What is your approach to counseling?

My training and background are in family systems. This means that I am interested in many different aspects of your life and history. I am first and foremost client-centered, meaning that the therapy process is collaborative and honors your treatment goals. I am also attachment-based, prioritizing physical and emotional safety in relationships. I have advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy,  Gottman therapy, Relational Life therapy,  sex therapy, and EMDR.

As a therapist, I focus on integrating couples therapy with sex therapy. Sometimes conflict is the issue causing the sexual problems, and sometimes the sexual problems add to the conflict. Together we will work to create a plan and help you and your partner create the relationship you once had or always wanted.

Do you work with both individuals and couples?

Yes, I work with both individuals and couples. Even if the problems stem from your relationship, work can be done to improve the quality of the relationship, even if it is just with one partner.  

My partner doesn’t want to come to counseling. How should I handle this?

Every connection, especially yours, deserves relational and sexual well-being. Though having both partners working together is ideal, it is not uncommon for one partner to be uninterested in therapy. Perhaps they do not see issues the same way or don’t feel that they are part of the problem. Many societal and cultural stigmas make therapy seem unappealing.

Often one partner may worry that going to couples therapy is a sign that the relationship is failing, but that is simply not true! I work with many couples that would just like a “tune-up.” Throughout life together, stressful events (job changes, new babies, life transitions) can make communication difficult. This is where we work on building communication and understanding to make it through the rough patch without causing further damage.

Do you work with couples who are non-monogamous or poly?

Yes! I am supportive and inclusive of all types of relationships and sexual orientations. We are wired to connect; for some of us, that means with one partner; for others, it means multiple partners. Having multiple partners certainly can increase relationship complexity at times but can be exponentially rewarding when there is a healthy connection.

How do I know if sex therapy is right for me?

If you feel stuck or frustrated with parts of your sexuality, have difficulty with orgasm, pain during sex, or have issues with desires (too much or not enough). Sex therapy is a great place to address these problems.

Sometimes the issues are less noticeable. Relationships are complex and multilayered. For example, maybe you and your partner are arguing more often and having less sex. Is the problem communication, or are there underlying sexual issues that need to be addressed, or possibly both? It is my job to uncover and understand the underlying issues and to develop a plan with you and your partner to build the relationship and sex life your both want.

Do you take insurance?

We do not take insurance. This is because insurance companies require that we make a mental health diagnosis. Since the issues we frequently address, such as conflict, infidelity, and trauma, do not align with typical diagnostic categories, we do not offer those labels. We believe that labeling a client with a diagnosis that will remain on their health records is misaligned with our focus.

 What is the intake process like?

To start, you can either create your own appointment through our website or call us to set up your first appointment. We use an online system called Simple Practice that allows for easy scheduling and payment.  To set up the first appointment, you will be asked to provide an email, phone number, and credit card information. Your credit card will be kept securely in your portal so that payments can be processed conveniently at the end of each appointment. Requesting appointments through the portal is quick and easy.

Before your first appointment, you will be sent digital paperwork to sign; this usually takes about 5 minutes. There is also a form where you will have the opportunity to tell me a little about yourself and describe the issues you want to address. You can share as much or as little as you like. Everything in this document that we discuss in sessions is completely confidential.

On the day of your first appointment, you will receive a text message directly from your therapist to ensure you do not have any last-minute questions or concerns. Then you will either log in for your first session through simple practice if you choose to meet virtually or come to our office at your appointment time.

How often should I/We come for a session?

Therapy in generally takes 8-20 sessions, depending on the issues we are working on. I like to think about therapy like going to the gym. The more you put into this process, the faster you will begin to see results. However, like exercise, too much too fast is not always beneficial.

Typically, I recommend meeting every 1-2 weeks. However, due to circumstances (time or money), some clients can only come a few times a month. When you feel like you have reached your goals, we will discuss ending therapy or spacing out our sessions so that we are just meeting for periodic check-ins. We are very collaborative and will check in frequently to ensure you feel like we are on track to meet your goals.

How long are the counseling sessions?

Your first session will be 75 minutes. This ensures there is enough time to get to know you and discuss the concerns that are bringing you to therapy. Typically, following your first appointment, the sessions will be 50 minutes. The therapist may offer a 90-minute extended session upon request and under certain circumstances.

What is your cancellation policy?

I understand that schedules change and emergencies happen, but we ask that you cancel a session at least 24 hours before your appointment time. There is a $75 late cancellation fee for same-day cancellations. If you can not make it to the appointment and do not cancel before the start of the counseling session, you will be charged the full session fee. Please discuss this with your therapist if you have concerns about this policy.