How do I get started? It is very common for people to feel nervous about setting up their first therapy appointment. Not only is it challenging to find the "right" therapist, but the entire process can also feel intimidating and stressful. That is one reason I offer a free 15-minute consultation. This gives you a chance to see if you think I might be a good fit. Research shows that the rapport between a therapist and their counselor is one of the biggest factors in counseling success. Therefore, it is important for you to take your time in finding the right therapist for you.

Think of it as an introduction. During the introduction we both decide if we think it would be beneficial for you if we worked together. Not only are you "interviewing" me for the role of your therapist, but I am also trying to determine if I am the right therapist for you. No treatment or therapy will happen. So, what will happen? You will get a general feel of my personality and you are welcome to ask me questions. My website offers a lot of information about me, but if there is anything else you'd like to know, the consultation is a great time to ask.

Specifically, you may want to know if I have experience working with similar concerns as you have. You may also want to know if I have experience working with your culture or religion. Overall, you want to be sure you feel comfortable and safe. You also want to be sure you feel heard and respected. Lastly, you want to be sure our availability line up.

I may ask you about your goals, what you are hoping to achieve/accomplish. I may want to know if you have seen a therapist or coach in the past and about your experience. I'd like to know if the experience overall was positive or negative. I'd also like to know what has worked for you and what hasn't. We all have different styles, approaching, motivations. Lastly, I will likely ask you what you are looking for in a therapist/coach?

At the end of your consultation, I will let you know if I think I can help you and you can decide if you think we are a good fit. There will be no pressure to schedule an appointment. However, if we agree that we are a good fit, I encourage you to book an appointment. By booking an appointment, you are setting yourself up for success. Odds are if you don't book an appointment, you will be in the same spot six months from now. If you don't think and feel like we are a good fit, you are encouraged to be honest. I will not take it personally. Therapy is a very personal process and not every therapist can help every client.

These are my standard fees for Individuals & Couples. Pricing is the same whether the session takes place in person or via Telehealth. Please be advised that I do offer a sliding scale for unique circumstances. Don't hesitate to contact me for more details.

Yes! I offer Telehealth options for a majority of my services. I ensure that my clients have a safe, private space to share deeply personal and sometimes difficult stories, thoughts or emotions whether they can physically come to the office or it's online via our secure & private platform. What happens and is said in a therapy whether in the office or online, stays there, with the exception of a very few very specific situations. Additionally, my Telehealth system is fully HIPPA Compliant.

There isn’t a person alive who doesn’t experience challenges of some kind throughout their life. Some people can simply get through them better than others, and even then, it’s never a bad idea to have additional support and understanding when it comes to the obstacles you’ve gone through. In all actuality, therapy is ideal for people who understand themselves enough to realize they actually could use some help, instead of denying it. Noticing that your life isn’t necessarily where you want it to be is a big realization and admittance, and taking the steps to change that for the better is something to be incredibly proud of. You’re taking the first step down an incredible path that can lead to long-lasting benefits for the rest of your life, even when challenges come up again.

While everyone’s reasons for coming to therapy are different, whether they’re going through a big life change, or a specific event like divorce, or just aren’t dealing with stressful situations ideally. Sometimes, the assistance of therapy can not only help with specific situations, but personal issues as well. Depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and even low-self esteem are often common reasons to seek out help. You may start out looking for one thing, and find on your journey that you can gain so much more through learning the right skills, and having the right kind of encouragement.

In terms of making the ‘right decision’ for yourself, of course therapy is a personal decision, but if you take a look at your life, and your desire is to make a change that starts from within, it’s likely that some form of psychotherapy could be a great benefit.

While medication has been proven to help with many different disorders, it has also been proven that time and time again, it simply isn’t enough. Medication often treats the symptoms of a problem, without getting to the root of solving it, which is where therapy comes in. The decision to take psychotropic medications or not, is a highly personal one, and your personal wishes will be honored. If in the course of treatment, you decided you might benefit from medications, I will refer you out to an appropriate provider.

People are turning more and more to holistic and natural alternatives to modern medicine to treat mental, physical and spiritual issues. I fully support alternative options as such essential oils, chiropractic and massage care, yoga, diet/exercise and nutrition options, and other means you might explore to improve your well being. I can refer you to professional holistic providers in the area for further consultation.

The initial session is the time for you to start to share your story, talk about your goals and what you would like to change. Another important aspect of the first session is deciding if we are a good fit. Do I seem like someone you can trust? We are establishing a relationship that will become the foundation for working together. You will begin to figure out some goals; I will begin to figure out how to help you get there.

To begin, we will meet once a week. I find it’s important to gain some momentum in the beginning by meeting weekly or progress can stall out. Once some or all of your goals are met, meeting less often will make sense.

I currently do not accept insurance for newly established patients. If your healthcare coverage provides out-of-network benefits, I can provide a super-bill that you may mail directly to your insurance company for reimbursement. You’ll want to check with your insurance company to find out exactly what portion of my fee is covered. It is advised that you are aware of your benefits with your insurance company as well. Give them a call and ask about things like your out-of-network benefit for mental health, deductible, and co-pay..

I require 24 hours notice of cancellation or you will need to pay for the appointment. An occasional exception may be made in the case of an emergency. It’s important that we meet consistently in order to make progress.