Marcia Pavlou, Ph.D.

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Frequently Asked Questions

I'm thinking about calling, but not sure I want to commit to anything ongoing. What should I do?

I recommend coming in for an initial visit. This is a time you could talk about your present needs, meet me and have some direct experience with how I work. We could talk together about how to proceed, about my ideas based on a preliminary meeting and about your desires and preferences. An initial visit doesn't obligate you to anything going forward! You can also call, just to talk over initial questions briefly on the phone, or send an email.

I've never met you. Can I shop around?

The process of therapy is personal and important. You owe yourself the benefit of working with a professional who is well trained and experienced, but also someone who is a reasonable personal “fit”. Research confirms that the quality of the relationship between client and therapist is an important determiner in the level of progress that occurs, so the choice matters a lot! The process can be demanding, and you need a partner in it who is comfortable for you. Take all the time you need to get it right. Part of the agenda in the first visit or two is to put together ideas about what might be the best plan, and sometimes that includes seeing someone different. That is just fine!

What do you think about medication?

Research confirms that medication can be very useful for some people. The most effective mix for m any people is a combination of psychotherapy, which of course is a process of discussion, with medication. However, this is highly individual. The psychotherapy process itself is effective for many people, without the addition of medication, and some difficulties or symptoms are better treated with medication than others. Maybe of greater importance, people have different attitudes and feelings about medication, as well as individual health circumstances that can determine what is possible or recommended. I may give you a professional opinion, but will never demand that you take medication. I have a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, and so do not have a medical degree. I often refer to psychiatrists who can evaluate a person for medication and write a prescription if that is decided. Some people also consult with their primary care physician for this kind of medication.

I think there is still a stigma in our culture about seeing a therapist. Will I be seen as “crazy”, or weak?

I wish there were no stigma about this! It is much better than it used to be, and Congress recently passed something called “mental health parity”, or the demand that emotional difficulties be covered by insurance in the same way as more clearly physical problems. This comes from the growing demand to view these needs as similar. My particular practice, while including a range of different kinds of people, is comprised mostly of people who function at a high level and who would not be considered “mentally ill”. They are people with a range of often difficult, but normal range life concerns who have chosen to use psychotherapy as a resource. They do not “need” therapy , but have decided to use it to move things along.