What is a session like?

Starting individual counseling can be a little nerve-racking. It may feel scary to think about sitting down with a stranger and sharing your life story. I understand that it takes a lot to make the decision to start therapy, and I want to make it as easy as possible to get started. We usually begin our individual counseling journey with a 15-minute consultation phone call where you can share a little about what you are looking to work on and ask me any questions you might have. Once we determine that we are a good fit for each other we can schedule your very first individual counseling session!

Once scheduled, I will email you a link to my client portal that has all the paperwork we need to get started. You can fill out and sign all of the paperwork electronically and submit it to me via the secure portal.

During our first individual counseling session, I will briefly go over some of the paperwork with you and answer any questions you may have. Then we will start talking together about what it is that brought you to individual counseling and set our goals for therapy. Sessions thereafter explore your situation, discuss coping strategies and skills that could help you, process emotions, and so much more! I have a pretty conversational style and aim to make each session feel comfortable.

How can individual counseling help me?

There are too many benefits to list!  Individual counseling can help with problem solving skills and coping strategies for a wide range of issues. Because therapists are objective, we can provide a fresh outlook on issues you are working through. Therapists also offer support and a safe place to process through your situation and problems, and can point out patterns of behavior that may be causing you difficulty. Individual counseling can provide you with new ways of thinking and behaving that can lead to positive life change.

Do you give homework or reading between sessions?

This depends on the situation and client, but I love to give recommendations and suggestion for things like books, articles, videos, and activities that you can utilize outside of our sessions to help your progress. That being said, if you are not a “book person” that’s okay! Just let me know and I will hold off on recommending a long reading list! :)

How often should I come to individual counseling?

This also depends on the situation and the individual, but I usually suggest starting out with coming once a week. This helps me get familiar with you and your story more quickly and helps you feel a sense of momentum with making changes. However, we can do great work and make progress with whatever frequency you are comfortable with!

Can I do online sessions?

Yes! I am happy to do online individual counseling sessions via my secure tele-therapy platform. This is great for people who may have a tricky schedule or those who live a bit far from the office. Research shows that online counseling is just as effective as in-person counseling. I also provide in person sessions and “walk and talk” sessions!

How long are appointments?

Individual counseling session lengths vary depending on personal preference and need. I offer 45-minute, 60-minute, and 90-minute sessions. We can talk about which session length is right for you in our consultation. For EMDR or couples therapy, I require 60 or 90 minute sessions so we have adequate time to address the specific needs of those sessions.

Is therapy confidential?

Yes! Communication between a client and therapist is privileged communication, meaning that you have the right to confidentiality in our sessions. Though are are a few exceptions as follows— 1. You are a grave risk to yourself or others (suicidal / homicidal). 2.  You report child/elder abuse (counselors are mandatory reporters). 3. There is a court order requiring a counselors testimony (in which case a therapist still maintains as much confidentiality as possible, ideally sharing what you permit). Other than those exceptions, everything else is confidential. You do have the option to sign a release of information form in order to allow me to talk to someone else if that would be helpful for your therapy.

Do you take insurance?

Because I prioritize your confidentiality, I am not contracted with any insurance network and am considered an out-of-network provider. That being said, some insurance plans reimburse some or all of the out-of-network individual counseling session cost. In order to find out if your insurance will reimburse you, call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask if your plan “reimburses for out-of-network mental health therapy”. If your plan reimburse and you would like to use that benefit I can print you a statement that you can submit to your insurance company and they can reimburse you directly.