Heal & grow in the comfort of your own space.
How do we start?
1
Let’s chat
Most clients start with a brief, complimentary call with me to test out our fit. This is a space for you to let me know what you’re looking for from therapy, and ask any questions you might have about working together. Calls typically last anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes, and there is no cost for this appointment.
You can schedule this call online here.
You are also welcome to call, text, or email me to set this up, if that works better for you.
If you decide you want to move forward with our work together, we’ll then decide on a time for our first therapy appointment.
2
Intake paperwork
Well, at least you don’t have to sit in a waiting room with a clipboard, right?
Intake paperwork is a necessary part of the business of psychotherapy. Once we decide on a time for our first appointment, I’ll send you a set of forms through our secure, online client portal, Simple Practice. This is where you’ll sign off (electronically) on legally required policy documents, provide payment and contact information, and complete a questionnaire about what’s bringing you to therapy. The questionnaire is optional, but many clients find that it helps them to focus in on what’s really going on for them.
This part might feel a little daunting. Take it slow, and reach out to me if you have any questions.
3
Now, we begin
You’ll receive a link via email to our secure appointment space in the Simple Practice client portal.
If you’ve ever used Zoom, this is very similar - Simple Practice is just designed with added security for the confidential space of therapy.
During this first meeting, I’ll ask a lot of questions about the current stressors in your life, past events, lifestyle factors, and your goals for therapy. It’s okay if you don’t have answers for all of the questions; we’re just getting a feel for where you’re at today.
During this session, we’ll also talk about how we want to proceed in this process together, and schedule our next appointment.
‘Ancient cultures seemed to understand the value of being in the wilderness as a part of any kind of major transition in life’s journey… To get where he was eventually going the journeyer first had to experience going to nowhere, to release himself from who and what he had been. In the “no place” of the wilderness he could begin building a new person and place again.’
— Alan D. Wolfelt, PhD, from Companioning the Bereaved: A Soulful Guide for Caregivers
FAQs
How much does it cost?
The fee for a 50-minute session is $140. I also offer sliding scale options for people in financial need.
Do you take insurance?
No. I do not work with insurance companies for payment or reimbursement.
Here’s something that a lot of folks don’t talk about: When insurance companies reimburse for mental health care, they become a third party in the therapeutic relationship - they require diagnosis of a mental illness, have legal access to documentation of therapy sessions, and influence treatment by what they will or will not pay for. This is true whether the therapist works with them directly, or you submit requests for reimbursement after payment.
I will always provide you with electronic receipts for your payments to me, and you may choose to work with your insurance company for reimbursement if that is an option for you.
Where are you located?
I am licensed by the State of Michigan as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). I provide therapy services (via telehealth) to people who live anywhere in Michigan. I grew up in Michigan, and have lived there at various times in my life. I am currently based in Austin, Texas, though I also travel and work from different locations, when I can ensure a private, confidential space and a reliable internet connection.
How long does it take?
One of the great things about therapy is that it is tailored specifically to you. It is impossible for a therapist to know, in advance, how many sessions may be necessary or appropriate for a given person. The number of visits that are right for you depends on your needs and what you agree to as we collaborate in this process. You are entitled to disagree with any recommendations made to you concerning your therapy and you may choose to discontinue services at any time.
Most clients will attend one session per week, but the frequency of psychotherapy visits that are appropriate in your case may be more or less than that, depending on your needs.
How does it work?
Many years ago, when I started my own work with a therapist, I asked her this question: How does it work? “You know, the longer I do this,” she said, “the less I understand about how it works.” That put me at ease. I considered myself a pretty logical, scientifically minded person, but there was something very comforting about her response. She was telling me about our humanness, and some ineffable quality of the therapeutic relationship.
There are tools that we use (and teach in therapy) for easing anxiety or emotion regulation. There is information we share - on the grieving process or trauma response, for example - that can help us to better understand and accept our human experiences. There are evidence based practices like CBT or Trauma Sensitive Yoga that we may use to support the healing process. We may look at family history and cultural experience to understand and (re-)assess our patterns of coping. And - there is a part of this process that is unexplainable, and probably has something to do with time, and space, and being witnessed and companioned in our experience by another human being.
Speaking of my therapist…
Do therapists have therapists?
Are therapists human, too? Why yes, we are. Therapists experience loss, change, and struggle… just like everybody else. If we (or anyone) had an easy, step-by-step formula to end all suffering, the world would be a very different place. We all face challenges throughout our lives, and sometimes we need a trustworthy, objective professional to sort through those challenges with us. We are, all of us humans, figuring this out as we go along.