Frequently Asked Questions

I am located wherever you are! That’s the great thing about being an online provider. It’s easy, convenient, and affordable.

My counseling hours are Monday through Thursday, 11 to 7.

Typical sessions are 55-60 minutes. If you’d like longer or shorter sessions, we can discuss that possibility and see if I can make arrangements to meet your needs.

I do not work with or for insurance companies.

Why? It’s primarily because I don’t feel comfortable with their model of care. It regards therapy services as a “medical necessity” and requires measurable evidence of “healing,” which leads to band-aid treatments and superficial care. Plus, they require a diagnosis that will follow you for the rest of your life!

You may cancel your appointment without penalty with 24 hours’ advance notice.

For cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice, I charge a nominal $50 fee.

A no-show fee of $80 will be applied if notice is not given before the missed appointment.

The therapeutic relationship is unique. It’s a highly personal contractual agreement, so it’s important to be clear on how our relationship will work and our respective responsibilities.

For my part, I will create a committed window of time for you to do your work with me. It is held exclusively for you. I will arrive on time for your session and expect the same from you. If you run late, that happens, but it may mean losing session time.

At the end of the day, I am a small business owner and support my family based on my income. When sessions are missed, that income is potentially lost. Money isn’t the only reason I do what I do, but I must remain mindful of my ability to attend to all my responsibilities.

I do! I prefer video sessions, but I can do a phone session if it makes more sense.

For instance, if the technology becomes problematic, I will switch to a phone call rather than waste time troubleshooting issues in session. Also, some prefer to have their sessions during their commute from work, which is fine with me as long as you’re attentive as a driver and use a hands-free Bluetooth device.

I work with men, women, and couples in and out of marriage. My focus is navigating relationships, both interpersonal and romantic.

My communication style is lovingly direct, so I tend to do well with men. I am told that I am down-to-earth and easy to talk to, so most people find the nature of our time together to be very friendly.

Many of the individuals I work with are seeking spiritual and self-awareness. They struggle with relationships, communication, self-development, purpose, and understanding. With a trauma-informed and transformative approach, I guide clients toward self-awareness, informed decision-making, and deeper insights into themselves and others.

Working together, you’ll experience personal growth, overcome obstacles, and gain clarity and fulfillment in your life and relationships. You’ll make more informed choices, explore different perspectives, and develop a profound understanding of yourself and the world.

I have worked with people from diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, and religions because I am well-versed in comparative religions and multicultural issues. As a person who lives and endorses a mindful life, I approach everything with curiosity and without judgment. I’m LGBTQIA-friendly, but I don’t specialize in this area.

You have taken a very positive step by deciding to seek care.

The outcome of your care depends largely on your willingness to engage in this process, which, at times, may result in considerable discomfort. While doing work on the self, it’s common to find ourselves remembering unpleasant events and becoming aware of feelings attached to those events. That can bring on strong feelings of anger, depression, anxiety, etc.

There are no miracle cures. I can’t promise that your behavior or circumstance will change, but I can support you and do my best to understand you and your patterns – and help you clarify and pursue what you want out of life.

Yes. I want to be clear that I’m not here to take sides, and I’ll listen to each of you without judgment. I see my job as helping you communicate through this and build a stronger relationship through that improved communication.

For couples work, I ask that each partner commit to at least five sessions (individually, as a couple, or a combination) before making any decisions about anything. In my experience, most couples know whether they can work it out by the fifth session.

Although I do keep psychotherapy notes, my documentation is limited. What I chart is not a “medical record,” and I will not provide, consult, or give documentation to anyone on your behalf.

You always have the option to pursue that level of care if it is needed or recommended, but I do not currently provide that service.

The work we’ll do together is for your personal growth, expansion, and change.

I have been in the field of psychology for almost 22 years.

I started serving individuals with severe and persistent mental illness at a residential treatment center for children. I then worked with people formerly in state institutions in Pennsylvania and Florida.

I was in Florida when Hurricane Katrina hit and served on a mental health disaster response team. Many refugees came to Panama City from New Orleans after the storm. It was a very unique thing to live through for a Pennsylvania girl.

After returning to Pennsylvania, I started working with folks with brain injuries and neurological impairments. I did that until 2013 when I started my private practice.

In the past five years, my practice has evolved. In addition to being a clinical psychotherapist, I’m also a healing arts provider.

I did my bachelor’s in philosophy at PennWest California University (formerly California University of PA), my master’s in counseling psychology at Chatham University, and my doctorate (divinity and sacred music) at Esoteric Theological Seminary.

I have certifications or specialty training in the following:

• Certified Integrative Medicine Mental Health Professional
• Certified Sex Therapy Informed Professional
• Certified Mindfulness for Children and Adolescents
• Certified Gottman Method Couples Therapy Trained
• Reiki Master and Teacher
• Intuitive Development & Akashic Records
• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
• Yoga for Anxiety and Depression
• Former Certification Tai Chi for Rehabilitation and Qigong
• Former Certified Brain Injury Specialist
• Pending Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional
• Pending Certified Clinical Trauma Professional I and II
• Certified Vibrational Sound Healer
• Clinical Hypnosis
• Trauma-Informed Care Trainer
• Chronic Pain and Sleep Disorders

In the fall of 2009, I took a bucket-list trip for the entire season with my now husband. We drove across the country, stayed a while in Northern California, and then flew “across the pond” for a small European adventure.

While abroad, we visited multiple cities in Ireland and Italy, as well as the cities of Amsterdam, London, and Athens. Being in Europe was amazing, but it didn’t compare to the American Southwest. That part of the country touched my soul, and I have made the pilgrimage back a few times.

I prefer a relationship that is friendly but therapeutic.

I do have a style that is on the direct side, but I offer feedback as lovingly as possible. That doesn’t mean you won’t be bothered by being challenged. I am not afraid to say difficult things. I certainly don’t want anyone to hate anyone, but your liking me is not my motivation to do this work.

There might be times that I’ll shock or annoy you. That’s okay. I have been told to “stick forgiveness up my ass” by a client who did life-changing, deeply meaningful work in treatment. I am not afraid of your emotions. I don’t take your anger or feelings personally. This has allowed me to hold space for clients struggling to confront themselves and their triggers safely.

So… should you seek therapy for binge-watching? lol

Don’t get me started. I might still be mourning the end of Game of Thrones. When it comes to binge-watching, I am with you. I’m grateful for good entertainment!

No… stick to telling jokes. lol

Unfortunately, picking up jargon happens by default. I’ll try to break you from what you’ve likely already picked up from the “psychology” you’ve seen on TikTok or Instagram.