FAQ

These are the questions people often ask before we begin. If your question isn’t here, call or email, and I’ll answer it directly.

Getting Started

Where is your office, and how do I find it?

My office is at 333 Westchester Avenue, Suite E-106, in White Plains, on the border with Harrison. The entrance is on North Street.

If you’re coming from US-287, the Bristal Assisted Living facility (305 North Street) will be on your right.

Getting Started

Do you offer online sessions?

I do. I use a HIPAA-compliant platform called Doxy that allows full audio and video, document sharing, and can accommodate more than one person at a time. I see clients in person and online, with a preference for meeting in person when it works for you.

Getting Started

What do I do to get started?

Give me a call and leave a message, or send an email to Mark@SirkinAdvisors.com. I’ll get back to you, and we’ll set up a time to talk.

Getting Started

What is a free initial phone consultation?

I’m happy to spend 15 minutes getting to know each other and seeing if the chemistry feels right. There’s no charge and no obligation.

Getting Started

How long is a typical session?

Sessions through insurance typically run between 50 and 60 minutes. If you aren’t using insurance, we can be more flexible and schedule longer meetings.

How I Work

What age range do you work with?

I work with all ages except young children.

How I Work

Do you work with men? Women? Couples? Adolescents?

I work with men, women, couples, and families in all sorts of configurations: siblings, adult children and their parents, and families that work together in a business. That last one is a specialty of mine. I spent years as a business consultant before and alongside my clinical work, so I understand the legal, financial, and interpersonal pieces of a family business as one connected system.

How I Work

What is your approach?

I almost always begin with an assessment, formal or informal, that takes one to four sessions. It helps us focus on the right issues before we decide where to go next.

Good therapy has a beginning, a middle, and an end. The beginning is the assessment and a treatment plan. The middle is the therapy itself. The end is the part where you take techniques with you to reinforce what you’ve built. I won’t promise magic or instant change, but anything worthwhile requires work, and people do feel better after working with me.

How I Work

What happens in the first session with a couple?

We’ll spend the first session getting to know each other and stepping back for an overview. After that I meet with each of you individually, then we reconvene to focus on your priorities. Often I’ll send a relationship assessment home for you to complete and review together, so we can decide where to aim for some fast wins alongside a longer-term plan.

It’s normal to feel nervous walking in. My job is to make that first conversation feel safe.

How I Work

What is your educational background?

I’ve been a clinical psychologist for over 40 years. I hold a Master’s and a Doctoral degree in clinical psychology, plus a post-doctoral certificate in Organizational Consulting and Executive Coaching.

I’m a Fellow of the American Psychological Association, where I take part in governance and present at the annual meetings. I’m also a member of the New York State Psychological Association. I teach and supervise students at Long Island University and the Family Institute of Westchester, and I’m trained in the Gottman Method, Levels 1 and 2.

How I Work

Are you licensed?

Yes. I’m a licensed psychologist in the state of New York.

A Few Lighter Ones

Is your furniture comfortable?

The setting is nice and cozy, and the lighting is soft.

A Few Lighter Ones

Do I have to lie on a couch?

Only if you want to take a nap!

A Few Lighter Ones

Should I wear waterproof mascara?

Don’t worry, there are plenty of tissues.

A Few Lighter Ones

What brand of tissues do you offer?

Kleenex, of course.

A Few Lighter Ones

Am I allowed to ask personal questions?

Only if they’re relevant, but I’m pretty much an open book.

Get Started

Let Me Help Guide You to a Better Path.

People show up in many ways. I start with where you are. I listen carefully to what’s going on and to what your hopes and dreams really are. If your difficulties involve other people, I can guide you, and them, toward a more solid foundation and a better relationship. Reach out today, and let’s see if working together is a good fit.