Therapy

Nope, not at all. Everyone needs help now and then. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the courage to reach out. In our work together, we help you look at and identify your strengths and how to use them to reduce the influence of the problems you are facing.

The difference is the people close to you can do something, while a therapist has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. If you’ve been trying to make changes for years, but don’t seem to be making long-term change, then a therapist can help with this. A therapist can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Plus, counseling is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, and you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, you run the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life. With that being said, social supports are very important for physical, mental, and emotional health, so I do encourage you to connect with loved ones regularly.

Everything we discuss is confidential unless you let me know that a child is being abused or neglected or someone is going to harm themselves or someone else.  You can read my full privacy policy when you begin the “new client” process, before you book an appointment.

Before our first session, you will complete an intake form providing me with the following information: demographics, physical health concerns, mental health concerns, family history of mental health concerns, family history of health concerns, medications, primary reason from attending therapy, long term goals of therapy and any other information you think I need to know to understand what you are experiencing and what you want.

After I've reviewed your intake information, we will have a 60  minute session where I will ask even more questions about your situation and your goals.  You may even feel like I’m being nosy, just know I’m trying to get an understanding of what’s going on.  We will then discuss a framework for understanding your situation and how to change it. I may provide strategies or resources to get you started on reaching your goals and we can discuss what you want to focus therapy on.

Medication can be effective but it alone cannot solve all issues. Sometimes medication is needed along with counseling. Our work together is designed to explore and unpack the problems you are experiencing and expand on your strengths that can help you accomplish your personal goals.

The fit between a therapist and client is like finding the right pair of shoes.  It can look good but if they don’t fit you can't go anywhere because it hurts. The same thing is true for therapy. The fit is one of the most important parts of the helping relationship. In a first session, I always tell clients that if they aren’t feeling me and don't feel comfortable with, and don't feel they can be honest, then feel free to me with a new therapist.  With that being said, in a first session, I always ask if there is something I can do to make the process more comfortable for you.  At times, I do have to ask the hard questions in order to facilitate and support change, but it’s done with empathy, compassion and the results are amazing.

That depends on you. Typically someone has a pressing concern when they attend (anxiety, mood swings, sleep, brain fog, grief, low libido).  If you are motivated and ready to try the strategies, people usually begin to see results within 3-6 sessions, depending on the complexity.  After that, some people like the type of work we are doing and they add additional goals (learn how to say “no” without feeling guilty, finding ways to improve relationships, letting go of perfectionism, creating more balance, processing grief, stop emotional eating).  I’ve had clients that I’ve only worked with for 3 sessions and others that I’ve worked with off and on for 3 years, depending on how much personal growth you want. 

 Click here for our rates.

I do not take insurance or do direct billing.  It will be up to you to determine if your insurance provider covers insurance for Therapy services.  I’m a registered therapist licensed with the Tennessee board social worker with the Tennessee  of Social Workers.

For the majority of people it feels just like face-to-face.  I use Simple Practice as it is encrypted for better security.  I continue to work with clients across the continent and it’s pretty convenient.

The day before our session, I will email you a link to attend our session.  You will be asked to click Join video call. The Telehealth by SimplePractice app will launch and you’ll see a welcome screen. (Any following visits the app will launch automatically when you click through the link.)  Then we both show up at the meeting time and see each other through the webcam or phone and hear each other through the mic/speakers. I use a headset for confidentiality purposes. You can as well. It’s best to be located closer to your router as this provides a better signal.

I am so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication will be crucial to your success.