Boutique Therapy
Boutique therapy is not a type of therapy, but rather a model through which therapy is practiced. It is an alternative to the medical or pathology-based model which promotes labeling and categorizing patients by their diagnoses and treating as many patients as quickly as possible in order to benefit for-profit insurance companies. Instead, boutique therapy focuses on the client as a person first and prioritizes quality over quantity; this means that services are offered to a smaller number of clients at a time which allows for more holistic, in-depth work. It is less structured, more flexible and adaptable, and completely customized to the unique needs of each client.
Advantages of boutique therapy:
Engagement: Limiting my caseload ensures that I can remain available and attentive to each client and enables me to work more deeply with clients without the risk of burnout. This also allows me to reflect on each case outside of our sessions and stay current with research and best practices in the field, which translates to higher quality care.
Collaboration: Many of my clients are also receiving care from psychiatrists, primary care doctors, or other specialists. With your permission, I will consult with your other providers or keep them informed of your progress in order to ensure your care is being coordinated efficiently and that no aspect of your care is being overlooked. Moreover, our sessions are collaborative in that I am an active participant, rather than a passive observer, and we work together toward your treatment goals.
Convenience: I offer a range of options for our meetings including in person in my office, outdoors for walk & talk therapy, or via telehealth from the comfort of your home. You get to choose the therapy setting that is most convenient for you!
Accessibility: Most of my clients have busy and demanding schedules, and appreciate being able to reach me quickly. I purposely leave openings in my calendar in order to accommodate most scheduling needs including same-day/next day appointments or last-minute reschedule requests. This also allows me to be reachable within an hour or two during business hours, or to respond to voicemails or emails within a few hours outside of business hours, including weekends.
Flexibility: While it can be beneficial to have some structure in therapy sessions, I do not adhere to a manualized or “one size fits all” treatment approach. Depending on your needs, preferences, and what would be most suitable for your particular goals, I often use a variety of evidence-based treatment approaches in a given session. Expect sessions to feel more dynamic than rigid, and session cadence can be adapted to your preferred time commitment.
Security and Transparency: A self-pay fee structure provides maximum privacy and minimal administrative work. Because I do not participate in any insurance panels, your care is not at risk of being interfered with or informed by a third party whose interests serve the for-profit insurance system. Furthermore, using a self-pay model provides you with enhanced privacy protection and less paperwork or administrative red tape.