Email Me (507) 216-0106

FAQ

Where are you located?

Right now, all my services are offered virtually for California residents.

What are your hours?

Monday – Friday
7 am to 3 pm PST
9 am to 5 pm CST

How long are sessions?
Most sessions last 50 minutes. Sometimes couples benefit from longer session times, which can be arranged on an as-needed basis.
Do you take insurance?
I am not currently in network with any insurance companies. But I can provide you a “Superbill” to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement if you have any out-of-network coverage.
How do I set up an initial appointment?

I accept appointment requests by any means you feel comfortable… including email, text, phone, or carrier pigeon.

I try to answer my phone during my workday, but I’ll be unreachable whenever I am with a client. Sometimes the most efficient contact is sending an email and agreeing on a time for a phone call.

What is your cancellation policy?
Sessions are charged at full price for short-notice cancellations (less than 24 hours) without an emergency.
With what age ranges do you work?

I work with all ages.

Do you work with women? Men? Couples?
“Yes” to all.
What do you actually do in sessions with clients?
This depends on the client and the treatment plan. Give me a call today, and we can talk about what sessions will look like for you.
Do your clients receive assignments to work on between sessions?
I am not big on assigning “homework” in general, but occasionally I’ll suggest something for you to work on if I feel it will be deeply beneficial to you.
What is your professional training and experience?

My main specialties include Gottman couples therapy, EMDR, sand tray therapy, hospice/bereavement, kids, school therapy, LGBTQ+, and multicultural concerns.

What else does a client need to know to make the most out of working with you?

I am not here to judge; I am here to help. To help, I need a clear understanding of what is going on. Sometimes this means sharing things you never share with anyone. Therapy is the place to talk about those things.

So, transparency is key.

Is it possible to talk too much in a therapy session?

Actually, yes, but you don’t need to worry about that. Therapy is a back-and-forth relationship. If one person talked for the entire session, there would be no room for communication.

If you talk too much in therapy, I’ll let you know. So, if I don’t bring it up, it’s not a concern!

Once I am your client, will you look me up online or on social media?
No, it is against the ACA (American Counseling Association) code of ethics to research clients online without their consent.
Do I have to lie down on the couch?
Most clients attend therapy in a seated position, but you’re welcome to lie down on the couch or floor if you prefer.
What are you writing down?

I am legally and ethically required to keep notes. It helps me to be the best therapist I can.

I write two-to-five-word phrases as we shift through different topics. I then use these notes to document sessions. This ensures that my notes are an accurate representation of each session.

So, just because I jot something down does not mean it has specific psychological significance.

Do you think everything I do is a sign of something deeper?
Not necessarily. Sometimes there are connections and, when appropriate, I will point them out. But not everything is a sign of something deeper.
How do you handle listening to people’s problems all day?

I envision myself accompanying you on your journey, offering you support and direction. But I don’t take ownership of the “problems.” This helps me maintain my mental health.

I also have an active self-care routine.

Does this stuff ever get to you?

Sometimes it does. I am human, and I care deeply for my clients.

Sometimes history and stories impact me. When that happens, I have a buddy system with a fellow therapist to talk things through respectfully and confidentially. I also have sessions with my therapist as needed.

How do you not think about your clients when you go home?
Sometimes I do. I am not a robot. The goal of therapy is to affect my clients, but they affect me, too. Sometimes this means thinking about them when I go home. Usually, it’s something like, “How can I help ____ better?” or “I am so proud of the progress ______ has made.” I allow myself some time to sit with these thoughts instead of trying to avoid them; then, I move on to the rest of my evening.
What brand of tissue do you use?
Kleenex… ultra-soft.
Am I allowed to ask personal questions?
Yes, to a degree. Your therapy sessions are your time. The focus should be on you, not on me. I am comfortable answering some personal questions, but I do not want to take away from your time.
What apps make your life better?

Streaks – an app that helps you build habits by tracking your streak of completing the task you set.

Zillow – I scroll real estate listings like some people scroll social media.