FAQ-Frequently Asked Questions

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My therapeutic process begins by encouraging clients to trust the journey. The first few sessions often feel like an “information dump”—and that’s completely normal. In these early stages, clients may feel like they’ve shared more than they’ve gained, but this is all part of laying the foundation.

I like to compare therapy to building a house—you can’t put up the walls before establishing a solid base. These initial sessions focus on identifying patterns, prioritizing needs, and, most importantly, building trust and rapport. Trust is essential because real progress happens when clients feel safe, heard, and open to feedback. As therapy continues, we work together to explore deeper insights, develop coping strategies, and foster meaningful growth.

My counseling approach is hands-on and personal, which can differ from more traditional, business-like therapy models. Many therapists operate through office managers or third-party schedulers, making communication between sessions difficult and creates a silence. I’ve experienced this firsthand, and I know how impersonal it can feel. That’s why I prioritize being accessible and engaged with my clients beyond just our scheduled sessions.

I encourage ongoing connection—whether it’s through sharing a podcast, a meme, or a quote that resonates. I do the same in return, fostering a dynamic and interactive therapeutic relationship. I also provide homework assignments and invite clients to update me on their daily wins via text, reinforcing progress and accountability in real time.

Because I run a small practice, my clients work directly with me for scheduling, billing, and any other logistical needs. This hands-on approach not only eliminates barriers but also builds trust, safety, and a strong therapeutic connection—ensuring that my clients feel supported in a way that extends beyond the therapy room.

The first step someone should take when considering counseling is to recognize that there is no issue too big or too small to seek help for, and that asking for support is a valid and courageous choice. Try to let go of any shame or preconceived beliefs that may prevent reaching out. After acknowledging this, the next step is to think about your goals and expectations for therapy, which helps guide the process and ensures productive, focused sessions. Being clear about your needs allows for open communication with your therapist, minimizing the chances of miscommunication and helping to set a clear direction for your journey.

Reaching out sooner rather than later, can prevent issues from worsening, allowing for earlier intervention and faster healing. It provides relief and validation, knowing that steps are being taken to improve well-being. Seeking help early also equips clients with coping skills and resilience to better handle future challenges, leading to positive changes sooner.

The Enneagram is a powerful tool for self-discovery and personal growth, centered around the idea that there are 9 distinct personality types. While each of us has a primary type, we also embody traits from all the types to varying degrees. The Enneagram goes beyond surface-level traits to explore the deeper motivations, fears, and desires that shape our behaviors, helping us gain a better understanding of ourselves and how we interact with the world around us.

At this time, my practice operates on a self-pay basis, meaning I do not accept insurance directly. This decision is rooted in my commitment to providing the highest quality care tailored to each client’s unique needs, without the restrictions and limitations often imposed by insurance companies.

Insurance providers frequently dictate the number of sessions, frequency of care, and types of therapy covered. These constraints can interfere with clinical judgment and prevent clients from receiving the personalized, long-term support they may need. Additionally, most insurance companies require a formal mental health diagnosis for reimbursement, which may not always align with a client’s goals or be in their best interest.

Another important consideration is client confidentiality. Submitting claims to insurance requires sharing personal mental health information, and not everyone is comfortable with this level of disclosure. By operating independently, I can offer greater privacy and flexibility in treatment.

I understand that finances are a significant barrier to accessing care, and my goal is to work collaboratively with clients to make therapy as affordable as possible. While I do not bill insurance directly, I can provide a superbill upon request. This allows clients to submit claims to their insurance providers and potentially receive reimbursement for out-of-network mental health services.

If you have any questions about payment options or out-of-network benefits, I’m happy to discuss ways to make therapy more accessible for you.

I think of trauma as something that happens when our autonomy is taken away.  Trauma can be understood as the loss of autonomy or control in a situation, especially when we’re unable to protect ourselves or make choices that safeguard our well-being. It’s when we’re forced into helplessness—whether physically, emotionally, or psychologically—that trauma can take root. This sense of powerlessness can deeply affect our sense of self and our ability to trust, leading to long-lasting impacts on how we relate to the world and others around us. Understanding trauma through the lens of autonomy highlights the importance of reclaiming control and agency in the healing process.

Trauma often overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope, leaving lasting effects on their thoughts, feelings, and behavior. These effects can manifest in a variety of ways, including anxiety, depression, difficulty trusting others, or challenges with self-esteem. Trauma isn’t just about the event itself; it's about how the event affects the person and their ability to process and heal from it.

Common phrases I hear are:

• “I had a great childhood, so I don’t need therapy.”
• “My problems aren’t bad enough for therapy.”
• “I should be able to handle things on my own.”
• “Other people have it worse than me, I have nothing to complain about.”

The truth is, therapy isn’t just for people who have experienced trauma, struggle with anxiety or depression, or are in crisis. Therapy isn’t a place to complain.  Therapy is a space for self-exploration, growth, and gaining deeper self-awareness.

When someone says their problems aren’t “bad enough” for therapy, what I really hear is, “I don’t deserve support.” But the reality is—we all deserve support. We all deserve to be heard, validated, and understood. We all deserve a space where we can process our thoughts, reflect, and gain new perspectives, no matter how big or small our concerns may seem.

As social beings, we’re not meant to carry everything alone. Therapy is just one way to lighten the load.

Building emotional resilience starts with self-honesty—being truly aware of and accepting your emotions without judgment. Too often, pride, ego, and societal conditioning push us to doubt, dismiss, or minimize what we’re feeling. When we ignore or downplay emotional pain, we not only prevent ourselves from healing but also risk repeating the same harmful patterns.

Resilience isn’t just about enduring discomfort or pushing through challenges—it’s also about recognizing when something is harmful and having the strength to set boundaries or remove ourselves from toxic situations. It involves developing self-awareness, practicing self-compassion, and learning to respond to emotions in a way that fosters growth rather than suppression.