Getting Started with Therapy

Starting or returning to therapy is a big step, and it’s completely normal to feel uncertain or have questions about the process. You might feel a mix of emotions—curiosity, nervousness, or even doubt—and that’s okay.
To help you feel more informed and confident in your decision, I’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions people have when beginning therapy. Whether or not I turn out to be the right fit for you, my goal is to provide clear, thoughtful information so you can make the best choice for your mental health needs.
If you have additional questions or just want to get a sense of what working together might be like, I offer a free 15-minute consultation call where we can discuss your concerns and explore whether my approach aligns with your needs.

What to expect in your first therapy session

Your first therapy session is an important step—it sets the foundation for our work together and creates a framework for future sessions. My goal is to provide a welcoming, safe, and non-judgmental space where we can begin exploring your concerns at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
During this session, I will ask questions to get to know you better, including:

  • What brings you to therapy now?
  • What challenges or symptoms you may be experiencing?
  • Your past experiences, family history, and support system.
  • Any previous counseling experiences and what was helpful (or not) for you.


This is also a time for you to ask questions and share what feels important to you. Therapy is a
collaborative process, and I want to ensure that we create a path forward that aligns with your
goals.
We will also discuss:

  • My approach to therapy and what our work together may look like.
  • Your goals for therapy and what success means to you.
  • Scheduling and next steps moving forward.

Research shows that the most important factor in returning for a second session is a sense of
hope—hope that things can get better and that therapy can help. While facing challenges can be
difficult, I firmly believe that engaging in therapy is one of the best ways to create meaningful
change. I’m here to support you every step of the way.

How long does therapy take?

The length of therapy varies depending on your unique needs, goals, and the challenges you
want to address. Building a trusting and safe therapeutic relationship takes time, and this
foundation is essential for meaningful, lasting change.

If you are working through trauma, abuse, or long-term mental health challenges, the process
may take longer as we work through deeper issues at a pace that feels safe and supportive. In
general, I work with clients for at least a year to explore the root causes of what’s holding them
back and to create sustainable change.


For some, therapy extends beyond a year, especially when chronic issues or the need for
ongoing support are present. My goal is to ensure you feel empowered and supported for as
long as you need, while also helping you develop the tools to navigate life with greater
confidence and resilience.

What do I work with?

Finding the right therapist is an important step in your healing journey. While some therapists take a generalist approach, I believe in focusing my expertise to best serve those I work with. Over my many years in the field, I have primarily worked with adult women (18+) who are generally functional in their lives but feel stuck, unfulfilled, or held back from living the full, healthy, and happy lives they truly want.

My experience has led me to specialize in supporting women through a range of challenges, including but not limited to:

  • Burnout and stress, including the implications for your professional life
  • Healing from trauma, including childhood abuse (sexual, physical, psychological) and religious trauma
  • Gender-based violence, including domestic violence and sexual assault
  • Grief and loss, including loss through death, divorce, the end of a hoped-for life plan
  • Body image, self-acceptance, and self-esteem
  • Career and educational exploration
  • Navigating oppressive systems, including racism, misogyny, and homophobia
  • Fertility challenges and reproductive concerns
  • Family of origin conflict and trauma
  • Relationship struggles, including divorce and conflict
  • Identity exploration, including sexual identity and personal growth
  • Shame, guilt, and self-doubt
  • Problematic substance use
  • History of religious negative experiences or trauma

This is not an exhaustive list, and I recognize that each person’s experience is unique and complex. My approach is always tailored to your specific needs, and I am here to provide a safe, supportive space for you to explore, heal, and grow. If you resonate with these experiences and are looking for a therapist who deeply understands these challenges, I’d love to connect.

My scope of practice and referrals

Counseling is a broad field with many specialized areas, and it’s important for therapists to be transparent about both their expertise and their limitations. While I have extensive experience in certain areas, I also recognize when a client would be better served by a specialist.

Here’s what I do not provide therapy for:

  • Couples Counseling – While couples therapy can be transformative, I focus solely on individual therapy and do not work with couples.
  • Children & Adolescents – I love working with adults, and I do not see clients under the age of 18.
  • Active Substance Abuse Treatment – Problematic substance use is a common theme in my work with clients, but I do not provide treatment for active addiction or recovery services.
  • Eating Disorders – I frequently support clients in navigating body image and self-acceptance, but I am not trained in treating active eating disorders.

If you are looking for support in any of these areas, I can connect you with a trusted specialist who can better meet your needs. You deserve to work with a therapist who has the right training and expertise to support you fully.

How much does therapy cost?

I strive to make high-quality mental health care both valuable and accessible. My fee structure reflects my years of experience and the personalized care I provide while ensuring therapy remains an attainable investment in your well-being.

  • Session Fee: $150 per 50-minute individual session, including the initial intake session.
  • Insurance: I do not bill insurance directly or participate in insurance networks. However, you may be eligible for out-of-network reimbursement from your insurance provider. I can provide detailed receipts (superbills) for you to submit for potential reimbursement—please check with your provider for details on your coverage.
  • Sliding Scale: I offer a limited number of sliding scale fee spots for individuals who may need financial assistance. If cost is a concern, please reach out to discuss availability.

If you have any questions about payment options, I’m happy to discuss them with you.

Education & experience

With over 20 years in the helping profession, I have gained a diverse range of experience across
various settings. My education and professional journey have shaped my deep commitment to
providing compassionate, effective support for those seeking growth and healing.

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Kansas State University
  • Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Idaho State University
  • Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from the College of William and Mary in Virginia

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Washington (License Number: MHC.LH.61526782).

This combination of education, experience, and professional credentials allows me to bring a broad, well-rounded perspective to our work together.

Frequency of sessions

For therapy to be most effective, consistency is key. During the early stages of our work together, I typically recommend weekly sessions. This frequency allows us to establish a strong therapeutic relationship and gain a deep understanding of the challenges you’re facing.

As we make progress and move closer to your therapy goals, we can discuss reducing the frequency of sessions. Often, after reaching significant milestones, it may make sense to shift to bi-weekly or even monthly sessions, depending on your needs and progress. Our pace will always be tailored to your unique journey.

Confidentiality in therapy

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of therapy, and knowing that your personal information is protected is crucial to creating a safe and trusting space. I am fully committed to adhering to the ethical guidelines around confidentiality, ensuring that everything you share with me will be
kept private.

However, there are specific circumstances where confidentiality may be broken, and I want you to be aware of them:

  • Court Orders: If a judge issues a court order, I may be required to release information or testify in legal proceedings.
  • Risk of Harm: If I believe you are at risk of harming yourself, someone else, or the community, I am legally obligated to take necessary steps to prevent harm.
  • Health and Oversight Activities: Disclosure may occur for health oversight activities, such as audits or regulatory purposes.
  • Judicial and Administrative Proceedings: Information may be disclosed if required by legal proceedings.
  • Abuse or Neglect Reporting: If you disclose abuse or neglect involving a child, disabled person, or elderly person, I am required to report it to the appropriate authorities.

While these situations are rare, it’s important for you to understand the boundaries of confidentiality. If you have any concerns, we can discuss them further in our sessions.

Do you offer online or virtual counseling?

Yes, I currently offer virtual therapy services. When you begin therapy with me, I will send you a secure link to a HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform where we will meet for our sessions. This platform ensures that our conversations are private and protected, allowing you to feel comfortable and safe during our work together.

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 primary goal of therapy is to support you in doing the necessary work to live a happy, healthy life. Therapy is always a choice, and you have the autonomy to decide when to begin and when to end our work together.

In the beginning, we will collaboratively establish a shared vision of what success looks like for you, and we’ll work together toward achieving that. When you feel that we’ve met your goals and you’re ready to move forward without ongoing therapy, we will conclude our sessions.

That said, many clients choose to return to therapy in the future when new challenges arise, and I fully welcome the opportunity to reengage and continue supporting your growth at any point in your journey.

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.