Psychotherapy/Counseling

Initial Consultation

The first appointment is called an initial consultation. I will ask questions about what is causing you distress, as well as some general background questions. We will talk about what you want from therapy, and how I think I might be of help to you. We will establish some preliminary goals for treatment. If I do not think that I can help you, I will provide you with referrals to other mental health professionals.

How to Schedule
Call me at (623) 363-8747. I answer my own phone. If I am in session you will get my voice mail. Please leave your information and I will call you back. I return calls within the same business day. Please indicate whether I can leave a message at your call back number, just in case I miss you. I ask that you do not use email for this purpose, as I do not have security measures in place to protect your confidentiality over email.

Free Phone Consultation
I offer free 10 minute consultations over the phone for prospective clients. Please be prepared to tell me in a few sentences your reason for seeking therapy. I may ask a few follow up questions to determine if my services are a potential match for your needs. If it looks like we might be a good therapist-client match, then we will schedule the first appointment. If not, I will offer you referrals to other therapists.

Forms
There are three forms that you will need to fill out. I can mail them to you, or you can complete them at my office (please allow 30 minutes before the appointment).

Crisis Information
If you are in crisis or having thoughts of hurting yourself or someone else, please call: 

EMPACT Crisis (480) 784-1500 or  Value Options Crisis (602) 222-9444.
These hotlines operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Follow Up Appointments

At the beginning of each session we will set an agenda. I will ask you what it is that you would like to focus on for that session. I will also bring up anything that I think needs to be addressed. The bulk of the session time will be spent on the goal(s) for that day. I will use a variety of techniques to help you achieve your goals. These will include direct suggestions and indirect methods designed to help you find your own solutions. At about 35 to 40 minutes into the session we will review the work done that day. We will also discuss how you can continue that work in between sessions (homework). At the end of each session you will be invited to give feedback about how the therapy is progressing for you.

Each session is 45 minutes in length. We will typically meet once a week. Although in some circumstances we may meet every other week. Payment is due at the beginning of the session. I respectfully request 24 hour's notice for all cancellations. If you cancel with less notice, you will be charged the full fee for that session.  

Length of treatment will be based on your goals and needs. We will speak frequently about progress and make adjustments to our work as needed.

Stress Management

Realistic Stress Management Consultations
Develop your own unique stress management plan

This is a single-session, one-to-one consultation in which I will help you identify a personalized stress management plan. We will work together to develop a realistic plan that fits your lifestyle and needs to help you reduce your daily stress.

Learning Objectives
(1) Understand the body's stress response
(2) Identify (pr clarify) your stress triggers and symptoms
(3) Learn why common stress management strategies fail
(4) Learn the three elements of a Realistic Stress Management Plan
(5) Identify two or more strategies that you can implement right away.

Cost
$180 for a 90 minute consultation