Question 1

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

We’ll begin with a free brief phone consultation to discuss what you’re looking for, whether my services may be a good fit, and any insurance or payment details. If we decide to work together, our first appointment will be a 50–60 minute intake where I’ll learn more about your history, concerns, and goals for therapy.

Question 2

How do I know if we’re a good fit?

Accepted Answer

The consultation is a chance for us to briefly discuss what you’re looking for and whether my approach may be a good fit. If I’m not the right person for your needs, I’ll do my best to point you in a better direction.

Question 3

If I'm new to therapy, what can I expect from sessions?

Accepted Answer

Therapy is collaborative. In our early sessions, I’ll ask questions to better understand your concerns, history, and what brings you in. From there, sessions tend to be conversational and organic rather than rigidly structured. I won’t simply give advice or try to “fix” you. Instead, I’ll help you explore patterns, notice themes, develop insight, and consider new ways of understanding yourself, your relationships, and your choices.

Question 4

Why do you primarily offer in-person therapy?

Accepted Answer

I primarily offer in-person therapy because I believe it provides important advantages for the kind of relational, meaningful work I do.  Being together in the room often allows for a more natural connection, stronger trust, and access to important clinical information such as body language, eye contact, and other subtle cues that can be essential to treatment.

In-person therapy also offers greater privacy, fewer distractions, dedicated space to focus fully on yourself, and no risk of technology disrupting your session.  It can also provide a welcome break from screens and isolation.  And yes—free coffee and snacks 😊

When appropriate, I may offer teletherapy as an adjunct to in-person treatment, such as when a client is sick or traveling in a state where I am permitted to practice.  Secure video sessions are provided through an encrypted platform.

Question 5

What types of concerns do you tend to work with?

Accepted Answer

I offer in-person individual therapy to adults and am particularly strong at helping with anxiety, depression, chronic shame, perfectionism, harsh self-criticism, burnout, over-functioning, people-pleasing, relationship difficulties, grief, trauma, family-of-origin concerns, identity concerns, life transitions, and feeling stuck in painful or repeating patterns.

I also work well with college, graduate, and post-graduate students; young adults; mental health or helping professionals; high-achieving individuals and professionals; and adults seeking deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships.

Question 6

What approaches to therapy do you tend to use?

Accepted Answer

My approach is deeply relational, insight-oriented, and focused on meaningful change. I draw from relational, interpersonal, trauma-informed, emotion-focused, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and culturally responsive approaches, depending on your needs.

Question 7

How long will therapy last?

Accepted Answer

Sessions typically last 50–55 minutes. Most clients begin with weekly therapy, though frequency may vary based on your needs, goals, and clinical fit. Some concerns can be addressed in shorter-term work, while deeper, more complex, or long-standing patterns often benefit from a longer-term approach.

Question 8

What do I need to know about teletherapy?

Accepted Answer

In rare circumstances, I may offer teletherapy as an adjunct to in-person treatment, such as when one of us is sick or traveling in a state where I am permitted to practice.

To have a teletherapy session, you'll need a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer with high-speed internet, a camera, microphone, and headphones or speakers.

Please log-in 5-10 minutes early, choose a private space where you're unlikely to be overheard, and consider using headphones. If you have trouble connecting or get disconnected, try rejoining first. If problems continue, call me directly at (757) 899-4804 ext. 100.

Question 9

How do confidentiality and privacy work?

Accepted Answer

In general, what you share in therapy is confidential. There are limited legal exceptions, including situations involving serious risk of harm to yourself or someone else, suspected abuse or neglect of a vulnerable person, court orders or legal proceedings, or your written permission to share information. My Notice of Privacy Practices includes the full details.

Question 10

Can you tell me more about the Simple Practice Client Portal?

Accepted Answer

Clients use the secure SimplePractice Client Portal to complete paperwork, schedule sessions, send messages, upload documents, view statements, pay balances, and receive appointment reminders when selected. The portal is available by web browser or mobile app.

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