The first session is primarily focused on getting to know each other and gathering information. I'll ask about your current challenges, relevant history, and your goals for therapy. We'll also discuss the therapeutic approaches I use and how they might be helpful for your specific situation. This session helps us determine if we're a good therapeutic match and begin developing a treatment plan.

The length of therapy varies depending on your specific needs and goals. Some clients benefit from short-term therapy focused on specific issues (8-12 sessions), while others prefer longer-term work for more complex or deep-rooted concerns. We'll regularly review your progress and adjust our approach as needed. My goal is to provide you with the support you need for as long as it's helpful, while also fostering your independence and self-reliance.

I am an out-of-network provider for most insurance plans. I can provide you with a superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. I recommend checking with your insurance provider about out-of-network mental health benefits before beginning therapy. Some clients choose to use Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to pay for therapy services.

Virtual therapy sessions are conducted through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform. Before your first session, you'll receive instructions on how to join the video call, along with any necessary forms to complete electronically. You'll need a reliable internet connection, a device with a camera and microphone (computer, tablet, or smartphone), and a private, quiet space where you can speak freely without interruptions. Many clients find that virtual therapy is just as effective as in-person sessions, with the added benefits of convenience, comfort, and eliminating travel time.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy for trauma and other distressing experiences. It helps the brain process traumatic memories in a new way, reducing their emotional impact. During EMDR, you'll focus on a distressing memory while experiencing bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements, but sometimes taps or tones). This process helps the brain reprocess the memory so that it becomes less distressing and is stored more adaptively in the brain. EMDR can help with PTSD, anxiety, phobias, and other conditions related to distressing life experiences. In virtual sessions, EMDR is adapted with special techniques and tools that work effectively through video.

Both Brainspotting and EMDR are brain-body based therapies that help process trauma, but they use different approaches. Brainspotting involves finding specific eye positions ("brainspots") that connect to areas of emotional activation in the brain. By maintaining focus on these brainspots while processing traumatic material, deep healing can occur. Brainspotting tends to be more flexible and client-led than EMDR, with fewer structured protocols. Some clients find one approach more effective than the other, and we can determine which might work best for you based on your specific needs and preferences.