Questions

Getting started

How long is a session?  

A standard session lasts 45 to 50 minutes, often called “the therapeutic hour.” For many people, the time moves quickly once we begin talking. It is common to feel like there is more to stay with than the clock allows.

For established clients who want more room to follow something through without rushing, I offer longer or intensive sessions. These are scheduled intentionally and only once we have a working relationship in place, so the extended time is used in a way that is clear and meaningful.

The process

What happens in the first session?

The first session is an information‑gathering conversation. I’m listening for what brings you in, what has been difficult or unclear, and how you tend to make sense of your experiences. 

You begin wherever it feels natural, and I ask questions that are relevant to what you share. You will also begin to get a sense of how I work, my presence, my pace, and the way I think with you in the room.

This session also helps us clarify what you want from the work, whether you’re facing something specific or simply wanting to live with more clarity and intention. 

The goal is not to cover everything at once. It’s to begin understanding whether this feels like a useful way of working for you. From there, we decide together how to move forward.

Confidentiality

Is therapy confidential?  

Yes. What you share in therapy is private. I do not discuss your sessions with anyone unless you request it in writing or give explicit permission for a specific purpose.

There are a few legal exceptions to confidentiality, which I will review with you in our first meeting. These situations are rare and involve concerns about immediate safety or specific legal requirements. Outside of those circumstances, your information stays between us.

Practical details

What are your rates and how does payment work?

Individual sessions are $200. 

Payment is due at the time of the session and can be made by credit card, HSA/FSA card, or other standard electronic methods. The rate is the same whether we meet in person or online.

If you have out‑of‑network insurance benefits, I can provide a monthly statement (“superbill”) that you may submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. 

Insurance companies require a mental health diagnosis for any reimbursement request, and the amount they reimburse, if any, depends on your specific plan.

What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy?

Appointments must be canceled or rescheduled with 48 business hours’ notice. 

Sessions changed with less than 48 business hours’ notice are charged the full session fee, as that time is reserved specifically for you.

How long does therapy take?

There is no set timeline for therapy. 

The length of the work depends on what brings you in, how you tend to process things, and what you want to understand or change. 

Some people come for a short period to address something specific. Others stay longer because the work continues to be useful.

We discuss how the work is going, what feels helpful, and whether the current pace and direction still make sense. 

We revisit the process together over time and decide collaboratively what feels useful and when it makes sense to conclude.

What should I expect from therapy?  

Therapy is often clarifying, but it is not always comfortable. 

When you begin talking about experiences you’ve carried alone, emotions and memories can surface more quickly than expected. 

Some people feel lighter early on. Others notice an increase in emotion or discomfort before things begin to change. 

This is a normal part of the process and often indicates that you are engaging in meaningful work rather than skimming the surface.

If emotional intensity appears, it usually subsides as the work continues. You begin to understand your experiences with more clarity. We stay in active conversation about how the process is affecting you.

Couples therapy

Do you work with couples, and what kind of couples therapy do you offer?  

Yes. I work with couples who are looking to strengthen a relationship they value and who are able to stay engaged with one another, even during difficult seasons. 

The work is thoughtful and collaborative, focused on understanding what is happening within the relationship rather than managing crisis or acting as a referee.

This may include improving communication, hearing one another more clearly, navigating change or loss together, or creating more room for understanding and connection.

I am often a good fit for couples who function well overall but want to care for the relationship with the same attention they bring to other important parts of life.

Can therapy be fun?

Sometimes. 

Once there is trust and a rhythm between us, humor often finds its way into the room. 

People are complex, and even in difficult moments, lightness can show up too.

It is not the goal of therapy, but it can be a natural part of the process when the relationship feels safe and grounded.