What Therapy Actually Is (And What It Isn’t)
Whether you’re living with long-term depression or moving through a particularly stressful season, many people benefit from having a dedicated space to process what they’re experiencing. If your ideas about therapy mostly come from movies or TV, you may be wondering what actually happens in our sessions. My hope is to offer a grounded, real-world picture of what therapy is—and just as importantly, what it isn’t.
What Therapy Is
• A path toward more self-trust and self-sufficiency. We’ll set goals and build tools so you can eventually take what we do in the room out into your life.
• Gradual, steady progress. Healing is often a series of small shifts, not one big “aha” moment.
• Active skill-building. Therapy asks you to show up, experiment with new ways of thinking and coping, and practice between sessions.
• A non-judgmental space. A place where you can be honest about the parts of your life and inner world that feel heavy, confusing, or tender.
What Therapy Isn’t
• Me giving you all the answers. I won’t tell you whether to quit your job or leave your relationship. I believe you hold your own answers; my role is to help you hear them more clearly.
• “Fixing” you. You are not broken. Therapy isn’t a quick medical cure—it’s a process of noticing patterns, making meaning, and building skills.
• A blank wall and “How does that make you feel?” Therapy is not a one-sided monologue. It’s an active, collaborative conversation.
• Endlessly analyzing your childhood. We may look at the past when it helps us understand the present, but our focus is on how you’re living and coping now.
Grounded in Presence
My Approach
My practice is built on a person-centered foundation, meaning our work together is entirely collaborative and tailored to you. Rather than following a rigid script, we will move at a pace that honors your unique history. Depending on your specific needs, I draw from evidence-based tools like CBT, DBT, and somatic (body-based) practices to help you process difficult emotions, regulate your nervous system, and build practical skills for everyday life. I am also fully trained in EMDR, which is available as a specialized protocol for trauma processing.
Empathy
Growth
Resilience
Areas of Focus
EMDR/Trauma Recovery
Anxiety & Depression
Grief & Loss
Substance Misuse
Life Transitions
Relationship Support
Rates
Initial Intake Session
Initial intake session: $200
Standard Psychotherapy Session
Standard psychotherapy session: $150
Insurance
I am in-network with most major insurance plans, including Aetna, Optum/UnitedHealthcare, and Cigna.
Common Questions
What can I expect during our first session?
Our first session is an intake. I’ll ask about different parts of your life—your history, current stressors, relationships, work, and support system—as well as what you’re hoping will feel different. The goal is to get a fuller picture of what you’re carrying so we can decide together how to move forward. You don’t have to share everything at once; we’ll go at your pace.
Do you take insurance?
Yes. I am in-network with most major insurance plans, including Aetna, Optum/UnitedHealthcare, and Cigna. You’re always welcome to contact your plan directly to confirm your specific coverage and copay before we meet.
What if we start working together and it doesn’t feel like a good fit?
The therapeutic relationship is the most important factor in therapy. My ultimate goal is simply for you to find relief and get exactly what you need—whether that is with me or with someone else. If we start working together and it just doesn't feel like the right fit, please let me know. I will never be offended. In fact, I will fully support your decision and can even help connect you with another therapist who might be a better match for your specific needs.
How long will I be in therapy?
There is no single right timeline for our work together. Some clients come for short-term support, while others choose a longer path. We will regularly check in to see how you are feeling about our progress and decide together when it feels like the right time for you to wind down our sessions.