Frequently Asked Questions

Therapy provides a safe space to explore what's really happening and foster meaningful change. Research consistently demonstrates that therapy is effective for a wide range of concerns and produces lasting benefits:

• •Mental Health and Emotional Well-being: Therapy helps reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges by addressing underlying patterns and building coping skills. Studies show that talk therapy can be as effective as medication for many conditions, and combining both often produces the strongest outcomes.
• •Trauma Recovery: Evidence-based approaches like EMDR have demonstrated effectiveness in helping people process traumatic memories, reduce PTSD symptoms, and reclaim a sense of safety and control.
• •Relationship and Communication: Therapy supports healthier relationships by improving communication patterns, establishing boundaries, and addressing interpersonal patterns that may be causing distress.
• •Life Transitions and Meaning-Making: Whether navigating career changes, grief, loss, or existential questions, therapy provides a framework for understanding these transitions and finding meaning and direction.
• •Self-Understanding and Personal Growth: Through therapy, people develop greater self-awareness, understand their patterns and triggers, and make intentional choices aligned with their values.
• •Building Resilience: Therapy teaches practical skills and coping strategies that strengthen emotional resilience and your ability to navigate future challenges.

The most meaningful results emerge when there is genuine collaboration, when circumstances are addressed holistically, and when there is openness to the process. Therapy can support you toward the changes you are seeking.

My approach is integrative and collaborative. I draw from several evidence-based therapeutic methods and adapt them flexibly based on what serves your particular needs and goals.

• •Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps identify and change thought and behavior patterns that maintain distress. It's effective for anxiety, depression, and many other conditions, providing practical skills for managing challenges.
• •DBT integrates acceptance and change strategies, supporting emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. It's valuable for clients managing intense emotions or navigating relational challenges.
• •EMDR facilitates adaptive processing and resolution of traumatic memories. It's particularly effective for clients processing trauma, PTSD, and difficult life experiences.
• •IFS is parts work that facilitates internal healing and coherence. It's a powerful approach for understanding different aspects of yourself and fostering integration.
• •IPI training equips me to work with clients integrating psychedelic experiences, taking into account biological, psychological, and social factors for comprehensive mental health and wellness.
• •Life and Meaning-Focused Coaching supports transformation and growth through personal meaning-making and purpose exploration. It's valuable for clients navigating life transitions, career questions, and existential inquiry.

Each treatment plan is collaboratively developed and adapted as needed. Your journey is unique, and what serves you will evolve as you evolve.

Therapeutic fit is crucial. The right therapist for you is someone with whom you feel safe, heard, and genuinely understood. Good fit means you can be honest without fear of judgment, and that the therapist's approach aligns with how you want to work and what you hope to achieve. Beyond the relational elements, consider these practical factors:

• •Do I feel respected and safe in sessions?
• •Can I be open and honest about my thoughts, feelings, and concerns?
• •Does this therapist's approach match my values and what I'm looking for?
• •Is there clear communication about what to expect, how we'll work together, and how we'll track progress?

Trust your instincts. Therapy should feel collaborative and supportive, not prescriptive or dismissive. If something doesn't feel right, that's important information.

From my perspective, I also assess whether your needs align with my expertise and methods. My goal is always to provide you with the best possible care. If I assess that another therapist might be a better fit for your specific needs, I'm happy to provide referrals to qualified providers. The psychotherapeutic relationship between therapist and client is sacred, and it's worth getting it right.

Open communication about fit is always welcome. If you have concerns about our work together, I encourage you to bring them up. This helps us either address what's happening, or ensures you're connected with support that truly serves you.

The initial consultation lasts about 75 minutes and serves as an opportunity for us to meet and greet in a relaxed, welcoming environment. During this session, you are encouraged to ask any questions you have about me, my style and approach, or the therapy process in general.

We will discuss in greater detail what has brought you to therapy, exploring your challenges, goals, and expectations. This conversation helps clarify how I can best support you and ensures we're aligned in our work together.

Additionally, we will begin to identify the areas to focus on and outline a preliminary treatment plan. The goal is to establish a safe and collaborative foundation for therapy moving forward.

If you have any concerns or curiosities before the session, feel free to bring them up so we address them.

I offer a hybrid model of care through both my Darien and Westport offices and virtual sessions via a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform. Current research demonstrates that virtual sessions can be as effective as in-person therapy, with studies showing particular success in treating anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms through telehealth. For virtual sessions, you will need:

• •A private, quiet space
• •Stable internet connection
• •Computer or device with a camera
• •Backup phone number for technical issues

As of January 1, 2026 (for new clients) and January 15, 2026 (for existing clients), I am an out-of-network provider on all insurance panels. Many PPO plans offer out-of-network benefits that may reimburse a portion or all of your therapy costs. I provide detailed superbills and I can also submit claims electronically on your behalf.

Many clients with good out-of-network benefits end up paying little to nothing per session once their deductible is met. For complete details about fees, sliding scale availability, and payment options, see the Getting Started page.

Your privacy is protected by law and professional ethics. Exceptions to confidentiality include:

• •Risk of immediate harm to yourself or others
• •Suspected abuse of vulnerable individuals
• •Court-ordered disclosure
• •Insurance requirements (if applicable)

According to research from the EMDR International Association, EMDR is especially effective for:

• •Processing trauma
• •Reducing anxiety
• •Addressing difficult memories
• •Building resilience

Recent studies in 2025 have shown that advanced EMDR protocols are highly effective in reducing anxiety, stress, and trauma symptoms, both in individual and group settings. The process includes preparation and assessment phases, with pacing adapted to your unique needs.

As an IPI Certified Provider, I offer evidence-based preparation and integration support for:

• •Legal ketamine therapy integration
• •Processing past psychedelic experiences (harm reduction approach)
• •Preparation for legal psychedelic therapy contexts
• •Understanding current research and evidenced based treatment options

Important: I do not prescribe, provide, promote, or administer any substances. All integration services are for legal contexts only, including legal ketamine treatment, approved research studies, or processing past experiences using harm reduction principles. Careful screening is conducted to ensure appropriateness and safety.

Contact me: 203.654.9094 or LCSW@robromano.com

I typically respond within 24–36 hours to discuss:

• •Your current situation
• •What you are looking for in therapy
• •How I may help
• •Scheduling an initial consultation