Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have a sliding scale?

I have a limited number of sliding scale spots for people with special circumstances who cannot afford my usual fee. I also participate on several insurance panels.

What is Gestalt therapy?

Gestalt therapy is a humanistic therapy focusing on the connections between mind and body. It is phenomenological, which means the therapist encourages the client to notice her moment-to-moment experience in the here-in-now to understand her conflicts or issues. It is interpersonal in that the therapist does not merely listen and interpret but converses, challenges, and actively supports the client. (See Gestalt Institute of Cleveland)

For relationship problems, is individual or couples therapy better?

Both forms of therapy can be helpful. Couples therapy is generally preferable if both partners are willing to participate, there is no violence or abuse in the relationship, and there are no ongoing secrets between the partners. An initial meeting may reveal the relative health of your relationship and where the most serious problems lie.

Which is more effective for the treatment of depression: psychotherapy or medication?

Research suggests that both can be effective and that the combination of the two leads to the best results. Medication often allows the individual to feel more control over the symptoms of depression, which allows her to devise long-term strategies for changing her life and overcoming the disorder. I work with psychiatrists who can address medication issues.

If I am a person of faith, will psychotherapy respect my religion?

Definitely. Although the practice of therapy has sometimes been skeptical of, if not hostile to, spirituality and religion, I believe that lasting therapeutic change must involve the whole individual--including spirituality. I honor and celebrate an individual's faith.

If I am transgendered, what options are available to me?

The Ann Arbor area offers a variety of support groups for transgendered folks. Go to the website of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Affairs office at the University of Michigan for information about groups and activities. For questions about hormone replacement therapy or sex-reassignment surgery, contact Alfreda Rooks Jordan at the UM Comprehensive Gender Services Program (CGSP).

What services are offered for gay/bi men?

I have been working with gay/bi men throughout my career individually, in couples, and in groups. From time to time I offer workshops in coming out, dating, or couples' issues; check this page for future offerings. I have been an active member of the Ann Arbor gay community for 13 years. Also check the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Affairs office at the University of Michigan, Between the Lines (BTL), WRAP. I offer an ongoing, action therapy group with Joe Breakey, MSW. See Groups and Workshop page.

How long does therapy take?

This depends on multiple factors including what your goals are and your ability and willingness to work outside of session on those goals. You and I will develop a set of criteria that will indicate when your work is done.

What can I expect in therapy?

Initially, I will ask a lot of questions to get a better sense of you and of your particular concerns. I will ask you to fill out a questionnaire after the first session that asks about your life history. Sessions are interactional, and as my awareness of you and your behaviors grows, I will let you know what I notice. I may suggest you try out a new behavior in session or ask you to pay particular attention to something you're already doing. These behavior experiments can dramatically shift your awareness of your condition, but you are always the one who decides whether or not you try something new.

How do I begin?

Call my confidential voice mail at (734) 913-9761 and tell me a good time to contact you. I will call you back and we may spend a couple of minutes briefly discussing your reasons for trying therapy. We may then schedule an appointment, usually within 3 days of your call.

How do I get to your office?

My office is located at 400 Maynard Street in Ann Arbor. It is at the corner of William and Maynard Streets, one block west of State Street and one block south of Liberty. The office is in a 10-story, gray building. There is ample parking in the parking garage between Maynard and Thompson, less than one block north of my office.