Questions

Do you take Insurance?

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Yes, If you are planning to use insurance to cover your counseling sessions, it is important to note that a DSM-V mental health diagnosis is required and the treatment plan must address the DSM diagnosis. Couples counseling presents a challenge in this regard as the DSM  as it's designed to focus on individual diagnoses, rather than relational problems. Consequently, for insurance to be utilized, one person must have a mental health diagnosis. In the absence of a mental health diagnosis for either person, private pay will be used for the sessions, I recognize that my fees are lower than most therapists, but I can give resources to more affordable state-funded or nonprofit agencies. 

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Differences in private pay and insurance

One individual is designated as the identified patient and must meet the medically necessary criteria for treatment, with the goal of reducing the identified symptom.   

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I am aware that private pay fees can be a barrier for some clients seeking therapy, and thus, insurance coverage is often necessary even with all its barriers. I am pleased to announce that I will be accepting insurance plans from several major companies  Optum/United Health Care/UMR/Oscar, Aetna, HealthChoice, and Cigna BCBSOK.  To streamline the billing process for clients, I partner with Alma and Headway, a company that will offer assistance with client billing and portal access.

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Information on insurance costs

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Change is Not a Passive Process

 

One common misconception about therapy is that simply attending sessions creates change. It’s easy to fall into the pattern of discussing the issue of the week and leaving it at that. While processing emotions and gaining insights in sessions is valuable, real transformation happens in what you do between sessions.

 

Therapy is much like having a personal trainer. A trainer can guide you, offer suggestions, and tailor exercises to help you reach your goals. But the trainer isn’t doing the workouts for you—they’re not there every day to make sure you’re eating well or sticking to your exercise plan. Progress happens when you, the client, show up for yourself. Therapy works the same way. It’s about applying the insights, tools, and strategies learned in session to your daily life with consistency and effort.

 

That said, consistency in therapy is important too. Showing up regularly—especially in the beginning—helps build momentum and reinforces new patterns. However, therapy doesn’t need to last forever or require weekly sessions for years. It’s about equipping you with the skills to navigate life independently while knowing you have support when needed.

 

Therapy can be flexible. Some clients work intensively for a few months and then return occasionally for tune-ups, much like checking in with a trainer to ensure they’re staying on track. Others come back during major life transitions or when they need additional support. Therapy is not a permanent fixture, but it’s also not something you outgrow. It can be there as a resource when you need it, but the goal is always to empower you to handle challenges with the tools and resilience you’ve built.

 

Sometimes clients may feel like therapy isn’t working, and it’s important to explore why that might be. In many cases, this happens when the work outside of sessions isn’t being fully engaged with. This isn’t meant to be discouraging, but rather to set a clear expectation: therapy itself doesn’t create change—you do.

 

Consider being curious about what might be holding you back. Often, we have parts of ourselves that resist change, even when it’s something we truly want. These parts may be rooted in fear, doubt, or a desire to stay in the comfort of familiar patterns. Recognizing this resistance is a powerful step forward and can lead to meaningful insights and progress.

 

Ultimately, therapy is a partnership. It provides guidance, encouragement, and structure, but you—the client—are the one creating the change. By actively engaging in the process, applying insights, and practicing new habits, you build the foundation for lasting transformation. Remember, small, consistent steps over time lead to big changes.

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What should I expect in a typical session?
Each session is designed to be an immersive, guided experience. We begin with following up on our previous session, focusing on what was helpful and what you would like to do differently the follow week.  followed by reflective exercises, art therapy, or guided meditation, depending on the focus. You’ll leave with tools and practices to use in your daily life, helping you integrate what you learn and deepen your healing between sessions.

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Do you offer ongoing, open-ended therapy sessions?
 

My primary focus is on structured sessions with a clear beginning, middle, and end.  My goal is to provide you with a solid foundation over the course of six months. After this initial period, we can expand on the insights gained and continue applying them to future situations.

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Clients often work with me consistently for about 1.5 years, transitioning to 1-3 sessions per month after the first six months of weekly sessions. I’m also available to provide support for clients years later, should a life transition or significant change occur.

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This structured format ensures consistency, keeps you engaged, and helps you stay focused on specific goals. I find that having this framework allows clients to make more progress and remain committed to their personal growth.

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 What types of issues do you address in your sessions?
My sessions and classes focus on areas such as anxiety, inner child work (self-attachment aids in core healing) self-esteem, managing life transitions, family of origin issues, and self-discovery. I also provide guidance for deeper personal exploration, including themes around identity, purpose, and navigating difficult emotions. Every class or session is geared toward building self-compassion, inner calm, and a stronger connection to your authentic self.

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 Do you offer anything beyond weekly sessions?
Yes! In addition to weekly structured sessions, I offer personalized meditations based on your unique needs and insights from our work together. I also have a subscription-based "Meditation Mondays" service, where you’ll receive weekly healing meditations and lessons to keep you engaged in your journey outside of sessions.

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 Do I need any experience with art therapy or meditation to join?
No prior experience is needed. Each session or class is designed to meet you where you are, guiding you step-by-step. The goal is simply to explore and express yourself in a supportive, non-judgmental space. The art therapy exercises are straightforward and focus on helping you connect with your inner self, not on artistic skills.

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 How do I know if this approach is right for me?
If you’re looking for a deeper, more structured approach to self-exploration and healing, this may be a great fit for you. My approach works well for individuals interested in reducing anxiety, increasing self-awareness, enhancing self-compassion, and connecting with themselves in a meaningful way. If you’re ready to commit to a focused process and want tools to practice between sessions, this approach may align with your needs.

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READ CHANGE IS NOT PASSIVE STATEMENT

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How can I get started?
You can get started by reaching out through my contact page. We can discuss your goals and the format that best supports you, whether that’s a group class, individual sessions, or both. I look forward to helping you begin this  journey!

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What populations do you work with?

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I provide individual counseling services aimed at addressing a range of concerns, including but not limited to, reducing stress and anxiety, postpartum, attachment parenting,  managing feelings of being overwhelmed, reducing critical thoughts, improving self-esteem, addressing body image concerns, and managing emotions that contribute to disordered eating patterns. In addition, I also offer mindfulness coaching via health coaching for individuals seeking support with mild to moderate issues related to their eating cycle and overall wellness.

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I do not offer traditional couples counseling, but couples can attend the structured sessions together. 

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 I offer counseling services to fellow professionals in the counseling industry with a focus on promoting the significance of self-care. Through these sessions, counselors are provided with a safe and supportive space where they can freely address their concerns and attend to their personal needs. 

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My practice is founded on inclusivity and affirmation. I am strongly committed to serving as an ally for the LGBTQ+ community.

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If you are seeking traditional couples counseling www.psychologytoday.com is a great resource as is https://zencare.co

 

 

How do you know if a counselor is a good fit?

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Yes, finding a compatible counselor is an essential component of effective therapy. It is not uncommon for clients to work with a counselor for a few sessions before determining if the fit is suitable. If the fit is not ideal, a responsible counselor should encourage the client to seek out a more compatible practitioner. A successful match comprises the counselor's expertise, methods, and personality aligning with the client's needs.

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My approach is flexible, educational, and approachable, and I am easygoing. I am authentic in my style and real in my relations with others. Although I incorporate a healthy sense of humor, I take my clients' emotions seriously and provide a safe space for processing intense feelings. My therapeutic style is open-minded and inclusive, and I continually strive to expand my knowledge and understanding.

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Yes,
I maintain an open-minded approach to the world of various belief systems. ,I combine evidence-based theories always first, and for those interested in mind-body-spirit also embark on an inner spiritual journey (not religious - all around open minded) who wish to integrate evidence-based psychological practices to tackle mental health issues. I incorporate a blend of various psychological therapies.  As a systems-based therapist, I emphasize the principle that our upbringing significantly influences our individual traits.

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As a coach/counselor, I believe that asking the right questions is integral to the therapeutic process. However, I acknowledge the importance of respecting my clients' boundaries and not pushing them to discuss topics they are not comfortable addressing. I am a proponent of a client-centered approach and strive to make clients feel safe while simultaneously encouraging positive growth.

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Ultimately, my goal is to help clients trust their intuition and foster a sense of self-awareness and emotional regulation.

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Consistency is key to achieving your goals in counseling. Effectiveness also depends on the effort you put in between sessions!  

 

​​How do you ensure a productive and safe counseling space?

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I am committed to creating a professional and empathic counseling space as a therapist. To achieve this, I continually pursue training in diverse therapeutic techniques, emphasizing empathy and curiosity. I prioritize self-awareness and reflection to maintain a genuine, non-judgmental presence. Creating a safe, supportive environment is paramount, where active listening and sensitivity to individual needs and boundaries are practiced. I employ an integrative approach, combining various methods tailored to each client's unique circumstances, including emotional regulation and mindfulness exercises. Committed to ongoing professional development and supervision, I stay informed about the latest research and ethical standards, ensuring my practice evolves and maintains the highest quality. Regular client feedback is crucial, allowing me to adapt and refine my approach, ensuring it remains aligned with their healing journey.  I understand therapy can be a very emotional and vulnerable process, so regular communication about how you are doing is an important part of the process. Communicating with me about your feelings about our process is invited and vital.