Frequently Asked Questions
What can i expect in my sessions?
In general, sessions can focus on whatever you’d like to process or explore. I’ll ask questions, and together we’ll move toward clarity and growth. There will be days when I direct the session to take us in a specific direction. For example, in the beginning I need background information, and we need to set clear goals together. Other times, if we need to shift our focus, I’ll bring up another approach or type of session to try another angle. Every step of the way, we’re working together. I’m never going to skip over something that feels important for you, and I’m never going to force you to do or talk about anything you don’t want to. Some sessions will feel heavy, challenging, frustrating, or sad. Other sessions will feel empowering, gentle, or encouraging. All of these things are important pieces of the process.
where and when do we meet?
All sessions are currently held virtually over video call. Appointments are between 50-60 minutes long, so I ask that you block one hour in your schedule. Appointment times available are Monday through Thursday, with start times between 10a and 4p (current availability varies). Some clients have a regularly scheduled appointment time, and others schedule session by session as schedules change. Both of these are okay with me. In the beginning, I ask that we meet weekly or every-other week. Over time, we might decide on a different cadence of sessions, but therapy tends to be most impacting with a regular frequency.
what is expected of clients?
Therapy is not just talking about your problems. It is an active process of creating healing and growth. My role is not just to listen, but to support you and hold you accountable to your growth. I expect my clients to actively engage with the process of therapy by being willing to feel your feelings, try new things, and be honest with me and with yourself. I expect my clients to treat me with respect as a person and as a professional by honoring my boundaries and policies.
can i use insurance?
I am not in network with health insurance companies, but I can provide you with a superbill receipt to verify therapy services to your health insurance provider so you can request full or partial reimbursement. Your health insurance provider's customer service call line will be able to detail reimbursement rates or out-of-network coverage benefits included in your health insurance plan. If you need to verify out-of-network coverage or request preauthorization from your health insurance provider before we meet, my license number is LH61228180 and my NPI is 1265917520.
do you ever offer a reduced session fee?
I reserve a limited number of spots in my practice for individuals who need more financially accessible therapy. If I have space available at a reduced rate and you need a lower fee, I’m happy to offer a rate of $115 for individual clients. I can’t reduce my fees for everyone, so I ask that you use your best and kindest judgment in determining if you need a reduced fee. But if you do, let me know.
At this time, I’m not offering reduced fees for couples work.
what is your approach to therapy?
I have advanced post-graduate training in Emotion Focused Therapy, which is the primary approach to healing I use with clients. From this model, we examine together the internal and external patterns that impact how you relate to and engage with yourself and others. Once we understand the how and why of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, you are free to make empowered choices to create the change you're hoping to see in your life.
I also base much of my approach in person-centered therapy and humanism. Carl Rogers’ concepts of genuineness, accurate empathy, and unconditional positive regard are foundational aspects of my approach. I do not come to my clients with judgment, but with deep curiosity and radical acceptance.
Other modalities that I integrate into sessions include self-compassion, somatic experiencing, lifespan integration, and systemic therapy approaches.
What Areas do you specialize in?
I have the most experience in training in working with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, identity issues, relational work, and family issues with individuals. I also offer psychedelic integration sessions to process significant inner world experiences. With couples, I have advanced training in addressing communication and conflict issues, navigating life transitions, and helping couples deepen emotional connection. I work equally with individuals and couples, and have honed my skills in the mentioned areas.
I also have training and experience working with trauma, suicidality, sex therapy, and polyamory/open relationships, but would not consider these areas of specialty. I work frequently with these areas as peripheral factors, but if your primary focus is in these areas, I am not likely the best possible fit.
will your personal beliefs clash with mine?
I’m a real person, which means I bring some implicit bias and belief everywhere I go (for better and worse). I work intentionally to keep my stuff out of your therapy process, and I will never impose judgment or my beliefs. All of our work is grounded in your beliefs, mindset, background, etc. Occasionally, and only if it benefits your process, I’ll share some of my personal experience or perspective, because sometimes it’s helpful to work with someone who gets it on the lived experience level. So for context, I am spiritual, not religious. I am deeply accepting of human beings, and will not tolerate blatant discrimination or disrespect to humans in my office. All orientations, genders, cultures, and backgrounds are welcome. You’re more than welcome to ask me more specific questions about my religious, political, personal, etc. background and beliefs if you have concerns about certain factors being mismatched; I will use my discretion to answer questions, but in general am open to making sure clients feel comfortable entering into the therapy relationship.
what happens if we aren’t a good fit?
The kind of relationship you have with your therapist is the best indicator of your success in reaching your counseling goals, and if we discover at any point before or during the therapy process that I’m not the right fit for you, I will do everything I can to get you connected to the right next step for you. I do not claim to be the best therapist ever, and certainly not the best therapist for everyone. Sometimes it’s just not a match, and you can tell me.
If I decide to take you on as a client and we agree to move forward, I commit to the process with you, and will not drop you without good clinical or ethical reason. For example, if we’re stalled and nothing has changed in months, I’m going to work to get you connected to someone/something different. If something comes up and I don’t have the right training or experience to help you, I will tell you and we’ll figure out next steps together. I will give you the best care and support that I can, and if I can’t, I won’t waste your time.