Frequently Asked Questions
Services and Approach
What types of therapy do you offer?
I offer evidence-based treatments including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT). I tailor these to your needs, using strategies that foster meaningful and lasting change.
What conditions do you treat?
I work with anxiety, OCD, intrusive thoughts (including Pure O), depression, trauma (including complex trauma), depersonalization/derealization (DPDR), identity issues, and emotional dysregulation. I also work with people navigating big life transitions, perfectionism, and burnout.
Do you treat depersonalization and derealization (DPDR)?
Yes. DPDR is one of my specialties, both personally and professionally. I use mindfulness, exposure therapy, grounding techniques, and compassion-based approaches to help you feel real, connected, and in control again.
How does therapy actually help?
Therapy gives you a structured way to understand your mind, learn new skills, and shift long-standing patterns. Whether it’s learning to face fears through ERP, rewiring trauma memories with EMDR, or building emotional clarity with DBT, we’ll focus on tools that work, and track progress as we go.
What is your approach to shame, intrusive thoughts, or compulsive behaviors?
I often take an evolutionary lens, understanding these patterns not as moral failings but as survival strategies gone haywire in a modern world. Therapy helps you reclaim agency through exposure work, mindfulness, and self-compassion.
Getting Started
Do you offer a free consultation?
Yes. I offer a 15-minute video consultation at no cost. It’s a low-pressure way to see if we’re a good fit and ask any questions you might have.
How do I schedule a session?
You can contact me through the website or email me directly. Once we decide to work together, I’ll send you intake forms and your first session link (if online).
Do you offer online therapy in Ohio?
Yes, I offer secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth to clients anywhere in Ohio. It’s flexible, effective, and private, making it ideal for individuals with busy schedules or limited access to local services.
Do you also see clients in person?
Yes, I see clients in person. You’re welcome to choose the format that works best for you.
Session Format and Experience
What should I expect in the first session?
We’ll talk about what’s bringing you to therapy, your goals, and your history. It’s also a chance for you to get a feel for my style. I aim to create a space where you feel heard and grounded, not overwhelmed by forms or jargon.
How long are sessions and how often do we meet?
Most sessions are 45–50 minutes. Most clients start with a weekly schedule, but we can discuss biweekly or other pacing options based on your needs and budget.
Do you work with teens, couples, or families?
I work with adults and older adolescents (16 years and older). I don’t provide couples or family therapy, but I can support individuals in navigating family and relationship challenges.
How long will therapy take?
That depends on your goals. Some clients experience significant improvement after a few months; others choose to stay longer to undertake more in-depth work. We’ll revisit your goals regularly to ensure that therapy remains meaningful and effective.
Telehealth Tech
What platform do you use for online sessions?
I use a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform that works seamlessly on both desktop and mobile devices. You don’t need to download anything, just click the link in your confirmation email.
What do I need for online therapy?
You’ll need a stable internet connection and a quiet, private space. Headphones are optional but helpful. Restarting your device beforehand can reduce tech glitches.
What if I don’t like video calls?
You’re not alone. I strive to create a calm, realistic-feeling space, even on screen. If video feels too uncomfortable, we can do phone-only sessions when necessary.
Payment and Insurance
Do you take insurance?
I am out-of-network, which means you pay me directly and (if eligible) submit a receipt to your insurance for reimbursement. Many PPO plans cover 50–80% of the cost.
How can I check my out-of-network benefits?
Ask your insurer:
Do I have out-of-network mental health benefits?
Are telehealth sessions covered?
What is my deductible, and what % is reimbursed after it's met?
You can also use this tool to help you check.
What are your session fees?
Please reach out for rates. I offer transparent, flat-fee pricing. There are no surprise charges or administrative fees.
What payment methods do you accept?
Credit, debit, HSA/FSA cards. Payment is due at the time of each session.
Special Topics
What is the Dime Game?
The Dime Game is a DBT tool that helps you decide how strongly to ask for something, or say no, based on your values and the situation. Try the interactive version here.
What if I’ve tried therapy before and it didn’t help?
That’s more common than people realize. I aim to be structured, transparent, and collaborative. If something isn’t working, we’ll adapt. Together. Therapy should feel useful, not like spinning your wheels.
What if I feel worse before I feel better?
That can happen, especially when doing deep work or exposure-based therapy. But you’re not doing it alone. I’ll guide you with tools to stay grounded, and we’ll go at a pace that’s effective and manageable.
How do you define progress?
Progress isn’t always linear. It can look like fewer panic attacks, more energy, better boundaries, or simply feeling more like yourself. We’ll define goals early and check in often to track what’s changing and what’s not.
Mindset and Philosophy
How do you explain depression?
Depression is often the mind’s way of saying something needs to change. It’s not laziness or weakness; it’s a signal. Therapy helps decode that signal and find a path forward that aligns with your needs and values. Read more here.
What if I feel shame about my thoughts or behavior?
That’s precisely what therapy is for. Shame thrives in isolation. We’ll name it, understand it, and replace self-judgment with self-awareness. You are not your worst thoughts, and they’re more common than you think.