What types of issues can you help me with?

I provide professional and meaningful support for many life challenges, including but not limited to: anxiety, depression, relationship issues, body-image, body-shame, grief and loss, trauma (including childhood wounds), processing life adjustments/transitions, and self-esteem. I am a trauma informed therapist and strongly believe in healing trauma in order to help resolve or improve other symptoms. 

 

Does it matter if I’ve never done therapy or counseling before?
Therapy can be helpful for anyone desiring support or change in their life. No previous experience is necessary! If you’ve been in therapy previously, you likely have some tools you can use in our work together and I encourage you to build upon them. In short, therapy can be helpful no matter if you’ve been before or if this is your very first time.

 

What is confidential (kept private) in counseling?
Everything disclosed in counseling remains confidential between those physically in the therapy room. There may be instances where I may suggest you to share information with someone in your life for your own therapeutic benefit. In accordance with Colorado state law, I am required to break confidentiality in the following instances: 

1. If you disclose intent, means & access to commit suicide (this can be very different from feeling suicidal – ask me for further clarity in person or by phone)

2. If you disclose a plan to physically harm someone in the future and reasonably identify the person or their whereabouts (Tarasoff law)

3. If I have reason to believe that you, or someone you know, abused/neglected a minor (17 years of age or younger) or an elder (65 years of age or older)

 

What can I anticipate in my first counseling session?
Your first appointment will begin with completing mandatory paperwork (if you’ve completed this ahead of time it will be reviewed briefly). You will be asked to give background information about yourself, any previous experience in therapy (not a requirement), and details about what you’re looking for in the therapy process. 

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Our first few sessions will be about getting to know each other, discussing what you'd like to work on, and getting comfortable with the therapeutic process. We will determine what goals you have and what you'd like to gain from therapy. 

 

Every person is different so the therapeutic process will look different for everyone. My approach incorporates different modalities to tailor my services to best meet your individual needs. 

 

How much does therapy cost & how long are appointments?
A typical counseling session is $175 for a 50-minute session. EMDR sessions are recommended to be 80 minutes as this helps reduce the length of therapy overall and increase progress during a single session, but this cannot be guaranteed. 80+ minute sessions are prorated at the same amount, but I provide a 10% discount on longer sessions. Longer sessions for individuals and couples are available upon request. Please contact me to learn more.

 

I also reserve a few spaces for clients needing a reduced rate. If this is a need of yours, please contact me directly to inquire about availability. 

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Can I use my insurance or HSA/FSA?
I do not bill insurance directly. Upon request, I am happy to provide documentation (or superbill) that you may submit for reimbursement. Please consult your insurance or HSA/FSA providers regarding your benefits.

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Please see the Standard Notice and Consent Documents Under the No Surprises Act

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Reasons why I choose not to partner directly with health insurance:
Insurance only likes to pay for things that are “medically necessary.” They require a formal mental health disorder diagnosis which becomes part of your permanent health record. 

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Most people seeking counseling are struggling with complex life challenges. They are not necessarily suffering from a mental health disorder and are not in need/qualify for a diagnosis. Many of the clients that I see do not have diagnosable disorders but they do benefit from therapy.

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Additionally, private pay allows me to spend more time directly with clients, more time to complete continuing education and research, and it allows me to maintain a better work-life balance, which is something I encourage my clients to strive for as well. 

 

How long does counseling take?
The therapy process varies depending on your personal needs and goals for counseling. Therefore, it is difficult to give a time frame estimation. Please feel free to contact me to discuss this in more detail if you have questions. Long term healing and change takes time; it's a commitment to yourself and to the process. 

 

How often are therapy appointments?
Therapy appointments are recommended once per week for new clients. At minimum, appointments can be scheduled every two weeks for new clients. As clients reach their goals and see changes, they are then encouraged to step down to bi-weekly or monthly check-ins until they feel comfortable fully graduating from therapy with me. 

 

Where is your office located?
In person sessions take place at 12211 W. Alameda Pkwy Suite #106 Lakewood, CO 80228. Telehealth is available throughout Colorado so you can engage in therapy from the comfort of your own home as well. 

 

What’s your cancellation policy?
To cancel an appointment you may email, call, or text me. I have a 48-hour cancelation policy, meaning that 48-hours notice must be given prior to you scheduled appointment. If you need to cancel your appointment in less than 48-hours prior to scheduled time, you will be charged for the full missed session fee. However, if there is availability in my schedule, you will be offered an opportunity to reschedule a make-up session within the next 6 days at no additional charge. 

 

Can we do remote sessions?
Yes! I offer video sessions using a secure internet based tele-health platform so you can attend sessions virtually from your home or anywhere you feel safe and secure.