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 that in the past!

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. 

Do you offer in person appointments, telehealth, or both?

I offer a mix of both. In person appointments are in Kirkwood, though many of the clients I have worked with have preferred the convenience of how telehealth fits into their schedules and lifestyles. Telehealth is often convenient for individuals who live in areas of the state with less access to counselors. For telehealth appointments, you must be in Missouri at the time of your appointment. 

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.)

For in person appointments, I ask my clients to switch to a telehealth appointment if they are feeling unwell. This decreases the chance of me, and as a result, my family or other clients, from getting sick. I will do the same for you! 

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.