Frequently Asked Questions about Professional Counseling

in Saint Louis, MO

What is it like to work with you?

I believe creating a safe and supportive space for my clients, where they feel valued and understood, is the most important thing I do as a therapist. My approach to therapy is to use techniques that are tailored to each client’s specific needs and challenges. My ultimate goal with clients is to give them the coping skills they need to better handle challenges and problems on their own and to help them create a path to becoming the best version of themselves.

Who are your typical clients?

Individuals typically come to me because they want to reduce anxiety, sleep better, practice better self-care, have more balance, and create more satisfying and less high-maintenance relationships. They want better decision-making skills and more meaning, purpose, and joy in their lives. They may have issues around assertiveness, setting boundaries with others, and putting themselves first. They may also be struggling with chronic health issues including chronic pain and/or autoimmune disorders.

My typical clients often struggle with putting others first rather than prioritizing their own needs and self-care. They also long to become the best version of themselves but are not sure how to get there.

Some clients come to me because they are unsure about whether they might have adult ADHD.

I also work with those who are seeking advice on career changes and those searching for the best career for their personality type and lifestyle.

Improving relationships is also something I work on with clients quite frequently. This includes navigating difficult family dynamics and improving relationships with friends, life partners, and children.

I also work with clients who are struggling with past trauma that may be affecting current behavior, decision-making, relationships, and causing overwhelming feelings. EMDR therapy is an effective approach for past trauma. It can be life-changing for many clients. If you have questions about EMDR therapy, schedule a free consultation with me. I’d be happy to answer any questions you have.

How do I schedule with you?

The best way to schedule with me is to click on the “schedule your free consultation” button at the bottom of this page.

What happens during a free consultation?

This free 20-minute video call is meant for anyone who is serious about addressing challenges in their life and for those who are ready to do deep work with a weekly, standing appointment. It’s the first step in this partnership, but it does not commit you to anything. It is our chance to see if we are a good fit and if therapy with me is the best choice for you. I will ask you a few questions and also tell you a little bit about my qualifications and experience. I’m happy to answer any questions you have about the therapy process.

Can therapy help me?

Therapy can provide you with the insight and coping skills you need to gain more control over your emotions and reactions to challenging situations. Therapy can improve your relationships, work life, and self-confidence. It can decrease symptoms of anxiety, decrease stress, and improve overall mental and even physical wellness.

How quickly can therapy help me to feel better?

It depends on the client and what specific issues are being addressed. With traditional talk therapy, it can take years to make substantial progress. EMDR therapy is a faster way for you to get where you want to be. Think of EMDR therapy as an accelerated path to growth and healing.

How often do we meet?

If you're ready to commit to a weekly, standing appointment, you'll find this frequency fosters a deeper, more meaningful therapeutic experience, allowing us to build a strong connection and maintain momentum in your progress.

How does the therapy process work?

I will guide you through a specific process using EMDR therapy. Most clients enjoy this process and are surprised by the number of insights they are able to make in a short amount of time. 90 minutes sessions are the recommend length for EMDR therapy and provide enough time for EMDR and traditional talk therapy to occur in one session. Most clients feel a combination of EMDR therapy and traditional talk therapy provides the most benefit and growth.

How do I know if I need therapy?

Therapy is about learning to cope with mental difficulties and overwhelming feelings. Therapy can help to eliminate or help a client have more control over challenging symptoms so that they can function better. Therapy is a way of increasing well-being and psychological healing. With therapy, you learn about your thoughts, moods, feelings, and behaviors. Therapy can help you learn new coping skills so that you can better respond to challenging situations. Common issues individuals bring to therapy include:

Anxiety

ADHD

Panic

Hypersensitivity

Relationship difficulties

Grief

Adjusting to new life situations, a newly diagnosed medical condition, or a recent injury

Chronic medical issues

Stress and difficulty coping with overwhelming feelings

Past trauma

Issues around performance in your career/at work

How much time do I spend with you during each session?

Traditional talk-therapy sessions are 55 minutes in length and EMDR therapy sessions are 90 minutes in length. Clients often believe that one-hour sessions are more economical but that’s not always the case. With weekly, 90-minute EMDR therapy sessions, you will likely spend less time in therapy (overall) than you would with traditional one-hour talk therapy sessions.

How long is a typical therapy relationship?

It depends on the client and the issues we are working on. However, with 90-minute EMDR sessions, growth and healing will likely be faster than with traditional talk therapy.

Do you offer virtual and in-person sessions?

I offer convenient, online sessions that work with your schedule. Clients must be physically in the state of Missouri, where I am licensed, when we meet.

What if I cannot make it to a therapy session?

Life happens. I understand this because I’m a busy human too! I do not charge a late cancelation or missed appointment fee for illness or true emergencies because I know that sometimes, things happen that are out of our control. However, if you simply have a conflict, accidentally double-book yourself, or change your mind about your scheduled session with me and do not give at least 48 hours notice before canceling, or if you do not show for your session, you will be charged for the full fee for the missed session.

Can I use my health insurance?

I can provide paperwork for you to submit to your insurance company so that you can take advantage of any out-of-network coverage you might have. Contact your insurance provider to inquire about your out-of-network benefits.