Frequently Asked Questions
Where is your office located?
We’ll work together online, so my office comes to wherever you are – as long as you are physically located in one of these states: Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia, or Iowa.
We will meet on a HIPAA-compliant, encrypted videoconferencing platform from the comfort of your home or office.
What are your hours?
How long are sessions?
A typical session is 53-60 minutes. If we need more time for EMDR or some deeper work, we might agree to schedule an appointment for 80-90 minutes.
If you’re ready to dive deeper, I also offer intensives. These are longer sessions, typically about three hours. These are helpful when you find that weekly, hour-long sessions aren’t enough… or you’re really busy and have difficulty scheduling weekly sessions.
How much do you charge?
A 53-60 minute individual session is $195.
Credit card information is requested at the time of the initial session through a HIPAA-compliant app, which is kept on file for future appointments.
If you are interested in an intensive, we will build a schedule that works for both of us and discuss fees at that time.
Do you take insurance?
I do not accept insurance to protect my client’s privacy and to maintain full control over our work together.
You may be able to seek out-of-network reimbursement from your insurance companies for some or all of the fees. Upon request, I will provide the paperwork you can submit for reimbursement.
You may want to contact your insurance company to verify your benefits. Following are some of the questions you can ask:
- Does my policy include mental health coverage?
- Does my policy include out-of-network benefits?
- How much is my deductible, and how much has been met?
- What is the coinsurance percentage?
- Is telehealth allowed for this policy?
How do I set an initial appointment?
Easy – just email or call me, and we’ll schedule a free 20-minute consultation call.
If we both think we are a good fit, we’ll schedule your first appointment at that time.
What is your cancellation policy?
With whom do you work?
Does online therapy work?
Great question! Before I started working with clients online, I was concerned about that, too.
I’ve discovered that it not only works, but many people prefer it to in-person therapy because they’re in their own space and they don’t have to hassle with traffic or a commute.
What is required for me to participate in online therapy?
You’ll need a computer, tablet, or phone with adequate internet speed. If you can stream Netflix, your internet is good enough.
You also need a private place to meet where there are no other humans who can hear our conversation. Feel free to have your cat, dog, rabbit, or pet present as long as they are not disrupting our work.
What is your professional training and experience?
I earned my Master of Social Work from Florida Atlantic University.
Early in my career, I worked in a couple of substance treatment centers before going into private practice.
A perpetual student, I am trained in EMDR, hypnotherapy, and psychodrama. I’ve also taken numerous continuing education courses and read a lot of books that inform my practice.
One tool doesn’t fit all people or situations, so I’ve filled my toolbox with an eclectic collection of possibilities!
Is what I tell you confidential?
In most cases, yes, but there are a few exceptions.
I am required by law to act if you give me an indication that you are at risk of hurting yourself or someone else, report child abuse or vulnerable adult abuse, or if I receive a court order signed by a judge.
In certain situations, we may agree that it is in your best interest for me to speak with someone about your treatment. In that case, I’ll ask you to sign a Consent for Release of Information form before communicating with that person.
I am so serious about protecting your privacy that if I happen to see you somewhere in public, I’ll pretend not to know you. You’re welcome to say hello to me, but I won’t initiate that communication.
What can I expect at my first appointment?
Our first sessions are our opportunity to get to know each other. We’ll talk about what’s happening for you now, what your past has been like, and where you’d like to go in therapy.
I always have lots of questions, but I start wherever you want to start. Often, we’ll begin with the concern that brought you to therapy and work out from there.
Do you like pets?
I have a hard time imagining my home without a fur baby or two.
Growing up, my favorite aunt was on the board of the local animal shelter. She had dogs and cats, so I grew to love both.
In my childhood home, my father rescued a baby barred owl that had fallen out of its nest into flood waters below. It couldn’t survive in the wild because it hadn’t gotten the skills from its mom.
We kept “Owl” (creative name, right?) through much of my childhood. Currently, I am the human servant for a cat named Maggie and two rabbits named Bodhi and Sophie. Here’s a picture of my rescues!
Beach or mountains?
Mountains! I moved from South Florida to my cabin in the woods in the mountains of Western North Carolina several years ago.
The first time I visited as an adult, I knew I wanted to be here. I love the wildlife and foliage and spend as much time as I can out in the woods hiking. The deer napping at the end of my driveway bring me so much joy!
I still have pictures of gorgeous sunrises and other beautiful experiences from Florida, but I’d much rather be muddy than sandy!
What is a labyrinth?
The labyrinth is an ancient spiritual tool that’s walked by millions of people of all cultures and traditions to quiet the mind. It’s not a maze; it has no wrong turns or dead ends. Rather than a puzzle to be solved, it’s a walking prayer or meditation.
I love them so much that they call me “the Labyrinth Lady.”