Start with a conversation about therapy.

What happens after you reach out?

1. Share a starting point.

Use the consultation form, email, or phone number on this page. You can briefly describe what prompted you to contact me and when you are usually available. You do not need to write a full history or find a clinical name for what you are experiencing.

2. Ask the questions that matter to you.

During the consultation, we can talk about the concern you want help with and the kind of support you are looking for. You might ask how I work with work-related anxiety, how we would identify goals, or what a typical session could include. We can also discuss current scheduling and payment questions.

3. Consider the next step.

If we decide to begin, we can discuss an appointment and the practical details of meeting. You can take the consultation as an opportunity to assess fit. Feeling uncertain about therapy is something you are welcome to bring up.

A first session can start with one recent example.

Perhaps a piece of feedback stayed with you all week, you worked late again despite planning to stop, or a difficult conversation left you withdrawing from someone close to you. We can use a specific moment to understand what you felt, what you needed, and what you would like to respond to differently.

We can also talk about what has helped before, what has not, and what you want me to understand about you. Goals can become clearer as we work. You do not have to arrive with a complete plan.

For a closer look at my approach, read about Sam Rustum, LCPC and Internal Family Systems therapy. I am trained in IFS and also draw from CBT, ACT, and psychodynamic therapy.

Practical details