FAQs
Psychotherapy FAQs
I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?
What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?
The difference is between someone who is a loved one and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. If your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion while you have been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that this can place a strain on your relationship and you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life. As a dually licensed and trained psychotherapist and nutrition therapist, I can help you approach your situation in a new and different way. From an emotional, behavioral and nutritional perspective, I can teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. My office is a safe, and secure environment where the challenges you face are completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing” your business.
Why shouldn’t I just take medication?
Medication is effective and sometimes needed in conjunction with therapy but alone it cannot solve all issues. What medication does is treat the symptoms. Our work together is designed to explore the root of the issue, dig deep into your behavior and develop a treatment plan where you learn strategies that help you accomplish your personal, relational and nutritional goals.
Will I be placed on a diet and weighed every week?
No, this program is called “New Paradigms”- essentially a different way of finding solutions that target people’s struggles with their moods and eating. Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, it will be different depending on the individual. I tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific therapy and nutrition needs.
How long will it take?
Unfortunately, this is not possible to say on a FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique and the length of time therapy can take to accomplish goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek therapy in the first place.
What if I already have a therapist or nutritionist- can I still work with you?
That’s OK. My training allows me to take on different roles in a treatment team. I can work with you solely as a psychotherapist or nutrition therapist. People often join the group or attend workshops while working with their own treatment team. I do ask you to sign an authorization form to allow me to coordinate treatment with your other treatment professionals.
Can my partner, friend, a family member also attend my sessions to learn how to support me?
If they are willing to learn and understand how to support you, then yes. Sometimes implementing strategies between sessions can be challenging. Having a loved one, with healthy boundaries, who is motivated to help is always an asset. People often share how the healthful changes they are making trickles down to the rest of the family too!
I have had a gastric procedure- will you work with me?
Absolutely! Post-procedure is the time when people need the most support emotionally and nutritionally. It’s important that you have as many tools as possible in your toolbox as you start your journey.
My work schedule is very demanding- is there flexibility with how my sessions are scheduled?
Yes, you can attend weekly sessions or decide that you want to schedule a block of time on my calendar that is convenient for you. This way we can do more intensive work together. Appointments are available in the evening and Saturdays.
Do I have to do both the nutrition therapy and psychotherapy together or can I choose to work with one first?
Ideally, both these sessions complement each other. After the assessment, I will provide my treatment recommendations but you can decide how you want to start your work.
Do I have to be in individual sessions to sign up for the New Paradigms group and workshops?
No, workshops and groups provide people with different types of guidance and support. Sometimes they find more personal issues surfacing and decide to address these in individual sessions.
I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?
I am so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication are crucial to your success. Your motivation to use the tools and skills outside of our sessions will really help you see your personal growth and development.
Emotional Eating/Nutrition Therapy FAQs
I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?
What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?
The difference is between someone who is a loved one and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. If your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion while you have been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that this can place a strain on your relationship and you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life. As a dually licensed and trained psychotherapist and nutrition therapist, I can help you approach your situation in a new and different way. From an emotional, behavioral and nutritional perspective, I can teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. My office is a safe, and secure environment where the challenges you face are completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing” your business.
Why shouldn’t I just take medication?
Medication is effective and sometimes needed in conjunction with therapy but alone it cannot solve all issues. What medication does is treat the symptoms. Our work together is designed to explore the root of the issue, dig deep into your behavior and develop a treatment plan where you learn strategies that help you accomplish your personal, relational and nutritional goals.
Will I be placed on a diet and weighed every week?
No, this program is called “New Paradigms”- essentially a different way of finding solutions that target people’s struggles with their moods and eating. Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, it will be different depending on the individual. I tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific therapy and nutrition needs.
How long will it take?
Unfortunately, this is not possible to say on a FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique and the length of time therapy can take to accomplish goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek therapy in the first place.
What if I already have a therapist or nutritionist- can I still work with you?
That’s OK. My training allows me to take on different roles in a treatment team. I can work with you solely as a psychotherapist or nutrition therapist. People often join the group or attend workshops while working with their own treatment team. I do ask you to sign an authorization form to allow me to coordinate treatment with your other treatment professionals.
Can my partner, friend, a family member also attend my sessions to learn how to support me?
If they are willing to learn and understand how to support you, then yes. Sometimes implementing strategies between sessions can be challenging. Having a loved one, with healthy boundaries, who is motivated to help is always an asset. People often share how the healthful changes they are making trickles down to the rest of the family too!
I have had a gastric procedure- will you work with me?
Absolutely! Post-procedure is the time when people need the most support emotionally and nutritionally. It’s important that you have as many tools as possible in your toolbox as you start your journey.
My work schedule is very demanding- is there flexibility with how my sessions are scheduled?
Yes, you can attend weekly sessions or decide that you want to schedule a block of time on my calendar that is convenient for you. This way we can do more intensive work together. Appointments are available in the evening and Saturdays.
Do I have to do both the nutrition therapy and psychotherapy together or can I choose to work with one first?
Ideally, both these sessions complement each other. After the assessment, I will provide my treatment recommendations but you can decide how you want to start your work.
Do I have to be in individual sessions to sign up for the New Paradigms group and workshops?
No, workshops and groups provide people with different types of guidance and support. Sometimes they find more personal issues surfacing and decide to address these in individual sessions.
I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?
I am so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication are crucial to your success. Your motivation to use the tools and skills outside of our sessions will really help you see your personal growth and development.
Therapy for the South Asian Community FAQs
I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?
What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?
The difference is between someone who is a loved one and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. If your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion while you have been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that this can place a strain on your relationship and you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life. As a dually licensed and trained psychotherapist and nutrition therapist, I can help you approach your situation in a new and different way. From an emotional, behavioral and nutritional perspective, I can teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. My office is a safe, and secure environment where the challenges you face are completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing” your business.
Why shouldn’t I just take medication?
Medication is effective and sometimes needed in conjunction with therapy but alone it cannot solve all issues. What medication does is treat the symptoms. Our work together is designed to explore the root of the issue, dig deep into your behavior and develop a treatment plan where you learn strategies that help you accomplish your personal, relational and nutritional goals.
Will I be placed on a diet and weighed every week?
No, this program is called “New Paradigms”- essentially a different way of finding solutions that target people’s struggles with their moods and eating. Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, it will be different depending on the individual. I tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific therapy and nutrition needs.
How long will it take?
Unfortunately, this is not possible to say on a FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique and the length of time therapy can take to accomplish goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek therapy in the first place.
What if I already have a therapist or nutritionist- can I still work with you?
That’s OK. My training allows me to take on different roles in a treatment team. I can work with you solely as a psychotherapist or nutrition therapist. People often join the group or attend workshops while working with their own treatment team. I do ask you to sign an authorization form to allow me to coordinate treatment with your other treatment professionals.
Can my partner, friend, a family member also attend my sessions to learn how to support me?
If they are willing to learn and understand how to support you, then yes. Sometimes implementing strategies between sessions can be challenging. Having a loved one, with healthy boundaries, who is motivated to help is always an asset. People often share how the healthful changes they are making trickles down to the rest of the family too!
I have had a gastric procedure- will you work with me?
Absolutely! Post-procedure is the time when people need the most support emotionally and nutritionally. It’s important that you have as many tools as possible in your toolbox as you start your journey.
My work schedule is very demanding- is there flexibility with how my sessions are scheduled?
Yes, you can attend weekly sessions or decide that you want to schedule a block of time on my calendar that is convenient for you. This way we can do more intensive work together. Appointments are available in the evening and Saturdays.
Do I have to do both the nutrition therapy and psychotherapy together or can I choose to work with one first?
Ideally, both these sessions complement each other. After the assessment, I will provide my treatment recommendations but you can decide how you want to start your work.
Do I have to be in individual sessions to sign up for the New Paradigms group and workshops?
No, workshops and groups provide people with different types of guidance and support. Sometimes they find more personal issues surfacing and decide to address these in individual sessions.
I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?
I am so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication are crucial to your success. Your motivation to use the tools and skills outside of our sessions will really help you see your personal growth and development.