Frequently Asked Questions
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The process can start with a phone consultation if you want more info to decide if we are a fit. If you feel confident, you can just book a session. During the consultation, we'll talk about what's going on with your family and I can answer any questions you have.
The next step is the intake session. During this session, we'll discuss whether autistic burnout or PDA seems like a good fit for what your child is experiencing. We'll also talk more about what's been going on with your family and decide together whether it makes the most sense to work primarily with you as parents or directly with your child. After this conversation we will have chosen one of these treatment tracks:
Track 1: Child-Centered Therapy
This track is designed for kids and teens who are ready to participate in therapy. I meet with the child for two sessions, and then every third session I meet individually with one parent. Parent sessions rotate between caregivers and are intended to focus on your own therapeutic work, not just parenting concerns. Please come prepared to talk about what’s happening in your emotional world, as the patterns, challenges, and emotions that arise in our lives often show up in our parenting as well.
Track 2: Parent-Focused Therapy
This track is for situations where a child or teen is not yet ready to participate in therapy. This can be very common in Autistic/PDA kids as I’m sure you know! In this approach, I work directly with the parents. I meet with Parent 1 for an individual session, then Parent 2 for an individual session, alternating back and forth. In this track, you'll do your own individual therapeutic work which again does not need to be focused on your child.
This track includes an optional third session with both parents. I offer this mostly to work through the PDA Safe Circle Curriculum for families who feel PDA/autistic burnout fits them. Some prefer to work through this content on their own and some prefer to have a space for it. Either is fine! Some also want this space to talk all together to process parenting more generally, as it is less about your own therapeutic work and more centered on processing how to parent in a way that works for you and your family.
Track 3: Individual Only
This option can be used for parents if only one parent is looking to receive therapy. It can also be used for children who prefer not to have the same therapist as their parents and would like to keep their therapy process separate. This is completely valid, whether the preference comes from the parent or the child. While I will not share information that a client does not want disclosed, maintaining separate therapeutic relationships can provide an added sense of privacy and comfort for everyone involved. This option can also be used if one, two, or three of the family members wants to see me weekly and would like to get the process moving faster. The more I can see different family members the more streamlined the process will be!
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My primary specialties are Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
EMDR is an evidence-based approach that can be highly effective for individuals who have experienced single-incident traumas, such as car accidents or natural disasters, as well as those living with the effects of complex trauma resulting from repeated or prolonged adverse experiences, including childhood trauma. If this aligns with your needs, I would be honored to support you in your healing process.
IFS is a versatile and compassionate therapeutic approach that can benefit people from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. I have particular expertise in supporting individuals navigating ADHD, autism, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). I also have extensive experience working with children, preteens, adolescents, parents, and neurodivergent clients. At the same time, I welcome the opportunity to work with individuals from all walks of life and am committed to providing an inclusive, affirming therapeutic environment for every client.
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In general, it's preferable for the child to attend sessions independently if they're comfortable doing so. However, if your child needs you to be in the room, I do offer that option. In some cases, having a parent present can also be helpful for the therapeutic process. It really depends on the child, so we'll discuss what makes the most sense together and decide on an approach that feels right for everyone.
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I currently accept Aetna, Highmark, IBX and United (Optum) through Headway.com if you find me there.
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I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with four years of experience providing outpatient therapy to children, adults, and families. Throughout my career, I have worked with hundreds of clients in both individual and family therapy settings, helping them navigate a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and relational challenges.
I am certified in Mindfulness-Based Play Family Therapy and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). In addition, I will be completing Level 1 training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) this summer, further expanding my expertise in evidence-based approaches that support meaningful, lasting change.
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Yes, I offer reduced rates for individuals facing financial barriers to paying the full fee. Sliding scale rates are determined through an open conversation about your current financial situation, with the goal of making therapy accessible while respecting the value of our work together.
If you have questions about the fee structure or are unsure whether you qualify for a reduced rate, please don’t hesitate to reach out to discuss your options.
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I’m In office In Center City Monday and Friday 1-7pm at 100 South Broad Street, Suite 2210 , and also offer virtual sessions on other days. I can work with anyone located in Pennsylvania and am happy to meet either in person or online, depending on what feels like the best fit for you and your family.
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I recommend that we start with weekly appointments. This gives us the opportunity to get to know each other, to identify your therapy goals and to work towards them in a consistent way. Some clients transition to every other week when they feel that they've made significant progress towards their goals and wish to meet less frequently. With that said, if there are financial constraints around meeting weekly, we can discuss this and try to find a way that works for you.