Frequently Asked Questions

You don't have to be in dire straights to reach out for assistance. Therapy can certainly help if you are, but it can also be like taking vitamins, a way of preventing things from getting bad. Either way, reaching out for help takes courage, and I commend you for taking the first step. 

While I prefer in-person, that is not always feasible for every client, so I offer both in-person and virtual sessions. 

I would be happy to help you with that. I would just need some basic information regarding you and your insurance and I can help you determine if your sessions will be covered. 

I don't bite. =) If you would like, we can start with a 15-minute phone conversation so that you can get a feel for whether or not we'd be a good fit. You can text, email, call, complete the form on the contact page, or you can even click the link on the contact page and go straight to my schedule without even talking to me. There are several ways and you can choose the one that feels easiest to you. 

I have worked with individuals and couples dealing with a variety of issues, ranging from depression, anxiety, phase of life issues, infidelity, grief, loss, identity, and many more. You can see a wider range of areas I can treat on the about page. 

I believe that you have the answers within you, but you're struggling to find them right now or you wouldn't need me. My job is not to tell you what to do or how to live your life, but to help YOU determine what is best for your life. 

While all therapists go through the same basic schooling, we each bring our own unique style and approach to the counseling environment.  I practice a holistic approach to counseling and psychotherapy that embraces the well-being of the person or couple as a whole – mental, emotional, physical, cultural, and spiritual. As the name of my practice suggests, my style is “to come alongside to help.” This help may include encouraging, supporting, teaching, confronting, and possibly even calling you out on your ‘bull’ when necessary.  

No one theoretic approach will work in every situation, but initially, my preferred therapeutic modality leans strongly toward Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) with a nod to Existentialism and my methodology for couples counseling is heavily influenced by Gottman and Imago. I find CBT to be a good place to start with most clients because it paints with a very broad brush and is effective for a number of concerns. Once I get to know a client a little better, I will have a greater understanding of other modalities that may be necessary and applicable. Each client is unique, and as such, each client's treatment plan will be customized with the appropriate modalities to meet that client's specific needs.  I am also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR). You can learn more about these approaches on the modalities page.

My job is to work myself out of a job. My job is not to make you dependent on me but rather to give you the necessary tools to live a happy, healthy life. Length of treatment is determined by a number of factors. Each client is assessed based on their individual needs, and then we will work collaboratively to create a roadmap to achieve your goals. When you feel you have the adequate skillset to discontinue therapy, we will celebrate that milestone together. 

No. Therapists do not prescribe medication. I do, however, have a network of psychiatrists that I consult with and can refer you to should you need an evaluation for medication.