FAQ

What can I expect in my first therapy session?

Well, first off, it won’t be some awkward interrogation. Don’t get me wrong, it can be a little awkward, but it’s not an interrogation. It’s really just about getting to know each other. We’ll talk about what’s brought you here, what you’re hoping for, and where you’ve been. You can ask me anything, and we’ll start figuring out what our work together might look like.

How long does therapy usually last?

Ah, the age-old question: "How long will it take to fix me?" The thing is, therapy isn’t about ‘fixing,’ and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some folks find a few sessions helpful to untangle something specific, while others stay longer to go deeper. It depends on your goals, your pace, and what you want out of the process.

How do I know if therapy is right for me?

You know how sometimes you just feel stuck, like life has you in a headlock? That’s when therapy can be a game-changer. If you're wrestling with something—whether it’s anxiety, trauma, or just a vague sense of "this is not where I want to be"—therapy gives you a space to explore that without all the noise. It doesn’t have to be some big crisis; maybe you just want to feel more connected to yourself and others.

Do you accept insurance?

Nope, I don’t take insurance directly, but I can give you a Superbill, which sounds way cooler than it actually is. It’s basically a detailed receipt you can submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement. I recommend checking with your provider first to see if they’ll cover out-of-network therapy. It’s a bit of a hoop-jumping situation.

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I’ve also partnered with Mentaya, a service that streamlines getting reimbursed for your therapy sessions through out-of-network benefits.

Mentaya is perfect if you:

• Have out-of-network benefits

• Feel overwhelmed by superbills and insurance

• Have submitted superbills but failed to get any reimbursement

• Simply want to skip the hassle of paperwork!

Here's how it works:

1. Sign up for Mentaya: https://mentaya.co/inviteclient/zKIjq5E1W9Uh2MYIzH29

2. I will enter your sessions into the platform.

3. Mentaya submits the claim and handles any insurance follow-up.

4. You get reimbursed by insurance!

Mentaya charges a 5% fee per claim, which includes handling any paperwork required,

dealing with denials, and calling insurance companies.

It's risk-free: They guarantee claims are successfully submitted, or a full refund of their fees.

What if I’ve never done therapy before?

Great! There’s no prerequisite for therapy. If you’re feeling nervous, that’s totally normal. Therapy is a space where you can show up as you are. We go at your pace, and you don’t have to have all the answers. In fact, not knowing where to start is a perfect place to begin.

How do you use roleplaying games in therapy?

Okay, picture this: You step into a world where you can be anyone—an elf wizard, a detective, or even just yourself, but with better dice rolls. Through roleplaying games like Dungeons & Dragons, we explore your emotions, relationships, and challenges in a way that feels less like traditional therapy and more like collaborative storytelling. It’s fun, immersive, and you’d be surprised how much self-discovery happens when you’re rolling for initiative.

Is therapy confidential?

Absolutely, yes. Whatever happens in therapy stays in therapy, unless you’re in danger or someone else is. Then I’m legally obligated to step in. But otherwise, it’s all between us. We’ll go over all of this in detail, but the bottom line is: I take confidentiality very seriously.

How often should I come to therapy?

Most people start with weekly sessions to build momentum. From there, it can change based on what feels right for you. Some people eventually move to biweekly or monthly sessions as they feel more grounded. We’ll figure out a rhythm that works, but it’s totally flexible.

Do you offer virtual sessions?

Yes, I do teletherapy through a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform. So if you’re more comfortable in your pajamas on your couch, we can absolutely meet that way. It’s therapy, but with better Wi-Fi.

What if I can’t afford therapy?

I get it—therapy can be expensive. I offer a sliding scale for individual sessions, which means we can adjust the fee somewhat based on what’s doable. If cost is a concern, let’s talk about it. I don’t want finances to be the only thing that stands in the way of your healing.

What if I change my mind?

Totally fine. Therapy isn’t a one-way ticket with no return. If at any point you feel like you’re not ready or you want to hit pause, we’ll talk about it. There’s no pressure to stick around longer than feels right for you. The door is always open, whether you leave and come back or decide it’s not the right fit.

How do I know when I don’t need therapy anymore?

You’ll know. It’s kind of like when you’ve learned to ride a bike—you don’t need the training wheels forever, and one day you’re just ready. We’ll check in regularly to see how you’re feeling about your progress, and eventually, you’ll get to a place where you feel solid on your own. Therapy doesn’t have to last forever—it’s here when you need it, and we’ll know when the time feels right to wrap things up.

Does therapy hurt?

Short answer: sometimes, yeah. Therapy can stir up some deep stuff, and when you start digging into old wounds or difficult feelings, it can feel uncomfortable. But here’s the thing: we move at your pace, and any pain that comes up is the kind that leads to healing, not harm. Think of it like the discomfort of a good workout—you’re sore, but you’re getting stronger. And you never have to face it alone.

What if I’m not the one with the problem?

Ah, the classic “It’s not me, it’s them.” That might be totally true—sometimes other people’s issues weigh on us, and it’s not fair or right. But therapy can still help you figure out how to deal with that dynamic. Even if the problem isn’t directly yours, how you handle it and how it impacts your life is something we can work through together.

Why do you have a little "c" after LCPC?

Great question. The "c" means I’m conditionally licensed. Basically, I’ve completed all the required education and training, and I’m working under supervision to get full licensure. It’s like being in the final stretch, but rest assured, I’m fully qualified to provide therapy while under supervision.

What happens if we meet outside the office?

It’s bound to happen, especially in a small town. If we bump into each other outside of the office, I’ll follow your lead. You can say hi or ignore me completely—no hard feelings either way. I won’t initiate contact to protect your privacy, but if you’re cool with a wave or a quick chat, that’s fine too. We’ll talk about what feels comfortable for you.

What types of therapy do you provide?

I use a trauma-informed approach that’s like a mashup of Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Narrative Therapy. I also integrate somatic work—so, mind, body, and spirit all get invited to the table. And then there’s the roleplaying game therapy, which is exactly what it sounds like: playing D&D, but with a focus on growth and healing.

What’s the difference between individual, couples, and group therapy?

• Individual therapy is all about you and your personal journey.

• Couples therapy focuses on the dynamics between you and your partner, helping you communicate better and rebuild trust.

• Group therapy is a shared experience with others who are navigating similar issues. It’s surprisingly powerful to realize you’re not alone in your struggles.

Can I try therapy for a specific issue, like anxiety or trauma?

Absolutely. Whether it's anxiety, trauma, grief, or something else, we can focus on that specific issue. It’s not about ‘curing’ anything—it’s about finding ways to work with it, live alongside it, and maybe even find some growth in the process.

What if I’m not sure what I want to talk about?

That’s totally fine. You don’t need to come in with a list of talking points. Therapy is a space to figure things out, even if you don’t know what ‘things’ you’re figuring out yet. Sometimes the biggest revelations come from those “I’m not sure what to talk about today” moments.

Can therapy help with self-esteem and confidence?

Yes, therapy is a great place to dig into the stories you’ve been telling yourself about who you are and why you’re not enough. Spoiler alert: You are enough, but sometimes we need to dismantle a few old narratives to believe it.