The gist is that everything you say is confidential and cannot be disclosed without your written consent. Two legal exceptions are child abuse and credible threats of major harm to yourself or identified others.

Those with OCD often have upsetting intrusive harm thoughts. They may wonder if they will act on these. This can be quite scary for them. I have never, in 25 years had to break confidentiality in such instances.

It’s also not uncommon for those with OCD to have unacceptable intrusive thoughts or images of a sexual nature. These can be distressing or embarrassing. The content may involve pedophilia, incest, bestiality, etc. Be assured that such disclosures will be held in strictest confidence.

Approximately 50 minutes. I generally meet with individuals once-weekly at the outset of treatment. 

Under certain circustances folks request a double-session. This can be useful, for example, if we are doing extensive freeway driving and practicing going over bridges. 

Once progress is being made, the frequency of sessions is usually reduced prior to finishing up.

Sessions are primarily based in the here-and-now. In most cases I take a solution-oriented, targeted approach to help you achieve your goals. You’ll discuss your difficulties and we’ll partner to develop a game-plan to address them. You’ll practice what we discussed and come back and review what worked and what didn’t. We then revise and add strategies.

$275 for 50 minute individual (or couple) session

$110 for 90 minute group session

I’m not on any insurance panels. However, if you have PPO health insurance, it’s quite possible services would be covered in part. You would pay me directly, and I would give you a “superbill” for you to submit for partial reimbursement.

Click here for more specific information about costs.

The fast acting anti-anxiety medications provide short-term relief but can be addictive. For that reason doctors are increasingly reluctant to prescribe them.

Other types of medications that build up slowly and work behind the scenes can be a useful addition. Once you learn tools and techniques for managing your anxiety or OCD, you may be able to slowly get off those meds and maintain your gains. Research has demonstrated that these gains are lost when medication is not coupled with therapy.

I don’t prescribe medications. If you are already on meds I will, with your signed permission, be happy to confer with your prescriber. If you would like me to recommend someone — I work with several individuals who are quite expert at providing pharmacological help for anxiety and OCD.

Great question! The more work you do between sessions implementing and practicing what you are learning, the quicker you will progress. If you are hesitant, there are ways to increase your motivation and willingness to push yourself.

I only work with persons who are at least 18 years old. I have decades of experience as a couple therapist. These days, as I focus my practice on the treatment of anxiety and OCD, I help couples deal with the impact these can have on relationships.

Happy to answer them. I look forward to hearing from you!