FAQ

It’s as easy as reaching out! Call, email… heck, even just text me! We will set up a free 10- to 20-minute consultation to decide if we are a good fit for each other.

Therapy is an investment of time, money, and energy. Your therapy success depends greatly on finding the right counselor for you. During the consultation, we will discuss the reasons you are seeking therapy and what you hope to achieve. We will also discuss my approaches and how I can best assist you.

If it’s a good fit, we will set up your first appointment. If not, no problem! I will help connect you to someone who might be.

Please get in touch. Let’s talk about a better future!

I work with males and females ages 10 and up. I do make some exceptions for younger kids, depending on several factors.

If you are looking for individual therapy for a younger child, I’d be happy to refer you to another well-qualified professional.

I have, however, been quite successful helping parents with children of any age. After all, they don’t come with a manual!

I have had great success helping women and men from 18-65 who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, addictions, and/or relationship challenges. They might also have been dealing with life changes and transitions such as divorce, aging parents, growing children, or low self-esteem.

Many people with whom I have worked were also searching to find their “true self” as they strive for improvement and self-actualization.

I’ve also assisted many couples achieve the partnership they’ve always wanted.

Kids and teens have long been a favorite client for me, perhaps because I’m still a kid at heart?!

Life is difficult for everyone at times, so I think everyone can benefit from therapy at some point!

Things happen and it can feel overwhelming at times. Therapy helps you sort through challenging emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.

Having a safe and comfortable space to be heard and understood without judgment is a great way to learn, grow, and achieve your life goals, whatever they may be!

I am a huge proponent of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which is based on the idea that what and how we think drives our feelings and behaviors.

I have probably helped the most people using Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). This is a specific cognitive behavioral therapy that I love, because it is very practical – and results can be seen quickly. I love this one so much I obtained certification in it 25 years ago and have been helping clients stop “awfulizing” and “mustabating” ever since!

Of course, my therapy also has underpinnings of Client-Centered, Short-Term Solution-Focused, and/or Reality Theory, depending on what presents in session. My clients and I appreciate these approaches, because they are present-focused, acceptance-based, and also very practical.

I believe the therapy process requires “homework,” since it is vital to try things out in real time.

So, we’ll do some exploration, experimentation, reading, notetaking, journaling, etc. between sessions.

While there is no easy answer to this question, the fact is that you have tremendous potential within yourself to heal; and, if tapped effectively, you will see some changes happen quickly!

Some people feel better in just a few sessions while others need several months to make significant changes. It all depends on your personal circumstances, your goals, and how you respond to therapy.

New clients typically attend weekly for the first month or so, which allows our working relationship to grow and momentum to build. At the right time, we will adjust your sessions to bi-weekly or even an as-needed basis.

I will mainly listen and ask questions that spark thoughts to help you feel and understand your emotions. I take some notes to help me remember certain bits of information.

We will talk, laugh at times, explore, and practice letting go. I will support you, challenge you when you are ready, and celebrate with you when you feel better.

Sessions are not always light and easy, but the relief you get will be worth the work you do.

The initial session, because it is typically longer, is $150. Ongoing individual sessions are 50-60 minutes and are $135.

I offer easy monthly payment plans and a batch-purchase discount. If you purchase your initial five sessions in bulk, you can save 20%!

I also reserve a few sliding-scale fee sessions each week for those demonstrating a financial need. My goal is to make therapy as affordable as possible for as many folks as possible.

Payment is collected at your session time. I accept cash, check, or credit card (or even PayPal or Facebook Pay).

Some people use their health savings account to pay for therapy. I can keep a card securely on file for billing convenience.

I am in-network with Cigna, because I direct an employee assistance program for a major local employer who has this group insurance plan. Otherwise, I am considered an out-of-network counselor.

If you’d like reimbursement from your insurance plan, I will provide you with the necessary information to request and receive out-of-network reimbursement from your insurance company.

I recommend contacting your insurance company to get details about your out-of-network coverage. I am more than happy to help you through this process.

Yes, in addition to my regular weekday office hours (9-5), I also have evening and Saturday availability! I will do my best to accommodate your scheduling needs, including early morning (pre-9:00 am) sessions, but those slots are limited. If you have the desire, I’ll do my best to accommodate your schedule. That’s a promise!

Once we schedule your appointment, that time is reserved in my schedule for you. If you must cancel, I require a 24-hour notice.

If you do not give the required notice, you will be charged the fee for your session time. Exceptions to this policy are made for legitimate emergencies and illness.

Typically, not. I make every effort to make time available for new clients within three business days, and even within 24 hours for those in crisis.

Sit, lie down, walk around… whatever makes you comfortable is just fine with me!

I have a couch, chair, and a floor—all of which are up for grabs during sessions. We can even sit outside by the pool if you’d like! Comfort is important.

Yes, I know what it’s like to sit on the couch, too! And it has made me a better person AND a better therapist.

I’ve always believed there is no shame in taking care of your mental health, because better mental health means better life satisfaction. That’s what it’s all about, isn’t it?

As a lifelong music fan, I try to attend at least three music festivals each year. I’ve traveled as far as Virginia and Pennsylvania to take in the happy vibes. Camping, firepit, friends, great music, and a cold one or two every couple/few months really floats my boat!

I also enjoy riding my 2007 Harley Fatboy to no particular destination, especially during semi-cool weather.

The short answer is “no.” Because my life goal is to be as helpful to as many people as possible, I pride myself on being accepting of everyone, regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, etc. If I could have a superpower, it’d be the ability to speak every language, so I could do my “talk therapy” with absolutely everyone!

Can ya tell I love what I do?