Frequently Asked Questions
You have questions. I have answers. Let's make this feel a little less overwhelming.
Starting therapy can feel like a big step – especially when you are not sure what to expect.
Here are answers to the questions I hear most often. If something is not covered here, please reach out. There are no wrong questions.
Getting Started
Q
How do I know if therapy is right for me?
If you are carrying something that feels too heavy to carry alone — or you are simply ready for something more than just getting by — therapy can help. Whether that is trauma, anxiety, depression, perfectionism, burnout, or the quiet sense that something needs to shift, you do not need to be in crisis to reach out. Many people come to therapy not because everything is falling apart, but because they are ready for a change.
Q
What happens in the first session?
The first session is a chance for us to get to know each other and establish expectations. I will ask about what brought you to therapy, a little about your history, and what you are hoping to get out of our work together. You do not need to have it all figured out before we meet. There is no pressure to share more than you are ready to. My goal in the first session is simply for you to feel heard, safe, and like you made the right call reaching out.
Q
Do you offer a free consultation?
Yes. I offer a free 20-minute consultation call before we begin. This is a chance to ask questions, share a little about what is bringing you to therapy, and get a feel for whether we are a good fit. There is no commitment required.
Q
How long does therapy take?
That depends entirely on you, your goals, and what we are working on together. Some clients find meaningful relief in a focused course of sessions — particularly with Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), which often produces significant results in one to five sessions. Others benefit from longer-term work that goes deeper over time. We will talk about what feels right for you and revisit that as we go.
Insurance & Fees
Q
Do you accept insurance?
I do not accept insurance, but many clients are able to get some of their session fees reimbursed. I’ll provide a superbill with the information your insurance company needs, and you can submit it for out-of-network reimbursement. Coverage varies by plan, so it’s worth calling your insurer to ask about your out-of-network mental health benefits before we begin.
Virtual Therapy
Q
How does virtual therapy work?
Virtual therapy sessions are held via a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform — similar to a video call, but private and confidential. All you need is a reliable internet connection, a device with a camera and microphone, and a private space where you feel comfortable talking. Many clients find virtual therapy just as meaningful and effective as in-person sessions — and far more convenient.
Q
Where do you offer virtual therapy?
I offer virtual therapy to clients throughout California and Hawaii. If you are located in either state and are interested in virtual sessions, I would love to connect.
Q
Is virtual therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Research consistently shows that virtual therapy is as effective as in-person therapy for most concerns — including trauma, anxiety, depression, and more. For many clients, the comfort and privacy of their own space actually makes it easier to open up.
What to Expect in Therapy
Q
What does a typical session look like?
Every session is shaped around you and what you are bringing that day. Some sessions are exploratory — getting curious about patterns, parts, and history. Others are more focused — using ART to process a specific memory or distressing image, or using IFS to work with a part that has been asking for attention. I follow your lead while also offering gentle structure and direction when it is helpful.
Q
Will I have to talk about everything that happened to me?
No. You never have to share more than you are ready to. Particularly with Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), you do not have to narrate your trauma in detail at all — the approach works even when the content stays private. Healing requires safety, trust, and the right conditions — and that is what we build together.
Q
What if I have tried therapy before and it did not work?
That is more common than you might think — and it does not mean therapy cannot help you. It may mean the approach, the fit, or the timing was not right. The modalities I use — IFS and ART — work differently than traditional talk therapy and often reach people who felt stuck, want to go deeper, or have unfinished work from previous therapy. I welcome clients who have tried therapy before and are ready to try something a little different.
Still have questions?
I would love to hear from you.