I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?

No. Asking for help after experiencing trauma and have the courage to reach out to someone to start therapy are scary and brave acts. Everyone needs help now and then. In our work together, I’ll help you explore and identify your strengths and how to implement them to reduce the influence of the trauma you have endured.

What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?

A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, counseling is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, and you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.

Why shouldn’t I just take medication?

Medication can be effective but it alone cannot solve all issues. Sometimes medication is needed in conjunction with counseling. Our work together is designed to explore and unpack the problems you are experiencing and expand on your strengths that can help you accomplish your personal goals and gain control of your body and your life.

How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?

Because each person has different issues and goals for counseling, it will be different depending on the individual. I tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific needs.

How do I start the process to begin therapy?

Reach out to me via this website, email, text, or phone. When we connect, I will gather some basic information about you, and we will decide if we will be a good fit for each other in a therapeutic setting. If both of us believe that working together will be beneficial, then I will send you the link to your TherapyNotes client portal where you will complete all of your intake documents, including contact information, your history, and short surveys which help us identify ways that your exposure to trauma is manifesting in your day-to-day life. Once the paperwork is completed, I will reach out to you to schedule a date and time that works well for you.

What should I expect in my first session?

At the time of your appointment, you will login via your TherapyNotes client portal. When we are both in the online session, I will introduce myself, and we will discuss confidentiality and the limits of confidentiality and go over any questions you had about the intake paperwork and policies. Next, we will discuss what brought you to come to therapy, and I will ask questions to make sure that I have a good understanding of your situation. We will then discuss my therapy style and what future sessions will be like (a lot more laid back than our initial information-gathering session) and you will be able to decide if I am still a good fit for you in a therapy setting. Finally, we will discuss your goals -- what you want to be different in your life -- and come up with a plan to get there.

How long will it take?

Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time counseling can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek counseling in the first place.

I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?

I am so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication will be crucial to your success.

Do you see children or teens?

I am always thrilled to work with tweens and teens who are at least ten years old and have the ability to interact in a telehealth setting with minimal adult supervision. However, a parent or guardian must provide proof of custody before a session is scheduled (if applicable) and must be present for the first session in its entirety. Additionally, the parent of guardian must take an active role in communicating with me and implementing changes in their child's environment to ensure their child's success. Additionally, I recommend that in conjunction with a child's individual therapy, the family also attends family therapy in order to aid the child in managing the effects of trauma.

Do you see couples/partners or families?

No. Although I believe that these types of therapies are incredibly beneficial, I find that my energy and expertise work best in an individual setting with a highly motivated client.

Do you work with clients who have a diagnosis or suspected diagnosis on the autism spectrum?

Yes. Those with neurodivergent brains tend to experience trauma due to the difficulties inherent in navigating a world that was not made for the way their brains operate, and I enjoy working with these high functioning clients.

Do you offer sliding scale or pro bono/free appointments?

Because I believe that mental health care should be accessible by everyone, I offer a pay-what-you-can model for very highly motivated clients. Please contact me for details.