FAQ

$225 for initial intake session (90 minutes)

$185 for individual counseling

$225 for family counseling

$205 for couples counseling (currently not accepting new couples)

I do not accept insurance – for several reasons.

First, it allows me to provide you with better service. I find my private pay clients more motivated to do the hard stuff and commit to the process.

Most insurance companies will only cover a certain number of sessions. They require a diagnosis that can make it difficult to obtain insurance in the future if there is an existing diagnosis on record.

Instead, I will provide you with a superbill to submit to your insurance, or you can use your Flex Benefits. In this way, we keep your progress confidential – rather than reporting it to your insurance company.

If you’re a new client, I require a free 20-minute phone consultation.

Call or email to schedule your free 20-minute phone consultation. I’ll guide you through the process of scheduling appointments once we determine whether we’re a good fit.

I ask that you make cancellations no later than 24 hours before your scheduled appointment. I understand that things happen and life gets in the way, and will consider extenuating circumstances on a case-by-case basis.

Arrival more than 15 minutes late to your session constitutes a cancellation, and you will incur the full session fee via the card on file. Again, I will make consideration on a case-by-case basis.

The dog ate my homework, I am having a fat day, I decided to go day-drinking with my friends, I couldn’t decide what to wear, it’s my dog’s birthday, I accidentally stumbled onto a plane, my fish died, a duck bit me, and any similar circumstance does not qualify as legitimate reasons. You’ve been warned.

Our process depends on you, the client(s). Most sessions begin with a few minutes of “catching up” to see how you are doing from the last time we met.

You are in control of the topic, and together, we’ll explore any struggles you’re experiencing.

I may ask a lot of questions – or just listen to you. Sometimes, we sit in silence when you just cannot form the words, or you just need to cry in a safe space.

There are times when you may experience a flood of emotions and either express them, minimize them, or try to ignore them. I will guide you through some exercises to help you get back in control and feel calmer. These can include breathing, visualization, and even movement. I have a few tricks up my sleeve.

But mostly, we just talk. You tell me what’s going on; I ask some questions, and provide insight, education, and advice. I am not the type of therapist who continually asks you, “And how does that make you feel?” – although I reserve the right to do so occasionally.

I will be directive at times and call you out on things, but my primary goal is to guide you to make conclusions and decisions independently. The old teach a man to fish quote comes to mind here.

I’m an eclectic therapist with a strong psychodynamic foundation. Exploring my client’s family of origin, culture, upbringing, and past experiences forms the foundation of all my work with you. I am also trained in EMDR, which helps Clients desensitize and reprocess trauma and other maladaptive behaviors that keep them “stuck”. Together, we build upon all this and use appropriate interventions from many theoretical modalities based on you and your unique situation.

I have a Master’s in Counseling from Northwestern University and am a certified Trauma Specialist and trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).

I spent several years counseling individuals with substance abuse issues and working in an inpatient mental health hospital counseling people dealing with psychosis and other personality disorders – before realizing that my true passion is helping clients who have experienced trauma and are still suffering in their daily lives.

I’m middle-aged (year of birth withheld to protect my pride). I have the benefit of life experience and have also experienced significant trauma myself. I know all too well what unprocessed trauma looks like and what it does to people. Been there, done that, got the damn t-shirt.

That depends on what “homework” means to you. I don’t necessarily assign things, but I do always leave clients with food for thought and suggest that they do certain things in between sessions so that they can start to change unhealthy behaviors.

You do you.

Lie, sit, slouch. It’s all good with me.

Sure do. I need them to document our sessions if I get audited or refer back to something we discussed in past sessions.

I promise I’m not writing down that your outfit choice sucks or that your hairstyle is terrible. It’s all about my observations of our session, and you’re always welcome to see anything I write down.

First and foremost, my strengths are being relatable, funny, empathic, smart, and authentic. I’m a pretty decent dancer and can carry a tune while driving alone that somehow magically disappears when I am around other people. So strange…

Others don’t involve therapy (like dancing – get your mind out of the gutter), but those are the most important ones.

My weaknesses are crappy TV (Real Housewives of anyplace), my family, impatience, a good single malt scotch, and 80’s music (see dancing above).

Because I’m really good at what I do, and I love it.

Bottom line: I’m truly committed to helping people get control over crappy things going on in their lives and reach their true potential. I believe in the process of therapy and have seen what a difference it has made in the lives of hundreds of people.

I strive to make the process enjoyable, even when the topic is heavy. Plus, I am real and bring my whole self to the room, flaws and all.