Question 1

How do I know if I need help?

Accepted Answer

The best way for you to know for sure is to speak to a mental health professional directly. Some people find it helpful to consider how their symptoms affect their lives. For example, one might consider asking themselves the following:

- How are my symptoms affecting my relationships with family and friends?
- How are my symptoms affecting my work?
- How are my symptoms affecting my education?
- How are my symptoms keeping me from living the life I desire?

Question 2

Do you offer free consultations?

Accepted Answer

No, but I am happy to answer questions via email. It can take a few sessions to know if a therapist is the right fit for you. Additionally, the therapeutic relationship, which I hold sacred, is built over weeks, or even months. I understand how frustrating it can be to start with a therapist, stop, find another therapist, stop, and so on. It is my hope that this website provides you with enough information that you have a better sense of who I am that even a phone call can give you. If you decide to take a leap of faith and work with me, I won't take that for granted.

Question 3

Who do you treat?

Accepted Answer

I work with teenagers (+16) and adults of any orientation and belief system. All are welcome.

Question 4

Do you take insurance?

Accepted Answer

No, I do not accept insurance at this time. I respect everyone's wish to use their health insurance. It makes sense! Healthcare is expensive. By not accepting insurance, I am able to work with clients without interruption from for profit insurance companies that often dictate care. Essentially, by being cash only, I am able to deliver care patiently, thoroughly, and with your best interests in mind. Working with eating disorders and body image concerns is difficult work that requires depth and patience. You deserve a space that will allow you to move at your own pace under my evidenced based guidance that has been tailored from years of specialized training.

Question 5

How much does a session cost?

Accepted Answer

My cash pay rate is $200 for a standard 53 mintue session and $220 for an intake session. I also work on a sliding scale, so please inquire if the cash pay rate affects your access to care.

Question 6

How long does therapy last?

Accepted Answer

You are going to hear this next phrase a lot in therapy... it depends! There is no set time for one to be in therapy because every human is at a different place in their journey, and every issue, even the same diagnosis, has different qualities that need to be addressed. Your progress will be monitored over time. You and the therapist will determine what is best for you in terms of treatment.

Question 7

What do we do in therapy?

Accepted Answer

Here that phrase is again… it depends! I do not employ a one-size-fits-all approach. Your needs are unique to you, so your therapy should be tailored to you. We will use the tools I have at my disposal to create you a plan that best fits your unique needs and goals.

Question 8

Will I be in therapy forever?

Accepted Answer

Keeping you in therapy forever should NEVER be a goal of a therapist you work with. Being successful in therapy requires one to change as a person. This change is permanent. In other words, I want you to leave therapy having acquired the skills you need to life your life with freedom and able to experience your emotions in a productive manner. Eventually, I want you to become your own therapist and no longer need me on a regular basis.

Question 9

I see therapists talking about CBT, CPT, ACT, DBT, EMDR, IFS, and more. Which type of therapy is right for me?

Accepted Answer

This is a tricky question to answer, but the preface will be familiar… it depends! Every therapist has a different style. There are many evidence based modalities to choose from. Therapist, although not all, use a combination of modalities in treatment. The chosen modality is sometimes targeted at a specific diagnosis, such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD. The answer to which is best for you will come down to your diagnosis and what resonates with you the most. It is sometimes best to not worry about these things and simply focus on finding a therapist you connect with because research indicates that the therapeutic relationship is very important to creating positive therapy outcomes (healing).

Question 10

Is Artificial Intelligence (AI) used in your practice?

Accepted Answer

No, AI is not used in any respect in my practice. Your privacy is of the upmost importance to me I don't believe it's ethical to allow your session data to be used to train AI systems or to be '"listened to" by AI. Your story is yours, and I will handle it with care.

Question 11

I have questions that are not covered in this list!

Accepted Answer

Please email me for more help.

Perpetua

Frequently asked questions