Frequently Asked Questions
What's your approach?
Simply put: you are the expert in your life. This understanding is the foundation for everything in our work with one another and any education or tool I may have for you rests upon that. Although I draw upon a number of approaches depending on the client and challenges, my primary approaches are Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Both have an excellent research base and shared values that are also deeply held for me (collaboration, autonomy, client and therapist are equals).
The more detailed response is that as stated both have very strong evidence for addressing for a variety of challenges from anxiety and depression, to trauma and addiction. They are considered Evidence-Based Practices by SAMHSA. Both approaches are client-centered, process-based (tailored to each individual), and have positively impacted my life.
MI is a particular way of talking about change that calls forth your own deeply held reasons for change. Motivational Interviewing has been described as "form(ing) the bedrock of contemporary ethical human services" and indeed is foundational in my work. In MI we draw out your values, your desires, your wishes, your strengths to decide if, why, and how you might want to make a change in your life. You may read more about MI here. In 2023, research reviewing 70 years of psychotherapy research found that every one of the seven qualities shared by the most Effective Psychotherapists are embodied in strong Motivational Interviewing practice. In other words, Motivational Interviewing may not just be compatible with other approaches to helping, it may be foundational. This is one of many reasons I’m passionate about training and mentoring helpers in MI, which you can read more about here and here.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a contextual behavioral approach that recognizes that all behaviors make sense when we understand the full picture of a person's life including their family, history, cultural factors and so much more. The essence of this approach is in its name, "ACT" said as one word and not an acronym. ACT invites us to be present in the moment, open up to our thoughts and feelings, and take meaningful action toward what matters, no matter the challenges life throws our way. The focus of ACT is on building ‘psychological flexibility,’ which means being present in the moment when it's helpful, opening up to all life has to offer, and at the end of the day, still doing what matters to us. You may read more about ACT here.
MI and ACT are both process-based approaches which are a flexible and personalized approach to therapy that focuses on understanding and addressing underlying patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that are causing you distress. Rather than just treating symptoms, this type of therapy looks at the process of how your challenges have developed over time and in your unique context.
I am an active therapist in session and I will ask you to try new skills that may bring you outside of your comfort zone. I will also place your challenges in a larger context and we will explore them through multiple lenses. I also actively de-emphasize labels (i.e. "alcoholic," "borderline personality disorder").
I also value time-honored components of wellness and healing including healthy relationships, physical activity, good sleep, spending time outside, and a balanced diet. Perhaps most importantly, I understand that it is often the world that needs changing, not you.
What will a typical session look like with you?
We will nearly always begin session with a mindfulness or breathing practice. I'll check in on how you've been and any action you may have taken since our last session. We'll talk about what matters to you, but we will do more than talk. ACT is experiential, meaning that we learn by doing: noticing what's happening in your brain and body and trying new responses in the moment. Sessions might include practical exercises, playful experiments, body-focused (somatic) exercises, and other ways of learning that may bring you outside of your comfort zone. ACT is versatile, creative, and invites a different side of you to show up. If that sounds a little scary, that's completely normal. Part of ACT work is building willingness. You'll always get to decide how much you engage and what you're willing to try or learn.
How do I know if you are the right therapist for me?
Only you can decide if we will be a good fit. I welcome questions about my education, experience, approach, how I've helped others like yourself, and more. My greatest hope is that you will feel welcomed and safe with me. I will work hard for you and with you. Some general goals that I have for every client are: that you have purpose and meaning, you are taking values-based action daily, that you have at least a few healthy relationships, you are treating your body with respect, and you are able to practice acceptance of life's difficulties while still working toward your goals.
What kind of clients do you work with? What are your areas of expertise?
I provide therapy for adults. My specialties are substance use and trauma...although no one's experience can be categorized so easily. I have a passion for working with recovering professionals and I'm pleased to work collaboratively with several professionals' programs for those in recovery such as the Indiana State Medical Association Physician Assistance Program (ISMA-PHP), Indiana State Nursing Assistance Program (ISNAP) and the Indiana Judges & Lawyers Assistance Program (JLAP). It is a joy to work with those who know how to help others and solve their challenges but are discovering what it means to care for themselves, too. I also have extensive experience working with postpartum mothers, overwhelmed parents, and high-functioning individuals struggling with anxiety and depression.
I’m nervous about starting therapy. Is that normal?
It's normal to be apprehensive about therapy, and unfortunately many people have had hurtful and even traumatic therapy experiences. It can be difficult to have faith that we will do something meaningful in the therapy room. But the fact that you are reading this right now indicates to me that you are already showing bravery and willingness to do difficult things, and so I have great hope for you. Yes, you. Therapy is a space where you can be yourself entirely. To the anxiety, the depression, the self-doubt, the joy, the grief, the (fill in the blank!): bring it all into the room. This is part of what will guide our work.
What if I don't want to talk about something?
It’s normal if you don’t feel ready to share everything. During our sessions, it will always be up to you if and when you're ready to talk about anything. It’s my job to give you space to slowly start to work through the tough stuff. I like to say "When you're ready to talk, I'm ready to listen." You can also share with me that you are anxious to open up about something. Whatever your experience, bring it to session and we can explore it together.
I’m scared that if I open up, you will think I’m a bad person or unworthy.
There is no thought, experience, or feeling you can share that will change my view of you as a person worthy of connection, belonging, and love. Through working with clients and through my own journey so far, I know that it is our struggles and imperfections that make us human. Whatever it is you're going through, I provide a safe space where you can feel heard and supported.
Does what we talk about in therapy remain confidential?
I have a deep reverence for each client's experience and I will always protect your privacy and identity. I take this extremely seriously. The only exception to this is if I thought you might be a harm to yourself or someone else. The topic of safety is inherent in every session, however and it should never come as a surprise if I express that we need to reach out to your support system or other provider for help. Additionally I regularly seek ongoing consultation and supervision and may share details about your experience to ensure I'm providing the best care, but I will always maintain your privacy and confidentiality.
How long does therapy take? How often should I come?
Good therapy takes time, but one of my goals is that after you leave our first session you feel hopeful and like healing is possible. The total duration of therapy varies from client to client. Some of my clients find 6 or so weeks to be enough to resolve immediate challenges while other clients feel more supported by longer term therapy (a year or more), however the latter is more common. Although I do have some clients who return once a year or so for buffer sessions, ultimately my goal (and ethical obligation) is to support your independence, so you can carry safety and resilience within you. I hope to be a support that if needed, you return to every few years during difficult life transitions.
What can I expect during the first session?
I’ll invite you to share more about yourself, share about what therapy is like with me, and I will also ask about your past experiences with therapy.
Some questions I like to ask during a first session include:
I will welcome your questions, also.
How can I get started?
Please email me at [email protected] to check availability and to share with me a bit about what you're struggling with. If your challenges are not areas in which I feel competent to address, I will refer you to another trusted professional.