Frequently Asked Questions

What is counseling with you like?

I strive to be an affirming, nonjudgmental presence in therapy—judgement and invalidation are corrosive and damage relationships with ourselves and with others. It's very important to me that you feel that therapy is a safe space, as without safety, change is much less likely.

At the same time as I prioritize your safety, I also want to prepare you for the fact that therapy can be uncomfortable. Just like a good workout will leave you sore and pushed to your physical limits, therapy should challenge you and push your cognitive and emotional limits to prepare you for the life you've wanted.

The most consistent feedback I've received from clients, supervisors, and peers is that I care about my clients. I will not be sitting across from you, scribbling on a notepad, uttering the occasional "hmm." I will be pushing myself to understand you, learn from you, relate to you, and challenge you. For therapy to be transformative for my clients, I believe I need to be willing to be transformed by the process, as well. I have had clients tell me that this caring helped to save their lives. At the same time, I cannot make you change. You will get out what you put into therapy.

How do I know if you're a good match for me?

I encourage you to talk to multiple therapists before making a final decision. Listen to what your gut tells you in the process, while also evaluating qualifications and experience. I conduct free phone consultations with prospective clients to help facilitate this process.

While interviewing multiple therapists can be time consuming, it pays off. The research literature indicates that the fit between a client and therapist may matter even more than the specific treatment used. Ultimately, I see my job as helping you get the best results possible, which doesn't always mean meeting with me!

Who do you work with?

I have worked with individuals from diverse backgrounds and who have various racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, sexual orientation, gender, immigrant status and other identities.  These days, I tend to work with professionals, students, academics, members of the LGBTQ community, and individuals who are in or exploring poly relationships.

On a less serious note, I have a many clients who are into Star Trek, Star Wars, sf/f, gaming, cosplay, anime, or some combination of the above, which is fascinating to me because, while I'm interested in many of these things, it's not like I've advertised it until now! 

Is there anyone you don't work with?

Because my goal is for people to get the treatment they need and get better as fast as possible, I may provide you with a referral to another provider if you could benefit from more intensive treatment, integrated services, or specialty services beyond my expertise. This can include people who are at high risk of harming themselves or others, have multiple or serious physical health concerns, or are struggling with chronic substance use in addition to other mental health concerns. I may also refer you to another provider if you are not yet ready to make changes in your life. 

What services do you offer?

I offer individual therapy sessions for those struggling with unwanted, intense emotions and unsatisfying relationships.

I offer DBT skills coaching sessions to individuals who can benefit from having a broader repertoire of coping skills.

And lastly, I offer couples therapy for people working to strengthen relationships and improve communication. For telehealth couples sessions, I require both members of the couple to be in the same physical location so I can observe more nonverbal communication (ways of looking at each other, relative seating positions, etc.)

I strongly recommend meeting weekly in order to achieve faster change, sometimes more frequently if necessary. I do not meet less than every other week. My fee structure is listed below. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to reach out!

Are you offering in person appointments?

Yes, I offer in person appointments in Kirkwood, though many of the clients I have worked with have preferred the convenience of how telehealth fits into their schedules. 

For in person appointments, I ask my clients be to up to date on their vaccines (eg., Covid, flu, other diseases that could be spread in an office setting or that you could be vulnerable to, such as RSV in older adults). I will also ask that you switch to a telehealth appointment if you are feeling unwell to be respectful of my health and the health of other people I interact with. I will do the same. My office will also have one or more HEPA air filters. 

The goal of therapy is to promote health, so let's stay healthy together! 

How do fees and insurance work?

The fee for each 55-minute individual therapy session is $180 and for couples therapy, $200. Skills coaching sessions, which last 45 minutes, are $150. The fee for the one-time initial consultation is $210. Fees are due at the time of service.

I am an out-of-network provider for most non-HMO commercial insurance plans. Checking your explanation of benefits for behavioral/mental health services on your insurance company’s website can help you determine your out-of-network coverage, as well as any deductibles, coinsurance, or copays that apply.  I always recommend calling your insurance company to verify information reviewed online and to confirm how to submit reimbursement claims. Some individuals who have insurance choose not to use it to promote their own privacy, as using insurance at the minimum requires reporting of a diagnosis to your insurer. Insurers can also request to review your progress, either verbally or by requesting your progress notes.

If you do have out-of-network coverage and wish to use these benefits, I will generate a form for you to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement that will include your diagnoses. You will need to pay the full session fee at the time of service and may receive reimbursement from your insurer, depending on your benefits.

Good Faith Estimates

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.

• You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.

• Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.

• If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.

• Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call (314) 844-0779.

What's that MFA about?

Before I found my way I found my way to Counseling Psychology, I received my Masters of Fine Arts in Poetry - there's quite a bit of overlap between the two! Both have to do with understanding the meaning behind words, expressing and working through emotions, and acknowledging what is unsaid. I welcome my clients bringing works of art or other forms of self expression to our sessions.