FAQ's

How often do we meet and for how long? 

The best answer here is that it depends on your needs and wants. Individual sessions last for about 50 minutes. Regarding frequency, at first, as we get to know each other, weekly sessions probably work best, with the contact becoming less frequent as you get more answers to your questions and feel clearer about the choices you are facing. This usually happens in 6-10 sessions, but can sometimes be achieved with less contact depending on what you have established as your individual goals, and what obstacles are in the way of you achieving these goals. For some folks who find the work that we are doing together helpful, we expand our services to meet periodically over a longer period of time. 

Why can’t I make the personal changes I want to on my own? 

Most of the time you adapt your life wisely and with great success.  However, facing  novel major transitions can be tough. You could "go it alone," but having an ally and a guide can be helpful. Most living creatures (including human beings) have a natural inclination towards consistency rather than change: change can represent danger while sameness can imply comfort and control. It is often through dialogue with professionals we can overcome challenges associated with change and transition. We need to recognize that some changes are inevitable--our goal is to make them positive by having the right mindset and proper planning. Retire Wisely is all about aiding your transitions away from full-time work to new potentials and to do so with intentionality, wisdom, and confidence that builds on your skills developed through a lifetime of personal adjustment. 

Our consultation is different because you will be meeting with a seasoned psychologist who is going to view you with a fresh perspective as a whole person who has many gifts and talents. Together we can promote new possibilities built within your own life context and which will be highly suited to meet your needs.  

What do you, the psychologist, bring to this activity?

There are times when everyone needs support, information, and new ways of coping. My training in psychodynamic psychotherapy has been layered with new understanding and cognitive and behavioral techniques. I draw upon elements of developmental theories, work adjustment, relational theories, and commitment strategies to tailor interventions to work with each person in their indvidual context.  

As a new person in your life, working within your intentional desire to bring about positive change, together we can bring focused, deliberate, attention to your life to make strides towards making your best retirement. Having the assistance of an educated, invested ally with whom to consider your options can bring out your best self. You consult with professionals regarding your health, legal and financial issues, travel choices, financial undertakings, educational pursuits, etc.—why not have a professional retirement consultant as well? 

Can I invite another person to come to my sessions with me? 

Most individual consultations are individual in nature, but if you wish to bring other significant people in your life into the process, we can certainly open up the consulting process to include them. This is another advantage to doing telehealth sessions. I find that sessions in which you want to include additional people (a partner, adult children, other family members, co-workers, etc.) are best when we have a chance to talk about your goals for such a session prior to actually including these other folks. 

What “magic powers” does Retire Wisely bring to the table?  

I don’t know if it is a “magic power,” but there is great strength and utility in speaking your mind openly and being listened to in an active, non-judgmental fashion.  You can benefit from exploring with someone who knows how to hear your full story and who has experience in the professional investigation of your individual concerns. 

As a psychological professional, I will not only listen TO your story, I will mostly listen FOR your story! The goal is to help you author your story in retirement. Psychological  consultation is similar to physical therapy, with its steady, focused attention on actions to  promote strength through practice rather than dramatic, one-size-fits-all interventions.  Through deliberate steps forward we will make reproducible functional gains which will  promote improved functioning in retirement.  

Our consultation will promote your curiosity about your actions and decisions. Our conversation will provide insight about opportunities and best practices by caring about your emotions and giving access to available, novel, resources. Highlighting personal strengths and weaknesses can lead to more productive actions. Your strengths will be promoted and your weaknesses will be overcome as the emotional challenges of change are supported, and growth is facilitated.

After each meeting you will be asked to give feedback to better inform our work together. This is an important step for making sure that our work is fully collaboratorive and besting serving your needs, values, and objectives.