During the first session, we talk further into what is going on and your hopes/needs for this first session. Typically, if you are coming in as a couple, we will discuss your relationship history and how things have changed. If you are coming in as an individual adult, we will talk about your history and what you are seeing. For both, I hope to get to goals, but don’t always have time. You will also have time to ask any questions that may have come up.

Although I have not had this question asked many times, I have seen people looking for a certain type of therapy theory used. So, here we go.

As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I work in systemic therapy. This means I look at how every aspect of your life impacts what you are currently experiencing so that we get a full picture of the why and learn what areas we can work on.

Individual Therapy- I love using EMDR with clients which can help to retrain your body’s response to traumatic memories, as well as internal family systems (IFS) which helps understand and ultimately heal those parts of you that are hurting so that you can react and respond in ways that you would prefer.

Couples Therapy- My favorite method to use with couples is Gottman Couples Therapy, which was created out of noticing what works and does not work in relationships. There are lots of tools I teach you to help you connect in healthy ways. I also help to identify deeper emotions and unmet needs that contribute to their negative reaction cycle (EFT) .

In a nutshell, I use a well researched and proven method to help you meet your goals and incorporate other proven techniques to get you to where you want to be.

I offer you a free 15-20 min consult to make sure we are a good fit. Finding the right therapist can be hard, and good fit is very important to me. During that time we will talk about what is going on and what you are looking for. You will have time to ask me questions that are important to you and will help you decide if you would like to work together toward your goals.

When you talk to someone you know about what you are going through, you may get advice or find that they share their past experiences. This can sometimes result in a fractured relationship because being around them can serve as a reminder of the difficult time. When you talk to a therapist, you get a trained professional who helps you find the answers you seek by listening and asking the right questions. Also, therapy provides confidentiality that is sometimes broken when we talk to others. Therapy is a fantastic option for so many reasons.

Everyone is going through something different. Although my approach to therapy generally means a shorter duration of sessions are needed to see positive change, the amount of time therapy can take depends on a number of factors including your commitment, outside support, and motivation for change.

I currently take BCBS, Aetna and United Healthcare.

Insurance is tricky. Copays depend on your specific plan. Although I do my best to get an estimate by the first session, that is not always achievable. I always keep my client who uses insurance in the loop with changes to insurance.

Some types of therapy may not be covered by insurance, such as couples therapy. Additionally, insurance requires a diagnosis that is a part of your permanent medical record in order to be used. Also, I believe in quality, affordable care.

For those reasons, I offer sliding scale to my private pay clients if needed. The model I use takes into consideration income levels along with financial abilities and struggles. This allows you to consider what you are able to pay, along with the value of the services being provided and your mental wellbeing.

My individual private pay rate is $130 per session due to experience and training in EMDR. My couples private pay rate is $140 due to experience and trainings, as well as the extra things that go into couples work.

For those who do need to use a sliding scale or wish to use private pay, I provide a Good Faith Estimate which outlines yearly estimated cost.

I have a virtual only practice that includes a secure video meeting space. As long as you are in North Carolina, and in a private space, we can meet.

I start my sessions at 10am, Monday through Thursday. Some people do not work well in the mornings; I am one of those people. Typically, my last session begins at 4pm.

I have not received any formal training or certificate that allows me to say I am a Christian Counselor, but I am a counselor who is a Christian.

I see people from all walks of life and all different beliefs. This allows me to be comfortable incorporating faith and spirituality into sessions in whatever way feels comfortable for you.

For many of my clients, this means just talking about where they get energy and hope on those hard days, for others it is means incorporating scripture and prayer.

In sum, I am here as a guide on your journey. My beliefs impact my life, and your beliefs impact yours. I am here for you, and so I am comfortable including the spiritual aspect of what you are going through in sessions in whatever way you need.