Frequently Asked Questions
Where is your office located?
We’ll be working together online, so…
On your computer, on your phone, on your tablet (if you can get it from your kids for a little while).
In your home, in your office, in your car, in your yard.
While nursing, while little ones are napping, while you’re knitting or coloring, or finishing folding the laundry.
What are your hours?
My schedule is flexible. I can accommodate weekends, early mornings, evenings, and some afternoons during the week.
How long are sessions?
The first session lasts about 90 minutes.
Subsequent sessions last 45 minutes to an hour.
Do you take insurance?
I take a variety of insurances.
I use a company called Headway for billing. That way, I can focus on giving you the best care possible.
How do I set up an initial appointment?
Our first “meet and greet” will be your free 15-minute consultation.
You can schedule that by emailing me or calling me, whatever you feel most comfortable with.
After that, we will schedule your intake session.
What is your cancellation policy?
I ask for at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel without incurring a charge.
But let’s face it: Life happens. We can discuss waiving that charge in the case of an emergency.
What age ranges do you work with?
Adults are my focus.
I have a son and have worked at a Montessori school, so if you have children, that knowledge might be helpful.
Do you work with women? Men? Couples?
I work with individual women and men.
I don’t work with couples, but I highly encourage couples therapy and use it myself.
What is your professional training and experience?
I received a Master of Arts in counseling psychology from Northwest University.
My training gave me access to and knowledge of many different approaches, focusing on culturally sensitive and trauma-informed care.
Since then, I have attended regular trainings to stay up to date so I can better serve my clients.
I have worked in a variety of different settings and roles, including community mental health, private practice, and supervising other providers.
What do you actually do in sessions with clients?
I listen to you and give you space to share, vent, process, whatever you need.
We’ll also create plans with small, reasonable, tangible goals to help you feel at ease as you progress.
Do your clients have assignments to work on between sessions?
I know you have a lot going on, so I never push you to do anything.
That said, I often give you options for things you can do outside of session to sustain your progress. You’re welcome to work on them in any way you see fit.
That might mean adding tasks within activities you’re already doing, doing small things (like reading articles or thought-jotting), or more extensive work.
I’m for whatever works for you.
What modalities do you use in your work with clients?
We’ll use mindfulness to help you discover other aspects of yourself as we examine your thoughts and feelings.
You’ll learn to care for yourself by starting small, calming your brain from chaos, questioning how you respond, and focusing.
How do I get the most out of working with you?
By sharing openly (to the extent that you’re comfortable), I can get to the heart of what is going on and provide you with the right tools to help.
I will always support you – regardless if you succeed in your goals.
Whatever you do, just keep coming!
What are the next steps after our initial consultation?
We can schedule a tentative appointment during your free consultation.
Or we can wait until we’ve dotted our I’s and crossed our T’s with the initial (light) paperwork (done on the computer).
Why are you a therapist?
Even as a child, I was quiet and observant, and I wanted to make sure everything was alright with others.
I struggled in high school, so I went to my school counselor and psychology teacher for help. That inspired me to give it a shot, and it stuck.
What do you do outside of work?
I am homeschooling my son and have him in a lot of activities. I enjoy spending time with him, my husband, and other family members and friends (including many moms and dads).
I’m very grateful for my community, but I know all about relationship struggles and issues!
What do you wear to therapy?
I wear yoga pants. What can I say… they’re cozy!
I’m not opposed to cardigans.
Do you enjoy working from home?
Yes! I love the flexibility and being able to see my family in between sessions.
But to keep my sanity, I get out of the house from time to time and have plenty of professional contacts.
Pineapple on pizza?
I love pineapple on my pizza, but I understand if you don’t. Variety is the spice of life.
My favorite pizza has as many ingredients as possible, though.
What was the worst haircut you have ever had?
A self-made haircut when I was five. Whoops!
What is your favorite genre of music?
This might be cliché, but I like all kinds. I come from a family of musicians, and music has always been a big part of my life.
My favorite band right now is “Lawrence.” They’re an amazing group of musicians and awesome to see live!
Why aren’t you looking at me?
I have a neurological condition that contributes to my muscles contracting in a way that shifts my head up. I use a variety of treatments.
Please let me know if you have any questions about it. My number one goal is to help you feel comfortable in any way I can.