What to Expect in Therapy

What does existential therapy really mean?

            Existentialism is the foundation of my therapeutic approach. It’s a way of thinking about therapy, clients, and the therapeutic alliance. The overarching goal is to help clients understand themselves and life. Existential therapy believes that when we do this, we will inevitably change and life will improve.

            Existential therapy is about a dialogue: a mutual exchange between the client and therapist (though the client will still do most of the talking) to help find solutions. As an existentialist, I believe that you are the expert on yourself, so you can help heal yourself!

            Existentialism is about big questions in life to help us, like death and meaning (and so much more, anything you can think of!), and I seek to help you answer these questions in a nonthreatening way. Existential won’t “throw you in the deep end,” but gradually approach these questions in a way that you will find peace having asked them.

What do you specialize in?

As a Kansas City therapist specializing in trauma, I work especially well with interpersonal traumas such as child abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, and grief. I also have a lot of experience treating people who struggle with drug and alcohol use. I have worked with other concerns as well, such as women’s issues, discrimination, work-related concerns, and emotional concerns. Even if I don’t have experience in your particular concern, I love learning and am willing to explore your concerns and seek supervision to be of best help to you!

Are there any topics or issues you don’t address?

            At this time, I do not treat eating disorders. This is because the treatments necessary to effectively treat these disorders require a lot of additional training and education. For the same reasons, I do not treat issues that may need sex therapy. I also do not see families or couples.

How do you work with clients experiencing suicidal thoughts?

            I have experience working with clients struggling with suicidal thoughts. I’ve learned to take safety seriously and provide a non-judgmental space. I also help clients connect with crisis resources when needed. I work to support clients in ways that reduce the need for hospitalization whenever possible. My preferred approach is to help clients deepen meaning and fulfillment in life and to address the underlying cause of those thoughts to help you get better.

How do you maintain boundaries in the therapist-client relationship?

            I believe healthy boundaries are necessary for the therapeutic alliance, in part to protect your wellbeing and to make sure that therapy progresses smoothly. There are many boundaries that will need to be respected, such as beginning and ending sessions on time, limiting communication outside of session, avoiding unnecessary prying, not engaging on social media, and avoiding multiple relationships—I will be your therapist and only your therapist, to best protect you.

Can therapy help me make major life decisions?

            This is a common reason people begin therapy, whether to explore changing career fields, changing relationships, or moving to a new state or country. I believe therapy, especially existential therapy, can help you help yourself make a major life decision. I want to be clear in the role I will play in helping you make major life decisions. I will remain neutral and not encourage you to make a major life decision or refrain from a decision. I believe that violates the client autonomy that I highly value. As part of that, I wouldn’t give advice (such as, “Go with the job that pays the most”). I will help you look inward and find your own solutions so you can feel proud of yourself for making your own decisions.

Are there any risks to therapy that I should know about?

            There are certainly risks to therapy. Therapy involves sharing personal information, which means you give up some privacy. I take that responsibility seriously, and I am bound by HIPAA to protect your confidentiality.

            Another risk includes increased difficult feelings during the early-to-mid stages of therapy. We will take steps to avoid this, including building resources for coping, self-care, and social support systems. This will help you regulate between sessions and feel better as you do the work.

            Finally, there is a financial risk to counseling. Counseling is an additional expense, which can become a difficult thing to manage in our economy. If the full rate or your insurance copay will bring undue financial stress, I don’t want you to sacrifice too much, so I can help you find lower-cost alternatives if you find the financial aspect too limiting. There are many other options in Kansas City that I as your therapist can connect you to, including interns at the practice I am working at.

Get Connected

            If reading this helped you feel more ready for therapy, please reach out at my contact me page and I will return your message shortly!