FAQs

I don’t live in North Carolina, can you work with me?

Right now, I am only licensed to work with people in North Carolina or Michigan. I offer telehealth-only services in Michigan. Check back later for additional states.

I’ve never been to therapy before. What can I expect?

Going outside your comfort zone can be challenging. Therapy is a partnership and I’ll be with you each step of the way. Starting therapy involves filling out some forms, reviewing policies and procedures, discussing payment, how often we will meet and how we will communicate. In our first couple of sessions, I’ll take the time to hear about what brings you to therapy and collaborate with you to determine what you would like to get out of it. Throughout therapy you will learn specific skills and information relevant to your situation, reflect on experiences, and build awareness of yourself, your inner experiences, patterns, and relationships. We will also check-in regularly to make sure we are still on track in helping you get to where you want to be.

How do I know if a Therapist is a good fit for me?

The first thing I recommend is finding a Therapist that meets your basic “wants” in a Therapist- like gender identity, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, and background. Make a list of your “must-haves” and start with those. Then make sure the practical aspects are a good fit as well: do they offer in-office or online therapy (telehealth)? Can you afford their fees? Do they have experience working with your specific challenges? Do they offer your preferred modality?

While you’re in therapy, be mindful of the following: Do they respond effectively when you ask them questions or for clarification? Are they responsive and professional when you say that something isn’t working or that you feel you’re not making progress? Is the therapy session focused on you and your progress? Is the Therapist respectful of your identity and beliefs?

Therapists are professionals and know that despite best efforts, it’s not always a perfect fit. If you feel things aren’t working with your Therapist, I encourage you to share that information with them and discuss further. If you decide to end services, your Therapist should be able to provide you with a referral to another Therapist that may be a better fit.

What are your personal beliefs about therapy?

I believe that while life creates unique challenges for all of us, that we all have the power to grow, change, and heal. We determine who we are, how we show up in the world, and are capable of achieving balance and peace in our lives. Unfortunately, many of us were not taught HOW to do this, and instead have learned a pattern of beliefs, thoughts, and behaviors that negatively impact how we feel about ourselves and weaken our connection with our own power. These patterns often come from our families, communities, and experiences with religious groups. After walking with many clients on their journey towards wellness, I have seen how a reparative therapeutic relationship can be transformative and give people the confidence and skills to handle all that life throws at them. I operate from a strong Queer positive, anti-capitalist, feminist, decolonial framework and do not shy away from exploring how these systems impact your wellbeing AND finding how you can live a balanced life anyway.

What do you mean by trauma-informed?

Trauma-informed providers understand that many people have experienced trauma in their lives and may experience trauma symptoms. Trauma-informed providers use their knowledge and information about trauma to make their spaces, practices, and interactions with clients as safe and empowering as possible to avoid re-triggering or re-traumatizing clients.

I understand how trauma, including trauma that occurred in infancy and early childhood prior to the development of verbal skills, generational trauma, and historical trauma can impact an individual, their family, and their current functioning. I use this knowledge to guide my interactions with clients and collaborate with them to determine treatment planning. Clients who receive care in true trauma-informed environments often feel safer, heard, cared for, and empowered to make their own choices about what is best for them.

What is complex trauma?

Whereas the trauma from PTSD typically focuses on a specific traumatic event (a car accident, physical abuse, witnessing death, etc.), complex trauma looks at multiple traumatic experiences that occur over time and typically involve our caregivers. Complex trauma often highlights what didn’t happen to us- we weren’t made to feel safe, loved and protected on a consistent basis. Complex trauma is not yet included as an official diagnosis in the DSM-V (the tool medical and mental health providers use for diagnosis), but it is detrimental to our health and wellbeing. People who have experienced complex trauma often have difficulty with identifying and regulating their emotions, developing healthy and strong relationships, creating positive self-worth, and stay stuck in survival mode.

I work with clients to help integrate these experiences and develop a sense of safety and security within themselves and their relationships.

More information on the effects of complex trauma can be found here.

What do you mean by religious/spiritual trauma?

Some people have experienced coercion, control or exploitation under the guise of spiritual or religious education, communities, or families. This experience of spiritual abuse can be traumatic and negatively impact an individual’s identity, agency, relationships and self-worth. Sufferers tend to feel mixed, confusing, or complete lack of sense of safety, uncertainty within themselves, persistent fear or anxiety of not being good enough, and/or a pervasive sense of guilt. I work with individuals to unpack how these experiences continue to effect them and how to live a balanced, fulfilling life going forward.

This is not to say that all religions or spiritual experiences or communities are inherently abusive or traumatic. I work with individuals from all faith backgrounds and know that faith and spiritual practices are often a crucial source of strength, healing, and identity. A major part of healing from spiritual abuse is developing a healthy, authentic spirituality.

For more information, please visit the Resources page.

What is EFT?

EFT, or emotionally focused therapy, is most commonly associated with couple’s counseling, but is also widely used with individuals and families. EFT is an evidenced-based therapy model that uses interventions guided by attachment theory, including our innate drive for connection with others. EFT focuses on working with our emotions to help us identify and change the unhelpful patterns we engage in that keep us stuck.

What is EMDR?

EMDR stands for Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, an evidenced-based therapy modality that is frequently used to treat PTSD, trauma, depression, anxiety and panic disorders. EMDR Therapists use eye movements (moving the eyes back and forth), or other related bi-lateral stimulation such as sound or touch, to help your brain to process unresolved traumatic memories, resolve negative core beliefs, and access the natural healing process. This process can help clients feel calmer, safer, secure, confident, and peaceful.

Click here for more detailed information.

I am trained in EMDR by an EMDRIA-approved trainer.

What is Poly Vagal Theory?

Poly Vagal theory focuses on the body’s Vagus nerve and its role in helping to regulate our emotions, social connection, and responses to various threats. In therapy, I use Poly Vagal theory-informed practices to help clients feel calm and safe within the therapy room and process. I also teach clients about how their nervous systems work, so that they notice the changes in feelings of calm and safety within their bodies. Clients are then able to practices these skills themselves to help themselves feel safe and connected even after experiencing fear or threats.

This blog post uses poly vagal theory to explain exhaustion related to the covid-19 pandemic.

What is DBT?

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) based and evidenced-based therapy modality that incorporates a focus on mindfulness skills to cope better with emotional pain. A full DBT program is intensive and includes group and individual therapy. I incorporate DBT-based skills to help clients build distress tolerance, improve relationships, and better regulate their emotions.

Click here for a more detailed overview of DBT.

What do you mean when you say you use hypnosis? Will you hypnotize me into doing something strange or embarrassing?

Hypnosis is a state of focused attention and receptivity which can be a helpful and powerful tool to help you achieve your wellness goals. Many find that being in a state of hypnosis is deeply relaxing and comfortable. When in hypnosis, you are still conscious and I cannot make you do anything you do not want to do.

I’m interested in working with a therapy modality that I don’t see on your website. Can you work with me?

I can work with some other modalities that are not highlighted on this website. Please schedule a free consultation to discuss what you’re looking for to see if I can meet your needs or provide a referral to another provider.