Frequently Asked Questions
You have made a brave step on your journey, just by being here. I understand you may have questions like how therapy works, do you need to lay on a couch and how much will this cost. I hope these answers will begin to address your concerns.
(And you don't have to lay on a couch unless you really want to)
What happens in a therapy session?
Typically the first session is primarily focused on gathering information from you. By the second session we will identify your goals for coming to therapy. Each session after that is a space that you can come and receive nonjudgmental and unbiased therapeutic support from me. In these sessions, I will support you in learning new ways to cope with and manage the stressors in your life, as well as growing in the confidence of living intentionally as your authentic self.
What is teletherapy?
Teletherapy is the same as therapy in an office except that you can attend from the comfort of your home or other private space. Teletherapy is covered by most insurance plans and many clients find that not only is it more comfortable but it's also more convenient since you don't have to worry about commuting to an office.
What is your cancellation policy?
It is expected that you will notify me at least 24 hours in advance of your appointment if you need to cancel or reschedule. Any appointments cancelled or not-shown for will incur a charge of $75 that is due prior to future scheduling. Please contact me for additional questions.
Is it really confidential?
I abide by HIPAA guidelines to ensure client confidentiality. I am required by law as a mandatory reporter to report concerns of abuse to appropriate authorities. Under this requirement, I am also required to report when individuals are a threat to themselves or others with a plan, intent and access to that plan. If I receive a subpoena from the courts I am required to comply. Lastly, if you choose to use insurance benefits to pay for services, your notes may be requested by the insurance company to verify services. These requirements and exceptions are outlined in the intake forms. I will also address these concerns as needed directly with clients.
Are you accepting new clients?
Yes! Currently, I have availability to see clients Tuesdays - Fridays for daytime sessions. I am currently in network with Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and Cigna. This is subject to change so please reach out to verify my current status. I also accept self-pay and am able to provide paperwork to out of network clients to submit for reimbursement.
What is EMDR and what if I don't want to use EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is just one form of therapy that I have training in but one that I have found to be very beneficial for those who have experienced trauma. Trauma can lead to memories being stored incorrectly in the brain. EMDR is an evidenced based way for therapists to help clients access and move memories that have been stored incorrectly. By briefly focusing on the traumatic memory and stimulating both sides of the brain (bilateral stimulation) through eye movements this can reduce the vividness and intensity of the memory and help to store it correctly. Click here for more information on EMDR.
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I also have training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. We will decide together what treatment model will be best to support your treatment goals.
How long will I need to be in therapy?
This varies for each person. It will depend on your goals, your personal history, any prior treatment that you have completed, what form of treatment we are using and how you support our work through out of session work and use of skills. Some people only need 4-6 sessions to start feeling like they've made progress on their goals, others may need longer.
What does it mean to incorporate faith into treatment?
I believe in the Christian faith and my beliefs are important to me personally and support me in the work that I do. I appreciate the spiritual and religious beliefs of others and have often supported clients of different faiths in using their beliefs as a source of strength and coping. I do not provide pastoral counseling or spiritual advisement.
