preparation & getting started

Q: How do I know if therapy is right for me?
If you are struggling with emotional overwhelm, trauma, attachment wounds, or difficulty navigating relationships, therapy can help you feel more grounded, empowered, and connected.

Q: What should I bring to my first session?
Bring any relevant past therapy records, questions, or goals you have for therapy. Just showing up and being honest about your experiences is enough.

Q: Do I need a referral?
No referral is required to begin therapy.

Q: Can I start therapy while taking medication or seeing another provider?
Yes. Therapy can complement other mental health care, including medication and additional providers.

How to get started:

1. Send an inquiry for interest in therapy services.

2. We will set up a free 15-minute consultation call to see how we might be a good fit to work together. I schedule clients Monday through Thursday but will schedule consultations on Fridays as well.

3. Intake paperwork will be sent via the client portal. Once reviewed and signed by me, the insurance verification process will begin. I have an insurance biller that completes this step. You may expedite the process if you contact your insurance company to check if I am in network with your plan before intake gets completed. I don’t want your time wasted if I’m not in network.

4. We will set up the intake assessment where I will get to know you, presenting concerns, and treatment goals. We will then set up a consistent weekly/bi-weekly schedule for therapy services. It takes at least 3-5 sessions to develop e therapeutic rapport.Therapy approach & specialties

What to expect in therapy

Q: What does a typical session look like?
Sessions usually start with a check-in, followed by processing with EMDR, IFS, or inner child/teen work depending on your goals and what feels most supportive. We always prioritize safety, pacing, and your comfort. If you have nothing to bring in, that’s okay! It happens. I will use prompt questions to get a conversation going.

Q: How long are sessions?
Sessions are typically 53 minutes. If you need to leave early for work or an appointment, please let me know at the beginning of the session.

Q: How quickly might I see results?
Progress varies by individual and the nature of the issues being addressed. Many clients notice shifts in emotional regulation, self-compassion, and relationships within a few sessions, while deeper trauma work may take longer. Check my EMDR Therapy page for more information.

Q: Is therapy only talk-based?
No. In addition to discussion, we use EMDR, parts work, visualization, and other experiential tools to help your nervous system process and integrate healing.

Therapy approach, style, & client fit

Q: What is AF-EMDR, and how is it different from traditional EMDR?
AF-EMDR is a gentle, specialized form of EMDR that focuses on healing attachment wounds, such as neglect, abandonment, or inconsistent caregiving. It’s designed to help you process trauma safely while rebuilding trust in yourself and others.

Q: What is IFS or parts work?
IFS (Internal Family Systems) helps you understand the different “parts” of yourself like the anxious part, the people-pleasing part, or the younger hurt part. This approach supports them in feeling heard, understood, and calmer.

Q: What is inner child and teen healing?
This work connects with younger versions of yourself to give them the care, safety, and understanding they may have missed. It helps you feel more grounded and whole in your relationships and daily life.

Q: Who is your ideal client?
I work with adults struggling with trauma, intense emotional reactions, or attachment wounds that affect their daily functioning and relationships. My approach is especially helpful for high-achievers, perfectionists, and those who tend to over-accommodate or people-please.

Q: How would you describe your therapeutic style?
I provide a warm, collaborative approach that emphasizes safety, compassion, and creativity. I also like to bring humor into the therapeutic space. I am professional, but also friendly and relatable. Please let me know if you want a more casual or structured/gentle challenging therapy style, I can do either one. I integrate EMDR, parts work, and inner child/teen healing to support lasting change.

Q: How do you support neurodivergent clients or those with complex trauma?
I tailor pacing, techniques, and structure to each client’s nervous system. Clients are empowered to set boundaries, regulate overwhelm, and process trauma in a safe and supportive way.

Q: How do you help with people-pleasing, perfectionism, or overcommitting?
We explore the underlying emotional patterns, install internal resources, and practice boundaries and self-compassion, all at a pace that feels manageable.