FAQs

What therapy methods do you use with clients?

To provide my clients with the best holistic mental health support possible, I provide evidence-based therapy and draw from various therapeutic approaches, including narrative, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), emotion-focused therapy (EFT), and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR). These approaches help clients master essential cognitive and emotional skills and provide them with the appropriate therapeutic space to share their stories. They help identify patterns and thoughts contributing to emotional distress, anxiety, and trauma. I work with my clients to help break these negative patterns (behaviors and beliefs) and empower them to make changes that provide a path to mental and emotional well-being.

Of these approaches, EMDR therapy is unique in its power to reprocess traumatic and distressing memories - such as PTSD, rape, abortion, traumatic birthing experiences, and debilitating depression. In some cases, EMDR therapy can shorten the time it takes an individual to process and heal from their trauma, which makes it a valuable tool in supporting perinatal mental health. It can prove to be a more thorough approach than traditional talk therapy. I, too, have experienced the power of EMDR therapy in my healing.

You can read more about EMDR therapy here.

What makes you different?

As a holistic mental health provider, I seek to find the root cause of your struggles.  I do not stop at only treating symptoms (such as anxiety or depression) but rather seek to truly understand what the cause of those symptoms are.  My treatment plans focus on the whole body and how your physical health contributes to your mental health and vice versa.  When we uncover the root cause of your struggles, we can then move forward with treating that root cause to ensure you receive healing of your mental health difficulties and experience true wellness.

Can I bring my child to therapy sessions?

Working with mothers, I completely understand when children need to join you. Most commonly this occurs with infants and I am completely okay with that. To give you the ability to best focus in therapy, I encourage you to find a time that you are able to find care for your baby.

We are unable to do EMDR with your child present. This is just due to the nature of EMDR and if your child does need to join for a session, then we can wait to process until our next session.

If a lack of childcare is a hurdle for you to receive therapy, please reach out and we can discuss accommodations. I have brainstormed and accommodated different types of appointments for clients to make it more feasible to bring their children to a therapy session.

I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?

Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the courage to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. In our work together, I’ll help you explore and identify your strengths and how to implement them to reduce the influence of the problems you are facing.

What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?

The difference is between someone who can do something, and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, counseling is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, and you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.

Why shouldn’t I just take medication?

Medication can be effective but it alone cannot solve all issues. Sometimes medication is needed in conjunction with counseling. Our work together is designed to explore and unpack the problems you are experiencing and expand on your strengths that can help you accomplish your personal goals.

How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?

Because each person has different issues and goals for counseling, it will be different depending on the individual. I tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific needs.

How long will it take?

The duration of therapy is unique to the individual and their therapy goals.  Some clients attend therapy for longer term as they have more complex goals and work.  Other clients may attend therapy for a shorter time to only focus on one or two concerns.

I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?

I am so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication will be crucial to your success.