am seeing and only the two of us. To me, the latter is the only way to have true confidentiality about what is being said in sessions which leads to people feeling more comfortable and having greater trust in the process.
Hypnotherapy
Q: What is hypnotherapy?
A: Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique that uses hypnosis to induce a state of focused attention and heightened suggestibility, allowing individuals to explore thoughts, feelings, and memories that may be hidden in their subconscious mind.
Q: How does hypnotherapy work?
A: Hypnotherapy works by guiding individuals into a relaxed state of trance where the subconscious mind becomes more accessible. In this state, the hypnotherapist can suggest positive changes or explore and address underlying issues.
Q: Is hypnosis the same as being unconscious or asleep?
A: No, hypnosis is not the same as being unconscious or asleep. During hypnosis, individuals remain aware and in control, and they can choose to accept or reject suggestions made by the hypnotherapist.
Q: What conditions can hypnotherapy be used to treat?
A: Hypnotherapy can be used to address a variety of conditions, including but not limited to anxiety, phobias, smoking cessation, weight loss, pain management, and stress reduction.
Q: How long does a typical hypnotherapy session last?
A: The duration of a hypnotherapy session can vary, but it often lasts between 45 and 60 minutes. The number of sessions required depends on the individual and the nature of the issue being addressed.
Q: Is hypnotherapy safe?
A: Yes, when conducted by a trained and qualified hypnotherapist, hypnotherapy is considered safe. It is a collaborative process, and individuals cannot be forced to do anything against their will while in a hypnotic state.
Q: Can anyone be hypnotized?
A: Most people can be hypnotized to some degree, but the level of susceptibility varies from person to person. A willingness to be hypnotized and the ability to focus and relax are essential factors.
Q: Can hypnotherapy be done remotely or online?
A: Yes, hypnotherapy can be conducted remotely or online through video conferencing platforms. However, it's important to ensure a quiet and comfortable environment for the individual undergoing hypnotherapy.
Q: How long does it take to see results from hypnotherapy?
A: The time it takes to see results from hypnotherapy varies depending on the individual and the issue being addressed. Some people may experience positive changes after just a few sessions, while others may require more time.
Psychedelic Treatment | Trip Sitting
Q: What is "trip sitting"?
A: Trip sitting refers to the practice of being present and providing support for someone who is undergoing a psychedelic experience, such as taking hallucinogenic substances like LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, or MDMA (ecstasy). The person who takes on the role of a trip sitter is often someone with experience in handling the effects of psychedelics or someone who is trusted by the individual having the experience.
The main purpose of a trip sitter is to ensure the safety and well-being of the person undergoing the psychedelic experience. This involves creating a comfortable and safe environment, offering reassurance, and helping to manage any challenging or difficult aspects of the trip. Trip sitters may also provide practical assistance, such as getting water or helping the individual move around safely.
Having a trip sitter can be especially important because psychedelics can induce intense and altered states of consciousness, and individuals may experience a wide range of emotions and perceptions. A trip sitter can offer a grounded and supportive presence, helping to guide the person through the experience and minimize the risk of negative outcomes.
It's essential for a trip sitter to be familiar with the specific substance being used, be aware of potential risks and interactions, and have some knowledge of the individual's mental and physical health. Open communication and trust between the person having the experience and the trip sitter are crucial for a positive and safe psychedelic journey.
Q: What can I expect from a psychedelic journey?
A: A psychedelic experience allows you to gently and calmly open up to thoughts and feelings that you may avoid in everyday life. You may feel a deeper connection with yourself, allowing you to address a wide range of issues. Psychedelics improve the brain’s neuroplasticity, which can be helpful in breaking thought patterns and replacing old habits with more beneficial behavior.
Q: How do I know if psychedelics are right for me?
A: There are two main considerations when taking psychedelics: your physical and mental health and the timing in your life. If you are receiving treatment or taking medication, please consult your doctor. As for timing, trust your intuition. Do you have enough time and space in your life? Are you in a balanced and open state of mind?
Q: How do I get the most out of my experience?
A: Your experience and the duration of its benefits are likely to improve when you’re well-prepared. I will give you detailed practical information on dietary recommendations and help you find peace of mind through meditative practices and breathwork.