Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy

Starting therapy can bring up plenty of questions. Here are some of the things people commonly want to know before getting started.

Who do you work with?

I provide individual therapy for adults. People come to me with a range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, grief, significant life transitions, relationship patterns, self-discovery, and spiritual or existential questions.

If you're unsure whether what you're experiencing is something we could work on together, you're welcome to reach out and ask.

Where is your office located?

My office is located in the Kenton neighborhood of North Portland, Oregon.

Do you offer telehealth?

I primarily see people in person. I find that the experience of being in the same room together enriches therapy. With that said, I do use telehealth occasionally when needed (i.e. illness, unavoidable schedule limitations, childcare needs, etc.)

What happens during the first session?

The first session is an opportunity for us to begin getting to know one another and to talk about what brings you to therapy.

We'll discuss what's been happening in your life, what you'd like help with, and what you're hoping might change.

I'll also answer questions you have about therapy and how I work.

You don't need to arrive with a perfectly organized explanation of what's wrong. We can begin wherever you are.

How do I know whether we're a good fit?

Fit matters.

Therapy involves trust and vulnerability, so it's important that you feel comfortable with the person you're working with.

I offer a free 20 minute phone consultation so we can briefly talk about what you're looking for, I can answer your questions, and we can get a sense of whether working together might make sense.

Do you accept insurance?

I currently accept Moda, Aetna, Pacific Source, and BC/BS

If I am not in network with your insurance plan, you may still have out-of-network benefits that can help cover the cost of therapy.

Because insurance plans differ, I recommend contacting your insurance company directly to confirm your benefits.

What if you don't accept my insurance?

You are welcome to contact me to discuss your options.

Depending on your plan, you may be able to use out-of-network benefits to receive reimbursement for some of the cost of therapy.

Do you incorporate spirituality into therapy?

Yes, if that is something you want to explore.

I believe emotional and spiritual life can be deeply connected, and I'm comfortable making room for questions of faith, spirituality, meaning, purpose, and existential experience.

Your beliefs are your own. I won't impose a particular spiritual or religious framework on our work.

What therapeutic approaches do you use?

My work is primarily mindfulness-based and person-centered, and I draw from several complementary approaches, including:

• Internal Family Systems (IFS)

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

• Mindfulness and self-compassion practices

I don't use these approaches as rigid formulas. I adapt them to the person and the work we're doing together.

Do you work with anxiety and depression?

Yes.

Anxiety and depression are among the concerns people bring to therapy. Rather than treating them as isolated problems, I’m interested in understanding your experience in the context of your whole life—including relationships, transitions, patterns, values, and the ways you've learned to cope.

Do you work with grief?

Yes. Grief can take many forms and doesn't necessarily follow a predictable path. Grief follows the death of a loved one but it can also come with significant life changes like loss of relationship, job changes, moving to a new place, anything that brings with it some loss.

Therapy can provide space to make sense of loss, experience difficult emotions, and explore how you want to move forward while continuing to honor what—and whom—you have lost.

Do you work with relationship issues?

I provide individual therapy for people who are experiencing relationship difficulties, feeling alone or unsatisfied, longing for greater intimacy, or noticing recurring patterns in their relationships.

Our work may include exploring how you understand yourself and others, how you respond to conflict or closeness, how to communicate effectively and share yourself with others, and what you want your relationships to look like.

Is therapy confidential?

Therapy is confidential within the limits of applicable law and professional ethics. During our first sessions, I'll explain confidentiality and the circumstances in which its limits may apply.

Please keep in mind that email is not a fully secure method for communicating sensitive information.

How do I get started?

The first step is simply to reach out.

You can call, email, or use the contact form to ask about availability and schedule a consultation.

Contact me