Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if therapy is right for me, or for us as a couple?

Many people reach out when something in their life or relationship starts to feel heavier than it should, when communication breaks down, anxiety takes over, or familiar patterns keep resurfacing despite every effort to shift them. Therapy offers a chance to slow things down, understand what’s happening beneath the surface, and begin moving in ways that feel steadier, clearer, and more intentional.
If you’re longing for clarity, relief, deeper emotional connection, or a private space where you can breathe and be honest without pressure, therapy can offer that. It becomes a place where your experiences are taken seriously, your feelings matter, and you don’t have to navigate any of it alone.
 
What happens in the first session?
Your first session is a gentle, unhurried conversation where we explore what’s been weighing on you, how it has taken shape over time, and what you’re longing to feel or experience instead. You don’t need to come in prepared or have the “right” words; we’ll find them together. I’m here to listen closely, ask thoughtful questions, and begin understanding the emotional patterns shaping your story, so we can start finding a clearer, steadier path forward in a way that fits you.
 
How long will therapy take?
The length of therapy depends on what you’re wanting to work through. Some goals are well-suited for brief, focused support, like navigating a stressful transition or finding steadiness during a difficult life decision. Other goals naturally take more time, especially when we’re healing older hurts, unwinding long-standing patterns, or rebuilding trust with yourself or your partner. Along the way, most people begin to notice relief, clarity, and emotional shifts—signs that the work is taking root. Whatever brings you in, we’ll move at a pace that honors your needs and supports the meaningful progress you’re looking for.

Does online therapy really work?
Yes; virtual therapy can be deeply effective, and for many clients it is as meaningful and clinically effective as in-person work. When online therapy is a good fit, it still allows for emotional depth, repair, and lasting change, while letting you meet from a familiar, private space. Part of our early work is making sure this format supports what you need, and if I believe in-person care would serve you better, I will offer a referral to a trusted local provider.
 
Do you see clients outside Washington?
Yes. In addition to Washington State, I’m also licensed in North Carolina and South Carolina, and I can provide online therapy to clients located in any of those three states. If you travel outside of Washington, North Carolina, or South Carolina, we can resume once you’re back in one of those states.
 
Is therapy really confidential?
Everything you share in therapy is treated with deep care and confidentiality. I’m held to strict ethical and legal standards to protect your personal health information, and all virtual sessions take place on a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform. There are a few circumstances where confidentiality has limits, such as concerns about safety, abuse or neglect, or a legal subpoena, and I will walk you through these clearly during our first session so you always know what to expect. Because I do not bill insurance, your therapy and the details you share remain outside of insurance involvement, and for many clients that added privacy supports a greater sense of ease and openness in the work.
 
How can therapy help me heal from a toxic or narcissistic relationship?
Toxic relationships can make you doubt your instincts, silence your needs, and shake your sense of worth, sometimes long after the relationship has ended. Therapy offers a steady, compassionate space to make sense of what happened without turning against yourself. Together, we gently reconnect you with your own clarity, strengthen the boundaries that protect your peace, and help you rebuild a felt sense of safety inside yourself and in future relationships.

Healing isn’t about returning to who you were before; it’s about growing into a version of yourself who trusts your own voice again, feels grounded in your own truth, and knows you are worthy of connection that is mutual, steady, and emotionally safe.
 
Do you work with teenagers or children? What is the minimum age?
I work with adults age 21 and older. While I spent many years supporting children earlier in my career — and truly cherished that time — child and adolescent therapy is not part of my current practice.
If you are a parent seeking support because your child is struggling, I can meet with you individually to help you navigate your own emotions, worries, or stress around what your family is experiencing. Strengthening a parent’s steadiness and clarity often creates meaningful support for the home as a whole.
 
What if I’m not ready to start — but want to learn more?
If you have a question that I haven’t addressed in this section, please feel free to contact me.
A free 15-minute telephone consultation is an easy, pressure-free way to explore whether we’re a good match. You can share what’s been happening, ask questions, and get a sense of how therapy with me might feel.
There’s no commitment — just a conversation.