You have questions? I have answers!

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This depends on many factors and is difficult to say. Things like motivation for change, personality, types of issues, whether an issue is chronic, etc. are all things that impact how and when you will start noticing changes. I will say therapy is slow and, unfortunately, there's no quick fix but if you find a therapist you vibe with and you're committed to regular sessions, you really should notice changes. Sometimes things can feel worse before they feel better - this is normal.

In almost all cases, I recommend weekly sessions for about the first 8ish sessions. I understand counseling is an investment in both time and money and I have found clients who initially come infrequently tend to be less committed and end counseling prematurely. We can spread out sessions over time if that's your goal. If you feel you need more than weekly sessions, we can also arrange that.

Generally, sessions are 50 minutes. I do recommend an initial 80 minute session so we can cover more ground. I also recommend 80 minute couple's sessions since there's 2 clients in the room and the sessions go super quick. I can be flexible on session length and we can switch things up as needs change, too.

Yes! I have worked with many couples this way. Sometimes, depending on what the couple is struggling with, couples will call in from different rooms until they feel ready to be in the same room together. Or they will sit on a couch together with a computer on the table in front of them. Please don't let Telehealth deter you from couple's work! 

If you're running late, please text me and let me know. If being late isn't a pattern and I have flexibility to end a few minutes late to make up time, I will try and accommodate (please know that's not the norm). 

If I'm the one who is running late, you will still get your full session length. I do try and be prompt with my clients and am generally only ever a few minutes behind.

I require 24 hour notice for cancellations or the full session fee will be due. Valid cancellations under 24 hours generally fall into 1: major medical emergency, or 2: inclement weather. If you or your child have been unwell all day and you wait to cancel 3 hours before your session, this will result in the full session fee. If you forget about your session or oversleep, you will be responsible for your full session fee. 

If something comes up with some notice and we both have availability to switch to a different time that same week, you will not be charged a fee. If you reschedule and then cancel the rescheduled session, even with 24 hours' notice, you will be charged your full session fee. 

While I do try and offer as much flexibility as possible and understand life happens, I am a stickler on this.

There would be zero hard feelings. The most important part of the therapeutic alliance is that you feel safe and comfortable with your therapist. If that's not me I can either send you on your way or help you find someone else. Generally, therapists just want you to find the right person for you!

Insurance drastically impacts the duration and the kind of therapy I can do. With the kinds of issues I work with, support is longer term and thinking outside the box is imperative. I don't want to worry if insurance will agree to cover your session or if they will cut you off. I also work with many individuals who don't want to disclose receiving mental health care for a variety of reasons (sometimes safety reasons).

If you feel the need to update me on something between sessions and it's not urgent and it's not a regular occurrence, you may email me. Please know I care about you but our interactions need to be limited to your designated session time unless something urgent comes up that I need to be aware of. 

If you're experiencing a medical or mental health emergency, please do not contact me first. You must get yourself safe first by calling 911 or going to your local emergency department. My practice is not equipped to manage crisis counseling. You may also text The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or call 1-800-273-8255 for immediate assistance. You can also contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233(safe). The Global Association for Suicide Prevention: www.iasp.info. Please note: I am not responsible for any charges you incur by seeking emergency services. 

Yes. Like all therapists, I have my areas of interest I feel competent in. Click on my "Client Issues" page to learn more. It isn't ethical of me to see anyone I don't feel experienced enough to work with and can refer to someone who works with their specific concern(s).

With experience, I have gotten much more discerning about clients I won't work with even within my competencies, such as:

- Anyone currently in a physically abusive situation

- Anyone who has ever perpetrated physical abuse as an adult

- Couples where there is an active affair 

- Couples with a history of physical abuse in the current relationship

- Couples who have a clear pattern of contempt (think screaming obscenities at each other, leaving for days on end, giving the silent treatment in session), or who do not believe they have any work to do on themselves 

- Couples where I am noticing patterns of coercive control, pervasive emotional abuse, gaslighting, and/or a clear power imbalance

- Cases that indicate a likelihood I may be subpoenaed to court (such as custody cases)

- Anyone abusing or neglecting children or animals (I am required to report this)

- Anyone in active addiction or active severe disordered eating

- Anyone who has severe and persistent suicidal tendencies

- I will need to end relationships with clients who are abusive towards me and/or if I feel unsafe for any reason

I do not identify as being religious but I am quite spiritual. Many of my clients have a strong faith and it's something we reference regularly in session. If you want to discuss or incorporate religion or spirituality into your sessions, let's definitely talk about it. 

Absolutely. I am not shy about disclosing this. Therapy changed my life and I know firsthand how powerful it can be with the right therapist. I know what it's like to be highly anxious and worried all the time. I've had many difficult, toxic and narcissistic people in my life that left my mental health in shambles. I've been there and that's why I'm here for you.