Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect during my first session?
During your first session, we’ll discuss your current challenges, goals for therapy, and any specific concerns you have. This initial meeting is a chance for us to get to know each other and establish a plan moving forward. Expect a supportive, non-judgmental space where your experiences are validated.
Where is your practice located?
My primary location is Iowa. However, since all sessions are conducted virtually, I can see clients from all over Iowa!
What if I’m unsure if therapy is right for me?
If you’re unsure whether therapy is the right choice, schedule a free 15-minute consultation. This allows you to discuss your concerns and learn how therapy can address your needs, providing a no-obligation way to explore our potential fit.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes, I accept the following insurance plans:
AmeriHealth
Blue Cross
Blue Shield
BlueCross and BlueShield
Iowa Total Care
Medicaid
Wellmark BCBS
Please note that sessions are available online only, and you should verify coverage details with your insurance provider.
What if my insurance is not listed?
If your insurance plan is not listed, I offer self-pay options. The Initial Assessment & Consultation (55 minutes) is $205, and therapy sessions after the initial assessment (55 minutes) are $180. Contact me directly to discuss payment arrangements and how we can work together to meet your needs.
How do I schedule my first appointment?
To schedule your first appointment, simply click on this [LINK] to book your free 15-minute consultation. I begin with a consultation to ensure that I'm the right fit for your needs and to address any questions you may have. After our conversation, we’ll select a recurring time slot that works best for your schedule. This way, you can enjoy the consistency of therapy at the same day and time each week, which many clients love!
How can therapy with trauma and anxiety?
Therapy offers a safe space to explore and process trauma and anxiety. Techniques like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and cognitive-behavioral strategies help uncover the root causes of distress, develop coping mechanisms, and reduce symptoms.
EMDR is a powerful method that enables you to process stressful events and negative self-beliefs. Many clients find it transformative, often resolving long-standing anxieties in a short time. This technique uses gentle eye movements to promote relaxation, allowing your brain to process information similarly to how it does during REM sleep.
Will trauma therapy require me to relive my past experiences?
Absolutely not! Therapy is a safe space where you can share what’s bothering you without going into details you’re not ready to discuss. The best trauma therapy techniques allow you to process and heal from the effects of what happened without forcing you to relive it.
For some, this may involve observing the past while being grounded in the present; for others, it may mean processing in ways that don’t require thinking about past events at all. Trauma-informed therapy honors your readiness to share—whether you want to discuss everything, some parts, or nothing at all.
If you feel ready to explore the past, I will ensure we do so in a healing and safe manner, never forcing you to re-experience painful moments. If you're not ready, that’s perfectly fine! There are numerous techniques to help your brain heal while ensuring that painful memories don’t resurface until you’re ready to address them. I’ll be with you every step of the way to ensure you feel safe.
How often do I need to be seen?
The frequency of sessions varies based on your circumstances, the severity of your symptoms, and the level of support you need or want. Clients typically start with weekly sessions at the beginning of their therapy journey and may transition to every two weeks or monthly as they achieve their goals. Occasionally, some clients may benefit from twice-weekly sessions for a short period, and I am happy to accommodate the frequency that works best for you.
How long does therapy last?
The duration of therapy varies widely. Some individuals find they have what they need in just 4-6 sessions, while others may choose to stay in therapy for years. Many clients experience positive effects early on—sometimes even in their first session—but may continue to explore their healing journey.
The length of therapy depends on your personal goals, specific mental health needs, life stressors, and response to treatment. For example, someone seeking to overcome a fear of public speaking might only need a few sessions, while someone processing complex childhood trauma may benefit from 1-2 years of therapy.
It's also common to graduate from therapy when your needs are met and return later if new issues arise. Healing is a lifelong process, and many, including myself, seek therapy consistently during certain seasons while enjoying breaks during others.
Do you prescribe medication?
As a therapist, I do not prescribe medication. However, I can assist clients by providing referrals to quality medical providers and offering assessments that your provider may consider in their decision-making process. If you'd like me to share information with your medical provider, we can arrange this through a signed Release of Information.