FAQ

Morning, afternoon, and evening appointments Monday – Friday

Morning and afternoon appointments Sunday

After your free 20-minute consultation call, and after you and I both agree that we’re a good fit to work together, you’ll schedule your first session.

In this session, we’ll discuss what you are looking for from therapy, I will assess your personal struggles, relationship history, strengths , and mental health history. We will then collaborate on what your therapy treatment will look like – based on your unique goals.

The assessment and goal-setting typically take 1-2 sessions. Then we will continue to transition into our work together .

Rates for individual sessions are $215 per 60 minute session. Rates for couples and family sessions are $245 per 60 minute session .

I receive payments using a credit card on file, which is set up before your first appointment. I use an app called Ivy Pay: I don’t have access to your entire credit card number, just the last 4 digits. I also use Zelle for payments if needed.

I do not take insurance.

All of my clients are private pay.

Not taking insurance can benefit you in several ways. First, for your insurance plan to cover services, they must consider the treatment “medically necessary.” This means that you must receive a diagnosis that can remain on your medical record. At times, having a diagnosis is necessary and can be beneficial for obtaining other services; however, under some circumstances, individuals and families want to avoid this.

Also, some insurance plans limit the number of visits you can have per year. Others only give you a set number of sessions per diagnosis, no matter how much time you might need to make progress in therapy.

When using private pay, you get to decide who you choose to be your therapist. You get to do your research and pick who is the best fit for your therapy. Your insurance company does not decide who’s best for your mental health.

Finally, many personal struggles, especially relationship problems, are not mental health disorders. Many people seek treatment before their issue would meet criteria for diagnosis as a mental health disorder, which is exactly what you should do for your health.

I do offer superbills to all clients who request this.

A superbill is a summary of the services you received in therapy and payments made. Superbills contain information you need to submit to insurance companies to get reimbursed for all or part of your therapy sessions. You will need to contact your insurance company to discuss your out-of-network costs and reimbursement possibilities.

I ask for a 24-hour notice to cancel or reschedule your session to avoid your being charged the full fee.

I am easily reachable by text, email, or phone if you need to adjust any of your sessions.

It’s important to assess your relationship and to assess your well-being. My process begins by meeting with a couple together first to discuss the challenges in the relationship and goals for couples therapy.

Then, I’ll meet with each of you individually for one session. This allows me to assess your mental health, as well as to understand your relationship histories and any traumas or current mental health struggles.

I want to make sure I entirely see and support your selves before we jump into the couples work. Then, we’ll continue couples sessions to address your specific goals for your relationship. Individual sessions can be added as needed.

I am not your typical therapist. I’ll work with you to understand and heal your mental health struggles, but I’ll also get to know you as a whole person.

Here, you’ll get to know yourself on a deeper level, listen to and see parts of yourself you have ignored, pushed away, or haven’t developed yet. I work from a mind, body and spirit approach. I blend the structure of having clear goals to support your mental health, with whatever parts of you show up in our sessions. We might shift from talking and discussing practical coping skills to expressing yourself through writing, art, music, mindfulness, spiritual beliefs/practices or movement.

You are not limited to focusing just on your thoughts or behaviors. I invite you to express openly and feel fully seen in therapy. You can openly discuss and understand your sexuality, learn about your attachment style, and discover how to strengthen your relationships – especially the relationship with yourself.

I strive to help you get in touch with your own power and wisdom. If you feel called to, I welcome your spiritual beliefs and practices. We can bring them into your sessions, and explore how spirituality can enhance your healing journey.

I will not judge you.

Here, you will feel safe, heard, understood, and supported.

The length of treatment depends on your presenting issues and goals. Typically, the minimum amount of time clients work with me is about six months, but therapy can continue to be supportive for one or more years. Weekly sessions will turn into every other week sessions, and then monthly as you reach and sustain improved mental health and well-being.

As you progress and reach your goals, it’s your choice to continue, possibly take a break, or graduate from therapy – when you are ready.

I started my professional training and career in Chicago, Illinois, where I received my undergraduate degree in marketing with a minor in photography in 2007. I worked in non-profit event planning and childcare before I decided to become a social worker. I received my master’s in social work from Loyola University Chicago in 2010.

My training was primarily in psychodynamic and person-centered therapies. I also received training and certifications in trauma work, cognitive behavioral therapy, family systems therapy, couples therapy, animal-assisted therapy, art therapy, and other forms of holistic healing.

As a social worker, I have worked in schools, hospitals, community counseling, and private practice. My training has allowed me to work with diverse populations and mental health struggles with children, teens, adults, couples, and families.

A holistic approach means that I look at mental health. However, I also consider physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being.

I’m trained in clinical therapeutic approaches, but I also integrate holistic healing – such as breathing techniques, meditation, music, nature, exercise, art, dance, animals, sleep patterns, diet, visualization, spirituality, and culture – to inform and strengthen your therapy.

My ending rituals in therapy are a physical way to transition out of a session and back into the present moment and to take away some visible support for the week ahead.

I’ll offer you an affirmation card, angel card, or oracle card at the end of your session. You decide whether you want to choose a card – it’s your choice.

The message that comes through for you can motivate you, bring clarity, or reveal thought-provoking insight that you can refer to even after your session.

Many clients feel the cards deepen awareness of themes that came up during the session. The messages can be inspiring, and some clients even feel divinely supported. The ending ritual helps to realign your energy, so you leave the session feeling grounded – instead of emotionally triggered. If you desire, I’ll even send you a picture of your card that you can refer to on your own.

In-person sessions also have the bonus choosing essential oils to breathe in or place on your body. This is another way to engage your senses, release what was shared in the session, and ground and calm your body and mind.