Now accepting new clients in West Hartford, CT — in-person & virtual.
Now accepting new clients in West Hartford, CT — in-person & virtual.
I draw from psychodynamic, existential, and humanistic traditions, as well as Jungian and archetypal psychology
There are many ways in which therapy can be helpful. One perhaps basic but often impactful part is simply having a confidential space where you can talk about whatever you would like, and be however you need to be — whether you’re feeling angry, sad, confused, hopeful, scared, or any other way. “Come as you are,” I like to say.
There is also often real benefit to shining a light on the darker corners of our psyches — the blind spots we all have, even therapists — and exploring parts of ourselves we’d rather avoid. Having a therapist to help guide that process is useful because the therapist’s role is to monitor your emotional responses, propose new perspectives, ask deeper questions, and encourage you to look inward with curiosity and gentleness.
This can feel uncertain at times because there is no fixed map or blueprint for healing. But a good therapy always involves the client and therapist joining together to face those uncertainties, so the client can gain insight, understanding, and a new way of relating to their own experience.
There are many ways in which therapy can be helpful. One perhaps basic but often impactful part is simply having a confidential space where you can talk about whatever you would like, and be however you need to be — whether you’re feeling angry, sad, confused, hopeful, scared, or any other way. “Come as you are,” I like to say.
There is also often real benefit to shining a light on the darker corners of our psyches — the blind spots we all have, even therapists — and exploring parts of ourselves we’d rather avoid. Having a therapist to help guide that process is useful because the therapist’s role is to monitor your emotional responses, propose new perspectives, ask deeper questions, and encourage you to look inward with curiosity and gentleness.
This can feel uncertain at times because there is no fixed map or blueprint for healing. But a good therapy always involves the client and therapist joining together to face those uncertainties, so the client can gain insight, understanding, and a new way of relating to their own experience.
The quality of the therapeutic relationship — the connection between client and therapist — tends to be one of the most important factors in how much someone benefits from therapy. Good rapport and interpersonal chemistry help the client feel safe, understood, and hopeful.
If that “goodness of fit” isn’t immediately apparent, I encourage clients to give it time and see how they feel after a few sessions. I check in periodically to see how things are going and am always open to hearing about your experience and receiving feedback.
The therapeutic relationship is unique in that it is not a reciprocal one — I get to know a great deal about you, but not the other way around. I tell all my clients that they are welcome to ask me personal questions, and I’ll decide if and how to answer.
No. I am an out-of-network provider, and all clients pay out-of-pocket. I will provide you with a superbill — a comprehensive invoice of services — that you are welcome to submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement. I accept HSA (Health Savings Account) cards and do not offer a sliding scale.
No. Psychologists in Connecticut cannot prescribe medications. If you’re interested in a medication evaluation, I’m happy to refer you to a psychiatrist. If you are already taking psychotropic medications, I may ask your permission to speak with your prescriber to coordinate care.
I consider medication one potentially useful tool for some people, at certain times. I will sometimes suggest a consultation with a psychiatrist — but this always involves a conversation, and is always the client’s choice.
I provide both in-person and telehealth therapy, but I prefer working in person whenever possible. I think of virtual therapy as a useful tool for when meeting in person is difficult — unexpected car trouble, bad weather, a sick child, feeling mildly unwell. For clients who feel anxious about meeting in person, we might agree to begin virtually with a goal of working toward in-person sessions over time.
I typically see clients on a weekly, biweekly, or — for some longer-term clients — monthly basis. When we begin, I’ll offer my recommendation based on what you’re bringing. It’s common to start weekly and reduce to biweekly as things improve over time.
It is impossible to know in advance how long someone will be in therapy — there are simply too many factors involved. I check in with all my clients throughout the process to make sure the work is still serving them. The best outcome is when we both agree that the time has come to end.
No. I am legally and ethically bound to maintain the confidentiality of your sessions. I require your written permission to speak with anyone outside of therapy — including a partner, spouse, or parents (for those 18 and over). Before speaking with anyone outside of therapy, I consider the purpose carefully and weigh the potential risks and benefits to your treatment.
There are rare instances where confidentiality may need to be broken to keep you or others safe, and I will always explain those limits clearly when we begin.
It can be genuinely difficult to determine which type of therapy is the better fit. Feel free to contact me and I’ll be happy to discuss your situation and offer a recommendation. A few things to know about how I practice:
In my experience, couples therapy tends to be more effective when both partners are currently engaged in their own individual therapy, or have done substantial individual work in the past.
I see clients Monday through Thursday, 9am to 8pm, and Friday, 9am to 6pm — mornings, afternoons, and evenings.
Yes, happily — when asked and sometimes unprompted. I think carefully about which books and resources might resonate with a particular person and help facilitate the work.
fee information to be confirmed and added by Dr. Burda
example : $500
The first step is simply a conversation. A free 20- minute phone call — no pressure, no commitment. Most people find that one conversation makes the decision considerably easier.
Fill out the form and Dr. Burda will be in touch within one business day to schedule your free 20-minute call.
