Frequently Asked Questions

When starting therapy, it's very common to feel nervous. It can be scary to think of opening up or crying in front of someone new, perhaps fearing that it will be awkward and uncomfortable. The fear around that can feel overwhelming. Going to therapy even when you are nervous is not easy. It may take courage to take those steps. You reading this now shows that you are already stepping in the right direction.

Therapy is a space where you can be yourself and come just as you are, including feeling nervous. I’m committed to finding a way to care for your nervousness and ensure sessions are as comfortable as possible.

I’m here if you want to talk about it during a free phone consultation.

Take your time to read through my website. If you sense that I may be a good fit based on what you are reading, you can contact me. During a free phone consultation, you can ask me questions about my approach, what a typical session with me is like, or any other questions you may have that are specific-to-you. You’ll also be able to discuss what's on your mind and we can determine how I could best be of service to you.

It may be helpful to know that the first sessions are to explore whether we are a good team to work together. During the sessions, you’ll be able to understand how comfortable you feel in sessions. My approach is not going to work for everyone. What’s most important to me is that you find someone who you feel is the right fit for you. We can explore that together.

If something feels overwhelming or even terrifying to discuss, that's actually very normal. It can often feel difficult to talk about some things. During our sessions, it will always be up to you if you feel ready to talk about something or not. We will collaborate on understanding what you feel ready to open up about. Together we will work through the difficult stuff. You can also share with me that you are nervous to open up about something and we can talk about that too. Whenever you have a lot of feelings about something, you are welcome to discuss them in session with me. I’m scared that if I open up, you will think I’m crazy. If you open up to me, I will not think you are crazy, I will think you are courageous and human. Many of my clients have had the same fear (that people would think they are crazy).

Working with my clients has shown me that the challenges you are facing are normal and natural. You're not being dramatic or "too much." Nothing you can say will cause me to judge you. I know many of us are overwhelmed, we all suffer in different ways, we are humans trying to be human. Whatever it is you're going through, I provide a safe space where you can feel heard and supported without judgment.

Therapy Fees

Individual Counseling: Initial Evaluation $150 (60 minutes)

Individual Counseling: Follow up sessions $150 (45-50 minutes)

Reduced fees for private pay are available. Please inquire about this during the consultation, if needed.

Can I use my insurance? Yes, I do accept insurance. Please inquire about the insurance during the free consultation.

Overall, you can think of the first session as a free-flowing conversation through which we start getting to know each other. I’ll invite you to share more about yourself and we can also talk about what’s worked or not worked for your mental health in the past. Some questions that I like to ask during a first session include:

What brought you to therapy?

Have you gone to therapy before? How did that go?

How will you know that you are done with therapy?

You can ask me questions as well. You might be curious about my experience or how future sessions work. The most important part of a first session is to experience what therapy is like with me. If you feel safe, accepted, and comfortable with me, we can discuss if you’d like to meet again.

You might be asking about how long therapy will take because you are currently struggling and want relief fast. If this is true for you, I want you to know that on average, my new clients start seeing progress after the first 3-4 sessions. By that point, they feel a little more calm and hopeful that healing is possible.

The total duration of therapy varies from client to client. Some of my clients find 6-12 weeks to be enough to reach their goals. While other clients feel more supported by longer term therapy. We will work together to find the length of time that works for you.

Your scheduled hour is your financial responsibility; therefore, you agree to pay for your appointment, regardless of whether you choose to come. You are able to “make up/reschedule” for canceled appointments within the week during, or after the date of your absence, if our schedules align. If you are rescheduling, please contact me at least 24 hours prior, otherwise, you are responsible for your fee and I cannot reschedule the canceled appointment.

I may periodically take time off for vacation, seminars, and/or become ill. Attempts will be made to give adequate notice of these events. You are not required to pay for sessions that I cancel. If you cancel your appointment, you will be charged by the end of the day of the canceled appointment.

If you cancel or reschedule frequently, we may re-evaluate your needs, desires, and motivations for treatment at this time.