FAQ

Yes! I prefer meeting in person, but I understand that life gets in the way if you are not local. I am thankful for the option of meeting through Zoom when I have a cold or a car won’t start!

Appointments start at 8 a.m., with the last appointment scheduled at 4 p.m., M-F. Keep an eye on the calendar link I will provide you; I keep it updated in real-time, and it lets you know when sessions will open up!

Sessions are typically 50-55 minutes. Online sessions can be shorter, as they tend to be more “to the point,” and attention spans are more limited.

You can submit a request for an appointment on the website, and if it is a good fit, I’ll send over my rate and calendar so you can see the availability and make an appointment!

Of course, I am happy to answer any questions!

I work with six and up. I have a great referral source for kids five and under, so if you are looking, reach out!

I love working with families. At times, the most helpful work for the family will be working individually with one or both parents to bring peace into the home. Unresolved trauma in the life of one or both parents may be keeping the relationship between the parent and teen from stabilizing. I can help with this!

YES. I welcome clients and strive to meet them where they are regarding their sexuality and gender identity. I do not subscribe to conversion therapy, nor do I strongly or quickly affirm transitioning genders or pursuing a sexual relationship at an early age. I hold a friendly, respectful space for my clients to question, explore, and process their thoughts, beliefs, and experiences.

Let’s meet without them to start! There may be strategies we can discuss that will open the door to them joining on their merit. Many teens have come “because they have to” and stayed because they wanted to and saw the benefit of therapy. I would like to believe I am very convincing. It may have to do with telling them I’m on their side, which I am! But so are YOU! We’ll work together to help them see who is on their team and who wants the best for them.

Anxiousness occurs frequently, and I feel confident that if you can get them here, I can help them feel comfortable. I have met with sibling sets (hello, twins!) or with parents in the room until establishing that comfort level. We’ll work together to strategize.

Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the courage to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. In our work together, I’ll help you explore and identify your strengths and how to lean into them to reduce the suffering caused by your problems.

The difference is between someone who can do something and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. 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, suppose your situation provokes negative emotion, and you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member. In that case, there is the risk that once you feel better, you could start avoiding that person so they don’t remind you of this challenging time in your life.

Medication can be effective, but it alone cannot solve all issues. Sometimes, medication is necessary in conjunction with counseling.

Medication can be great for helping get your head above water when you have been drowning. Often, it is a therapy that can help you “swim.” The design of work together explores and unpacks the problems you are experiencing and expands on your strengths that can help you accomplish your personal goals.

Therapy is an excellent way to schedule a time to think about complicated feelings and circumstances you have avoided or which have overwhelmed your life. 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. We collaborate on your goals, and I’ll keep it interesting to help you develop your strengths and become more skillful.

I am open to working with the timeline you have in mind. If circumstances only afford us ten sessions together, I will do my best to create a solid foundation within that time. I am on board if you seek continuous time together without end. I value the objective perspective of a therapist in my life and find that they see more of my blindspots the longer I consistently work with them.

Everyone’s circumstances are unique, 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 drive you to seek counseling in the first place.

I hope you’ll show up for each session regardless of your feelings. Showing up irrespective of those feelings allows me to witness you on a good day and a bad day, and every mood in between feeds my understanding of you and all of the moods you experience. I don’t expect you to perform during our time together or progress in any set amount of time. When you display a dedication to getting the most out of our sessions, it makes me very happy. Your active participation and commitment will be crucial to your success.

In short answer, no. I like to tell my clients that they can use “hypothetically speaking” to start conversations to gauge my response. This time is for you to share what you think will benefit you. We will move at your pace, find the “sweet spot” of your comfort zone, and stretch to get better.

I have learned so much about what makes a better experience in therapy by going through my own treatment experiences. I try to create an atmosphere that does not feel like you have to “get better” in a quick way. Behavior is usually for a reason and does not change quickly. I do not expect a fast turnaround, and I hope to help you see that actual change takes hard work and overtime.

It depends on which side you sit on! My clients always tell me a different side, though.

No! But it is an option. The floor is also used a lot – for making art and spreading out.

I love Daylio for tracking my moods and activities. I use Insight Timer for guided meditation and the Tapping Solution for sleep.

I’m allergic to cats, but I wish I weren’t. Cats are so beautiful and fascinating animals. I love my pup and most pups! I also really like babies – please bring your baby to say hi. It will make my day. Baby therapy should be a thing!