What is therapy?
Therapy is a process focused on helping you heal and learn more constructive ways to deal with the problems or issues within your life. It can also be a supportive process when going through a difficult period or under increased stress. Therapy enables the individual to gain insight into themselves and their problems. Most psychotherapy tends to focus on problem solving and is goal-oriented.

What can I expect for the first meeting with Dr. Sporn?
Your initial session with the Dr. Sporn is an opportunity for you to meet, discuss what brings you into therapy, reflect upon the history of the problem and formulate an effective treatment plan. At the onset of treatment, you and Dr. Sporn will decide upon which specific changes you would like to make in your life. These goals will often be broken down into smaller attainable objectives and put into a formal treatment plan. During the first therapy session, you will be asked to read and sign documents that are required by law. Dr. Sporn will also go over what is expected from you and what you can expect from her throughout therapy.

How long will I be in therapy?
Everyone’s treatment is different. How long therapy lasts depends on many factors. You may have complicated issues, or a relatively straightforward problem that you want to address.

Dr. Sporn will discuss the length of therapy with you at the beginning. This will give you an idea of starting goals to work towards and what you want to accomplish. Don’t be afraid to revisit this issue at any time as therapy progresses, as goals often are modified or changed during treatment.

I am worried about sharing personal information.
Will Dr. Sporn share my information with anyone? Dr. Sporn cannot discuss anything about your therapy or an evaluation without your permission. She respects your privacy and the confidentiality of any personal information you discuss with her. She will not share information about you without your knowledge and consent, except in the rare situation in which not to do so might be dangerous to you or to others.

What is a clinical psychologist?
After four years of college, a clinical psychologist receives at least another four years of graduate school training for the Ph.D. degree plus at least one year of supervised internship training in a hospital or other health care setting. Most states, including Virginia, require still another year of postgraduate residency training. This training is followed by extensive national and state examinations and licensure. In addition, Dr. Sporn participates in continuing education programs to keep abreast of the latest developments in diagnosis and treatment.

What is expected of me in the therapy process?

In order for therapy to be successful, you must become an active participant in the healing process. Dr. Sporn invites any questions that will further an understanding of your therapy. Together, you will work toward building a comfortable, professional relationship of mutual trust and respect.

How do you schedule an appointment?
Dr. Sporn will try to schedule your visits at a time convenient to you. During your initial consultation a schedule of appointments that best suits your needs will be determined. Usually your appointments will be set for the same day and time of each week, in sessions of 50 minutes.

How much does therapy cost?
The costs of therapy will vary depending upon the type and frequency of service provided. Dr. Sporn will be glad to fully explain the costs and billing procedures. Insurance companies often reimburse for a portion of therapy. Dr. Sporn recommends that you contact your insurance provider in advance of the initial therapy session to learn their policies and provisions. She can also assist you with information regarding how your insurance may cover some of the costs of therapy.