Frequently Asked Questions
Why therapy can help you?
Therapy, with the support of the therapeutic relationship, can help you gain clarity, understand your patterns, and build the skills to manage emotions and stress more effectively. It provides a safe space to process past wounds, explore your identity and values, and reconnect with your intuition. Through guidance and support, you can strengthen your confidence, make intentional choices, and create healthier relationships with yourself and others. Therapy helps you move from feeling stuck or overwhelmed to feeling grounded, resilient, and more in control of your life.
Why the finding the right therapist is important and the importance of the therapeutic relationship?
Finding the right therapist is one of the most important steps in your healing journey. Therapy works best when you feel safe, seen, and understood—someone who meets you where you are and respects your pace. The therapeutic relationship itself is central to change: it provides a space to be fully yourself, practice vulnerability, and explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment. This relationship allows insight, growth, and lasting change to happen, because you’re supported by someone who can gently guide, challenge, and reflect back what you might not see on your own. With the right therapist, therapy becomes a collaborative partnership that helps you reconnect with yourself, build resilience, and create a life aligned with your values.
Where are your sessions held?
Sessions are held in person at ________ as well as virtual options Monday- Friday.
How do clients schedule an appointment?
Established clients can schedule appointments directly online through their portal account. New clients should email me to set up an initial intake session, after which you will receive access to your client portal for ongoing scheduling and session management.
What’s the difference between in-person and online therapy?
The main difference is simply where we meet—either in a shared physical space or virtually through a secure video platform. The depth, connection, and progress you can experience in therapy are possible in both settings.
That said, I personally tend to prefer in-person sessions when possible. There’s something grounding about sharing the same space—it can make it easier to settle in, be present, and feel connected.
At the same time, online therapy is a wonderful option that offers flexibility and accessibility. Many clients find that they can do deep, meaningful work virtually, and it can be just as effective as meeting in person.
In my experience, telehealth tends to be most supportive for teens (16+) and adults, as younger children and early teens often struggle to stay engaged virtually and may become easily distracted. For them, in-person sessions can provide a valuable shift in environment—offering a safe, focused space that helps them feel more comfortable and connected.
Ultimately, the best setting depends on what helps you (or your child) feel safe, supported, and able to engage in the work.
How does telehealth work?
Telehealth sessions are held through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform. Before each session, you’ll receive a private link to join from your phone, tablet, or computer. All you need is a quiet space and a stable internet connection.
We’ll meet just as we would in person—talking, reflecting, and working through what’s coming up for you. Many clients find telehealth convenient and deeply effective, offering the same warmth and connection from the comfort of their own space.
Where can I have my telehealth session?
For telehealth sessions, it’s important to be in a private, safe, and quiet space where you won’t be overheard or interrupted. This could include a bedroom, home office, a parked care or any location where you feel secure and comfortable. Using headphones can also help maintain privacy, and I encourage clients to minimize distractions and ensure a stable internet connection for the best session experience.
How do you maintain client privacy for online or telehealth sessions?
I take client privacy very seriously. Online sessions are conducted through secure, HIPAA-compliant platforms to protect your information. I ensure that both the technology and environment support confidentiality, including using private, distraction-free spaces and encrypted communications.
What happens during a 15 minute consultation?
This brief call is a chance for us to connect and see if we might be a good fit to work together. We’ll talk a bit about what’s bringing you to therapy, what you’re hoping for, and I’ll share more about my approach and what therapy with me looks like. You’re welcome to ask any questions about scheduling, fees, or how I work.
What forms of payment do you accept?
I use a secure payment platform called Ivy Pay, which allows you to pay using debit, credit, HSA, or FSA cards on file.
Do you take insurance?
I do not accept insurance for several important reasons. Using insurance often requires sharing sensitive personal information and a formal diagnosis, which can feel like a breach of privacy and safety within your therapy sessions. It also limits flexibility—insurance companies often dictate the frequency, duration, and type of treatment, which can interfere with creating a personalized plan that truly fits your needs and goals.
By choosing private pay, we can focus entirely on your growth without external restrictions. It allows me to offer more individualized, creative, and flexible care—honoring your pace and what feels right for you.
That said, many clients successfully use their out-of-network benefits to receive partial reimbursement for sessions. I’m happy to provide a superbill (an itemized receipt) that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement.
How do I find out my out-of-network reimbursement rate?
If you’d like to use your out-of-network benefits, you can contact your insurance company directly to ask about your reimbursement rate. Call the number on the back of your insurance card (usually for “Member Services”) and ask:
“Do I have out-of-network benefits for outpatient mental health therapy?”
“What is the reimbursement rate for CPT code 90837 (individual psychotherapy)?”
“Do I need to meet a deductible first? If so, how much is it?”
“How do I submit a superbill for reimbursement?”
“Is there a limit on the number of sessions covered per year?”
Once you know your rate, you can decide what portion of your session cost may be reimbursed. I provide a superbill at your request that you can submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement.
What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance to avoid a full session charge. This policy ensures that the time reserved for you is respected and held exclusively for your session. If you arrive late, your session may be shortened accordingly. Sessions rescheduled within the same week will not incur a cancellation fee.
What if I need to change the location of our session (in-person to virtual)?
If you need to switch your in-person session to telehealth, please let me know as soon as possible—ideally at least 24 hours in advance. I’m happy to accommodate virtual sessions when needed, as long as I have notice and availability allows.
If a location change is made within 24 hours of your scheduled session, a late change fee may be applied. This helps cover the cost of office preparation and travel time, as the space is reserved in advance for in-person sessions.
How can I tell if therapy is the right fit for me?
Therapy can be a helpful space for anyone seeking support, growth, or coping strategies for life’s challenges. A good fit often feels like a safe, nonjudgmental environment where you feel heard, respected, and understood. It’s normal to try a few sessions before knowing if a therapist is the right match. If at any point you feel therapy isn’t meeting your needs, it’s okay to discuss this openly or explore other options—your comfort and progress are the priority.
What should I expect during my first session?
During your first session, we will get to know each other and discuss your reasons for seeking therapy. This includes exploring your goals, current challenges, and any relevant history as well as answer your questions, and together we will start to identify strategies and next steps for your care. The first session is also an opportunity for you to see if this therapeutic relationship feels like a good fit.
How many sessions might a client need?
The number of sessions varies depending on each individual and the goals you set. Therapy is guided by you, and I view myself as a supportive passenger in the vehicle you are driving. Some processes take longer because deeply ingrained patterns of thought, emotion, and behavior take time to change. Digging into the challenges you’re facing, implementing new skills and perspectives, and noticing meaningful changes is a gradual process. For this reason, I recommend at least a 3-month commitment. This allows time to develop a strong therapeutic relationship and gives you a realistic window to practice skills and move through the inner work with greater ease, rather than rushing the process.
How do I know if therapy is working?
Therapy is a collaborative process, and progress can look different for everyone. Signs that therapy is helping may include feeling more understood, gaining new coping skills, noticing shifts in thoughts or behaviors, or feeling more in control of your emotions. Progress isn’t always linear—some sessions may feel challenging, but these moments can also signal growth. We will regularly check in together to assess your goals and ensure therapy is meeting your needs.
Do you provide trauma-informed therapy?
Yes! I provide trauma-informed therapy, which means that all aspects of our work are guided by an understanding of how past trauma can impact thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and relationships. This approach is grounded in the following core principles:
Safety: Creating physical and psychological safety within the therapeutic environment.
Trustworthiness & Transparency: Building trust through open and honest communication.
Collaboration & Mutuality: Working together as partners in your care, respecting your expertise, and balancing power in the therapeutic relationship.
Empowerment, Voice & Choice: Supporting your active participation in therapy, fostering a sense of control, strength, and self-efficacy.
Cultural, Historical, and Gender Awareness: Recognizing how cultural, historical, and gender factors may influence trauma and recovery.
How do you approach issues like anxiety, or depression?
I approach anxiety and depression with curiosity, compassion, and a focus on understanding what these experiences are trying to communicate. Rather than simply trying to “get rid” of symptoms, we explore what’s beneath them—unmet needs, stressors, emotions, or patterns of self-protection that once helped you cope. Together, we work to build awareness, supportive coping tools, and a kinder relationship with yourself. My approach integrates mind–body awareness, mindfulness, and relational exploration to help you feel more grounded, connected, and in tune with your values and needs.
Do you offer therapy for specific life transitions or challenges?
I support individuals navigating a variety of life transitions and challenges, including—but not limited to—graduating from high school, starting college, career changes, relationship transitions, moving, and supporting those in eating disorder recovery.
What happens if I don’t feel comfortable with therapy?
It’s normal to have uncertainties or feel uncomfortable at times in therapy. Your comfort and trust are important, and I encourage you to share any concerns openly during sessions. If you continue to feel that the therapeutic relationship isn’t a good fit, it’s okay to explore other options or therapists. Finding a safe and supportive space where you feel heard is essential for effective therapy, and your needs always come first.
Is it normal to feel grief when starting therapy?
Yes. Beginning therapy often brings up feelings of grief, and this is a normal part of the process. As you explore patterns, behaviors, and beliefs that are no longer serving you, it’s common to experience a sense of loss. Any meaningful change—whether positive or challenging—can involve letting go of old coping strategies, familiar thoughts, or relational dynamics. Grieving these losses is a natural part of stepping into a brighter, more authentic version of yourself. Therapy provides a safe space to process these feelings while building new skills and perspectives that support your growth
Are there ways to practice therapy tools outside of sessions?
Yes! Therapy often includes strategies and skills that you can practice between sessions to support your growth and well-being. This might include exercises for managing emotions, mindfulness or grounding techniques, journaling, or trying new coping strategies in real-life situations. Practicing outside of sessions helps reinforce what you learn in therapy and allows you to make meaningful progress toward your goals.
Can I bring up questions or concerns about my progress during therapy?
Of course! Your questions, concerns, and feedback are an important part of the therapeutic process. Sharing how you’re feeling about your progress helps ensure that therapy is meeting your needs and allows us to adjust strategies or goals together. Open communication is key to making therapy effective and collaborative.