Frequently Asked Questions

What should I expect during our consultation call?

During our initial consultation call, we'll talk about what's been going on in your life and what brings you to therapy. We'll discuss your goals or areas where you're seeking clarity. Think of this call as your chance to interview me and see if we’re a good fit. The most important thing in therapy is working with someone you feel comfortable and safe with. This is also a time for me to answer any questions you have!

What sets you apart from other therapists?

I’m not your typical therapist. Many people have told me about past experiences where they felt vulnerable and didn't get much out of therapy because their therapist just sat in silence without providing feedback. That’s not how I work. My goal is to validate you, collaborate with you, and guide you towards the life you’ve always wanted. I’m here to support you, not judge you. We’re all human, we all make mistakes, and we all have thought patterns that can hurt us. It’s important to meet these with compassion while finding what works better for us.

What should I expect in our first session?

During our first session, we’ll dive deeper into what brought you to therapy and the areas you’d like to improve in your life. Many people feel nervous about this, so know that it’s really just a time for me to get to know you, identify where you need support, and discuss any goals you may have.

Do you accept insurance?

Yes, I accept Aetna and Optum healthcare. Optum includes UnitedHealthcare, Oscar, Oxford, UHC student resources, UMR, and Surest.

What are the benefits of private pay instead of insurance?

When working through insurance, I essentially work for the insurance company, on their terms. This means they can limit the number of sessions and access your personal health information. By choosing private pay, I work for you, offering more flexibility and a higher level of confidentiality.

How long will I be in therapy for?

Therapy looks different for everyone. Some people seek short-term support for specific issues, while others aim to heal deeper wounds. Some clients want ongoing support to navigate life's ups and downs without a set timeframe. At the beginning, we’ll discuss your goals for therapy. As we work together, we may uncover new areas to address, and we’ll regularly check in to ensure we’re on the same page.

What treatment approaches do you use?

I follow a client-centered approach, customizing techniques and drawing from various modalities specifically for you. I don’t believe therapy is one-size-fits-all since our brains are wired differently, and my job is to find what clicks for you. Here are the main approaches I use:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): I love CBT because it gives us three areas to implement change or intervention—thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Being aware of how we do things and why, reframing them, and setting intentions can be incredibly beneficial in our work. CBT helps us break down overwhelming problems into manageable parts, making it easier to understand and change thought patterns that negatively affect your mood and behavior.

  • Person-Centered Therapy: This approach is essential for creating a therapeutic relationship built on unconditional positive regard. It provides a non-judgmental, supportive space where you feel accepted. In modeling this kind of kindness, you learn skills to do it for yourself. Person-centered therapy focuses on empathy and self-exploration, which can significantly enhance self-understanding and personal growth.

  • Psychodynamic Therapy: I believe the past has a significant impact on who we are and how we think. Psychodynamic therapy helps us honor and heal from past experiences, giving insight into unconscious processes that influence current behavior. By understanding these patterns, we can address and resolve deep-seated emotional issues, leading to lasting change.

By combining these approaches, we can tailor the therapy to your unique needs, helping you achieve meaningful and lasting progress.

What types of people do you work best with?

I love empowering people who feel they don’t know themselves or live for others instead of themselves. I help people who struggle with people-pleasing, perfectionism, burnout, and overwhelm. Teaching boundaries and showing people that their experience matters is incredibly rewarding. It’s amazing to help people rebuild their confidence and self-esteem, especially when dealing with depression and anxiety.

What drives you as a therapist?

You! I’ve had my share of trauma, anxiety, and depression, so I know what it feels like to feel stuck. I also know what it’s like to do the work and make positive changes. Overcoming hardships is possible, and I believe everyone deserves to love their life. Watching a light bulb go off in a client’s head, seeing relief in sessions, and witnessing the progression of confidence development is the coolest thing ever.

I’m interested in working together, but I have some questions before I’m ready to make an appointment. What should I do?

Call me! Let’s get those questions answered. The therapeutic relationship is one of the most important aspects of healing and growth. I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation before scheduling an initial appointment so we can both know what we’d be signing up for. During the call, you’ll have time to ask me questions, and I’ll get a sense of what you’re looking for and if it’s in my wheelhouse. If I feel another therapist would be more beneficial for your goals, I’ll gladly guide you in the right direction.

What is your cancellation policy?

To maintain consistency and respect for each other's time, I require at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel your appointment. If not canceled within 24 hours, you are responsible for the full private pay fee, regardless of whether you’re using insurance or private pay. I understand that sometimes things happen, so I offer a one-time fee waiver if you’re sick or have extenuating circumstances that prevent you from attending our session.