How Therapy Works

Readiness, Relationship, and Technique

Research has shown that the single most important factor in the efficacy of therapy is the readiness of the client. That means that you- your ripeness, your readiness to show up, participate, and then practice doing things differently in your life- is ultimately what will determine how successful the course of our work will be.

A close second is the therapeutic (our) relationship, according to the studies done that measured all of this.  When it is the right fit, the client/clinician relationship is honest, deep, playful, vulnerable, challenging when necessary, clean (appropriately boundaried), and a ripe place to practice rupture and repair. Neither of us will get it right 100% of the time, and that’s actually a good thing, because it’s real. While not always easy, getting to practice with all of the above in a safe and trustable-enough relationship is one of the most transformative facets of this work, because it provides a template you then get to take with you into the rest of your life. I feel so honored I get to do this work, and aim to show up ready and with my heart open so that I can reliably meet you where you are, and reflect back to what I hear you saying as well as what might be underneath your words to support you in going where you want/need to go.

A distant third is the actual technique the therapist uses. That said, I like my techniques! I am trained eclectically and across a wide-range of modalities. I bring in a blend of education so that you can understand what’s happening in your nervous system or why you might be feeling a certain way with direct, in-the-moment and in-your-body work, because I believe the two together is a truly powerful combination. I specialize in trauma, spirituality, and relationships. 

Free Consultation

Because the right fit between client and therapist – me and you – is so important, I offer a free 30-minute phone consultation before we begin meeting face-to-face.

I find this to be a helpful way to learn more about you, what you may be struggling with as well as where you want to go, in addition to giving you the space and time to ask me any questions you may have about how I work.

What should I expect for the first session?

The first session is a bit different than the rest. I will learn about your past and what life was like growing up for you, as well as your current goals and what specifically you’d like to work on in therapy. I also invite you to ask any questions you may have for me, because the “right fit” between us is so important. I also am a big fan of “homework”, or giving you practical tools you can practice right away, so that you hit the ground running, so to speak, in terms of your process.

If, for any reason, you or I decide we aren’t quite the right match, I will refer you to a therapist or provider who may be a better fit.

Ultimately, we use the first session to create a clear road map for the work ahead of us, begin to establish and build a safe and trustable relationship, and send you out the door with practices and tools to use right away.

How long will this process take?

The answer to this question is so personal, and dependent on you! I’ve had clients achieve their goals in as little as 4 months, and I’ve had some clients stay on for years, because the nature of what they wanted to transform was so foundational and deep. It’s really up to you; how far you want to go, what skills you have upon entering therapy (is this brand new for you, or have you been in therapy before?), and the specific goals and topics you want to work on. I am happy and honored to meet you where you are, right now, and you get to choose how long we work together and how far we go.

Good Faith Estimate

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services.

You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services. You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service.

If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.