Treatment Steps

 
 

STEPS INVOLVED IN OUR THERAPEUTIC JOURNEY

(Integrated CBT + Schema Therapy Model)

1. FREE INITIAL PRE‑SCREENING CONVERSATION

Our work typically begins with a brief telephone screening. This conversation helps both of us determine whether we may be a good fit. We will discuss what prompted you to contact me and, when relevant, briefly review past therapeutic experiences.

If it appears that we may work well together, we will schedule a 90‑minute Virtual Consultation Meetingto begin a deeper understanding of your concerns, strengths, and goals.

2. CONSULTATION MEETING

The consultation allows us to explore whether we can work together safely, effectively, and collaboratively. We begin forming a strength‑based, schema or  core‑belief‑informed, trauma‑aware conceptualization of:

  • What brings you to therapy

  • How your current difficulties developed

  • What you hope to change

  • What strengths, values, and aspirations will guide our work

During this meeting, I will invite you to reflect on:

  • The best period of your life—what made it meaningful, what strengths and accomplishments were present, and how you responded to challenges

  • Your current concerns—what is happening now, what matters most to you, and how you understand your strengths and circumstances

Your narrative helps us identify the core values, personal aspirations, and enduring strengths that will anchor our work. Because we use an Integrated CBT + Schema Therapy model, our goals may broaden over time as deeper patterns, unmet needs, and life themes emerge.

We will also revisit the initial impressions and hypotheses that emerged during our pre‑screening conversation.

Questionnaires and Background Forms

Before this Diagnostic and Treatment Consultation, you will complete a set of self‑report questionnaires and background history forms. These measures help shape a more precise clinical evaluation and guide the development of your individualized treatment plan.

If any form makes you uncomfortable, you may stop immediately and contact me to discuss alternatives.

3. FOLLOW‑UP AFTER THE CONSULTATION

Either at the end of the consultation or within approximately 48 hours, I will share my initial impressions and discuss next steps.

If we mutually feel that continuing to work together is appropriate, I will outline an initial treatment plan based on the themes, strengths, and needs identified.

If I believe another provider may better meet your needs, I will assist with referrals through trusted colleagues and the Pennsylvania Psychological Association List‑Serve (without sharing any identifying information).

Sometimes, additional sessions are needed to complete the consultation process and clarify the best treatment direction.

You are encouraged to evaluate both the information I provide and your own sense of comfort and safety. Therapy is a significant investment of time, energy, and financial resources, and choosing the right therapist is essential.

4. PSYCHOTHERAPY

If we decide to work together, we will typically meet once weekly for a 60‑minute session. Some sessions may run slightly longer at no additional charge, and frequency may increase during periods of more intensive work.

To support continuity, I often ask you to complete a Continuity of Care Bridge Form before each session. This brief form invites you to reflect on:

  • What stood out from our last session

  • What you practiced or noticed during the week

  • Any feedback or concerns

  • Your “own‑work” assignments and progress

Once an appointment is scheduled, you are responsible for the session fee unless you provide 24 hours’ notice, except in circumstances beyond your control that we mutually acknowledge.

If questions arise about our work or my procedures, we will address them openly. If doubts persist, I can help you obtain a second opinion from credentialed CBT specialists (abpp.org, abct.org, academyofct.org). If you prefer another modality, I can anonymously request referrals through the Pennsylvania Psychological Association List‑Serve.

5. ENDING OR PAUSING TREATMENT

As therapy progresses and goals are met, we will gradually reduce session frequency—from weekly to biweekly or monthly—before formally ending treatment.

Many patients find it helpful to schedule booster or relapse‑prevention sessions six months to a year after termination to review and build upon the strategies that were most effective and reinforce long‑term resilience.

Treatment may also end for other reasons. You may choose to stop if you feel therapy is not helping or if our working relationship no longer feels productive. If you are considering ending treatment, I encourage you to discuss this with me so we can understand what is happening and determine the best path forward.

If I believe therapy is no longer beneficial, if our alliance has deteriorated, or if treatment has become a financial burden, I am ethically obligated to address these concerns. If I recommend ending treatment, I will offer at least one session to discuss the decision and provide appropriate referrals.

6. FOLLOW‑UP OR BOOSTER SESSIONS

It is often helpful to schedule periodic Follow‑Up or Booster Sessions to continue advancing your growth, reinforce gains, and support your ongoing journey toward becoming your best and most authentic self.

7. FEES

  • Diagnostic and Treatment Evaluation (Including processing your self-report questionnaires and background forms, in addition to the 90-minute Clinical Interview: $250.00.

  • Psychotherapy Sessions (60 minutes): $200.00.