Frequently Asked Questions

Starting or returning to therapy is a big step and can feel scary. It is common to have questions or feel anxious about the process. The questions below are ones that many people have as they get started on the journey of therapy. I hope the information you find here will help you make informed decisions about seeking mental health counseling, whether you decide I’m a good fit for you or not. My goal is to provide clear and comprehensive answers to these questions so we can begin the process of trust as you reach out for support. We can talk about these and any other questions you have in our free 15-minute consultation call.

What should I expect during my first therapy session?

Overall, the first session sets the foundation for the therapeutic relationship and establishes a framework for future sessions. It’s an opportunity for us to begin exploring your concerns in a supportive and confidential setting and to take the first step toward positive change and personal growth. During your first session, you can expect a welcoming, safe, and non-judgmental environment were we can begin to get to know each other. I will ask some questions that help me gather information about you, your current concerns, and your reasons for seeking therapy now. This may include asking about symptoms, past experiences, family history, your support system, and any previous counseling experiences. I will encourage you to share your thoughts, feelings, and concerns as much as you feel comfortable at this stage.

In our first session, I will talk with you about my approach to therapy and the path our work together may take. We will have an initial conversation about what goals you have for therapy and what success looks like for you. Please bring all your questions and concerns about the process to this session and I will do my best to answer them. At the end of our first session, we will decide together on a schedule for your sessions and what other next steps will be.

We know from research that the thing that brings clients back to their second session is a sense of hope that things can get better. While facing your struggles can be difficult, I fully believe that engaging in therapy is one of the best ways to address your challenges and move forward with your life. I’m here to help you on your path to health and happiness.

How long does therapy last?

The length of time needed for therapy to be successful will depend on the issues you want to work on and the goals you want to achieve. The process of building a trusting and safe relationship can take time, but is necessary for the deeper work to be possible in counseling. Presenting issues like trauma, abuse, or long-term mental health challenges can take longer to resolve. Generally, I work with clients for at least a year in order get to the root cause of the issues that are getting in the way of your best life. At times, counseling continues for more than a year when issues are chronic in nature, or clients need continued support over time.

What types of issues do you treat?

When you are looking for a therapist, it is important for you to find someone who feels like a good fit. Some therapists say they work with everyone and with every issue. While these therapists may provide good services, I believe it is important to look for a therapist who has narrowed their scope of practice to hone their skills with certain populations or issues. In my many years in the field, I have primarily worked with adult women, 18 and older. My clients have typically been generally functional in their lives but feel that there are barriers to living the full healthy, happy lives they truly want. In my experience working with women, I have worked with the following issues (not an exhaustive list):

  • domestic violence/gender-based violence
  • body image and self-acceptance issues
  • career/educational exploration
  • racism, misogyny, homophobia, and other oppressive forces
  • fertility issues
  • family of origin conflict and trauma
  • physical and emotional trauma
  • child abuse, whether sexual, physical, or psychological
  • religious trauma
  • relationships conflict and divorce
  • polyamory
  • identity exploration, including sexual identity
  • shame, guilt, self-doubt, and low self-esteem
  • problematic substance use
  • others

Are there issues or populations you don’t work with?

There are several specialty areas within the field of counseling that require extra training and skills. It is important for a potential therapist to be transparent about their areas of specialized training and the areas they do not have specialized training in. All therapists have limitations in their ethical scope of practice. Couples counseling can be a powerful avenue for healing and strengthening committed relationships, however I don’t see couples in therapy. While I love children, I don’t work professionally with people under the age of 18. Problematic substance use commonly comes up in the work I do with clients, however I am not trained to provide services for active substance abuse issues. In working with women, challenges with body images and self-acceptance are common. However, I am not trained to treat active eating disorders. If you are seeking a counselor who works with couples, children, can offer addiction or eating disorders treatment, I can provide you with a referral. You deserve to work with a therapist who specializes in the areas you are looking for help with.

How much does therapy cost?

My fee structure is designed to reflect the value of the experience I have and the services I provide while striving to make counseling accessible to those seeking it. My goal is to make quality mental health care affordable and attainable for individuals seeking support on their journey towards healing and growth.

The fee for individual counseling is $175 for each 50-minute session, including the intake session. I do not participate directly with insurance companies or accept insurance for payment. However, you may be eligible to have a portion of your paid fees reimbursed by your insurance company.

What qualifications and experience do you have?

I have been in the helping profession for 20 years and have worked in a wide variety of settings during that time. I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Kansas State University, a master’s degree in mental health counseling from Idaho State University, and a Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision from the College of William and Mary in Virginia. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington (license number: MHC.LH.61526782).

How often will I need to attend sessions?

Therapy has the best chance of being successful when it is consistent. During the first phase of therapy, I believe weekly therapy sessions are necessary to build a therapeutic relationship and to develop a deep understanding of the challenges you want to work on in therapy. When we get closer to meeting the goals you set for therapy, we can talk about reducing the frequency of our meetings. There often comes a point in the therapeutic process where we have made enough progress to shift to meeting twice or even once a month.

Is therapy confidential?

Knowing that the things you share in therapy are confidential is essential in building a sense of safety and trust in me and in the therapeutic process. I strongly adhere to the ethical guidelines related to confidentiality in therapy. This means that everything you tell me will be held confidentially expect in some specific circumstances. These circumstances include:  

  • A court order, issued by a judge, could require me to release information contained in your records, or could require me to testify
  • If I believe you pose a threat of harm to yourself, to another person, or to the community, I will take whatever steps required by law to help prevent potential harm from happening
  • Uses and disclosures for health and oversight activities
  • Uses and disclosures for judicial and administrative proceedings
  • If you report information indicating a child, disabled, or elderly person is suffering from abuse or neglect

Do you offer online or virtual counseling?

Yes, currently I provide therapy services virtually. When you start therapy with me, I’ll share a link with you that will take you to a HIPPA compliant telehealth virtual platform where we will meet for your sessions.

Do you offer in-person sessions?

No, I don’t currently offer in-person therapy sessions.

How will I know when I am ready to end counseling?

The overarching goal of therapy is for you to do the work needed to live a happy, healthy life. Therapy is always optional, and you get to decide when to begin and when to end our work together. During the initial phase of therapy, we will come to a shared vision of what success will look like for you and we will work towards that vision together. When you feel like our work has been successful and you are ready to move forward without the support of therapy, we will conclude our sessions. Sometimes clients like to return to therapy at a future time when another issue comes up, and I welcome this opportunity to reengage with clients as they continue their lives.

What if I don’t feel comfortable with my therapist or with how therapy is going?

I see us as a team, working together to help you reach your goals. Research has shown that the quality and strength of the relationship between the client and the therapist is the single most important aspect of successful therapy. I want to be in conversation with you about our connection, and about how treatment is proceeding for you. You have the right to ask questions about your treatment and the therapeutic process. You can ask me about my approach and can let me know at any time if something in your sessions is not working to your benefit. However, if something is not working for you, I welcome the conversation about how we can improve your treatment. If you decide I’m not a good fit for you, I will provide you with referrals for other therapists and will do what I can to help you transition to another provider.