Getting Started

 

What happens in the first session?

The first session is really a conversation — not an evaluation. We'll talk about what's bringing you in, what you've been carrying, and what you're hoping for. I'll ask some questions to better understand your history and your goals, but there's no pressure to share more than you're ready to. By the end, we'll have a sense of whether working together feels right, and if so, what a path forward might look like.

 

How do I know if you're the right therapist for me?

The research is clear: the quality of the relationship between therapist and client is one of the most important factors in successful therapy. That's why I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation before we meet. It gives us both a chance to get a feel for each other — no obligation, no pressure. If after our first session it doesn't feel like a good fit, I'll help you find someone who is. Your healing matters more than my caseload.

 

What if I'm not sure I'm ready for therapy?

That uncertainty is completely normal — and frankly, it's one of the most common things people feel when they first reach out. You don't have to have it all figured out to begin. Therapy isn't something that happens to you; it's something we do together, at a pace that works for you. The free consultation is a low-stakes way to dip your toe in the water without any commitment.

 

Do you offer telehealth, in-person sessions, or both?

Generally in-person sessions are preferable and my office is located at 403 W Cherry Lane, Meridian, ID 83642. In some case, however, I offer telehealth sessions. We can discuss the pros and cons of telehealth and decide together if that would serve you best. Telehealth sessions are conducted through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform.

 

What are your hours?

My business hours are Monday through Thursday. I offer appointments at 10 AM, 11 AM, noon, 3 PM, and 4 PM. 

 

Fees & Insurance

 

Do you accept insurance?

Yes. I accept:

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Blue Cross of Idaho

Anthem Blue Cross

St. Luke's

Intermountain Co-Op

Select Health

Pacific Source

 

I am also a clinical associate with The Headstrong Project which provides therapy for Veterans who want trauma-focused therapy. If you are such a Veteran, please call and we can discuss this program and whether they may be able to fund your therapy. Here is a link to their website: The Headstrong Project

 

What is your session fee?

Individual sessions are $185 and couples sessions are $200. I believe the investment in your mental health is one of the most meaningful ones you can make — and I also know that cost is a real consideration for many people.

 

Do you offer a sliding scale?

I have a limited number of reduced-fee spots available for clients who are uninsured or underinsured. Please feel free to bring this up during our consultation.

 

What is your cancellation policy?

I ask for at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice may be subject to a cancellation fee. I understand that life happens — please just communicate with me and we'll work it out.

 

The Therapy Process

 

How long are sessions and how often will we meet?

Standard sessions are 50 minutes. Most clients begin with weekly sessions, which allows us to build momentum and maintain continuity. As you progress, we may shift to every other week or monthly check-ins. The frequency is always something we decide together based on what's serving you best.

 

How long will therapy take?

That depends on what you're working on and what you want from therapy. Some people find significant relief in a focused 12-16 week course of treatment (which is typical for Cognitive Processing Therapy, for example). Others work with me over a longer period on deeper patterns or ongoing life challenges. I don't believe in keeping people in therapy longer than is useful — my goal is for you to need me less over time, not more.

 

Do you give homework or assignments between sessions?

Sometimes, yes — but nothing arbitrary. Certain approaches like CPT and EMDR include structured practice between sessions that are an important part of how they work. For other approaches, I might suggest journaling, a mindfulness practice, or something to try in your relationship. Everything is offered as an invitation, not a requirement, and we'll always debrief what came up.

 

What if I don't feel like therapy is working?

Please tell me. Honestly. Some of the most productive moments in therapy come from having that direct conversation. Sometimes we need to adjust the approach. Sometimes the pacing needs to change. And sometimes — though it's rare — another therapist or modality might serve you better. I'd rather you tell me something isn't working than quietly drop off and give up on the process altogether.

 

Privacy & Confidentiality

 

Is what I share in sessions confidential?

Yes. Everything you share in therapy is protected by confidentiality, and I take that seriously. I will not share your information without your written permission. There are a small number of legal exceptions to this — and I'll explain all of them clearly in our first session so there are no surprises.

For veterans: I understand that confidentiality concerns are real and legitimate. Many veterans worry about how mental health treatment might affect their career, security clearance, or standing. I'm happy to talk through these concerns openly and honestly before we begin.

 

When are you required to break confidentiality?

Therapists are legally required to break confidentiality in a few specific situations: if there is imminent risk of serious harm to yourself or someone else; if there is suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elder, or dependent adult; or if a court orders the release of records. These situations are rare. I'll walk through all of this with you in our first session.

 

Is telehealth secure and private?

Yes. I use a HIPAA-compliant video platform for all telehealth sessions. Your sessions are not recorded. For your part, I simply ask that you find a private, quiet space where you can speak freely — whether that's your car, a private room, or wearing headphones.

 

Specialties & Approaches

 

What is EMDR and what does a session look like?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It's an evidence-based therapy developed specifically for trauma and PTSD — and it has decades of research supporting its effectiveness, including with combat veterans.

EMDR works by helping your brain process traumatic memories that have gotten 'stuck' — memories that still feel present, vivid, and threatening even though they happened in the past. Using bilateral stimulation (typically guided eye movements, or tapping), we help your nervous system reprocess those memories so they lose their charge. You don't have to talk about the trauma in detail for EMDR to work. Many people find that remarkable.

A full EMDR course of treatment typically involves preparation work, processing sessions, and closure — all at a pace we control together.

 

Do you work with active-duty military as well as veterans?

Yes. I have extensive experience working with both active-duty service members and veterans across all branches of service. I understand military culture — the identity, the code, the specific challenges that come with service — and I bring that understanding into the room. You won't need to explain that world to me.

 

Do you treat substance abuse alongside trauma?

Yes. Trauma and substance use are deeply connected — far more often than not, one is an attempt to cope with the other. I take an integrated approach rather than treating them as separate problems. We work on both together, in a way that is honest, non-shaming, and grounded in understanding what the substance use has been doing for you.

 

What is Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy?

IFS is a powerful therapeutic model developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz. It's based on the idea that the mind is naturally made up of multiple 'parts' — inner voices, feelings, and patterns — and that difficult emotions or behaviors are really just parts of us trying to protect us in the only way they know how.

Rather than fighting your inner critic, your anxiety, or your shame, IFS helps you develop a compassionate relationship with those parts — so they no longer have to work so hard. At the core of IFS is the belief that every person has a Self that is inherently wise, calm, and capable of healing. I've found this model to be remarkably effective with trauma survivors, veterans, and couples alike.

 

How does couples therapy work? Do you see both partners?

Yes — I work with both partners together in couples sessions. I use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and IFS principles to help couples understand the patterns they've gotten stuck in, and to find their way back to genuine connection.

Couples therapy doesn't mean one person is the problem. It means the relationship has gotten into a painful pattern, and both people deserve support in finding their way out of it. I maintain equal regard for both partners throughout our work.

 

Still have questions?

I'd love to hear from you. The best way to get a feel for whether working together makes sense is simply to talk. Call or text me at 208.768.4779, or use the button below to schedule your free 15-minute phone consultation.

There's no obligation — just a conversation.