FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is EMDR & Religious Trauma Therapy?
EMDR is a therapeutic method that creates a feeling of safety when revisiting negative experiences or traumatic events. It is used to guide clients out of unhelpful thought patterns and toward resilience.
What if I’ve tried therapy before and it didn’t help?
Not every therapy experience is the right fit, and that doesn’t mean therapy can’t be helpful for you. Sometimes a different therapist, approach, or pace can make a meaningful difference in the healing process.
What if I’ve tried therapy before and it didn’t help?
Not every therapy experience is the right fit, and that doesn’t mean therapy can’t be helpful for you. Sometimes a different therapist, approach, or pace can make a meaningful difference in the healing process.
How often do I need to go to therapy to start feeling better?
There is not a one-size-fits all prescription to answer this question- it really does depend on your individual needs and goals. In general, I highly recommend that we start with weekly sessions, especially in the beginning, to solidify trust and fit. Once we get into a good routine, we can feel out what is going to help you start feeling better sooner.
What if talking about my past feels overwhelming?
You are never required to share more than you feel ready for, and we don't actually have to talk the entire time! Therapy moves at a pace that feels safe and supportive for you, and we can use other nonverbal methods for processing feelings and thoughts as well (such as art, EMDR, play, sandtray, dance, etc). Often we begin by building tools for stability and understanding before exploring painful experiences, and the bottom line is you remain in control of what we talk about and when.
What if I don’t know what to talk about?
That’s completely okay. Many people start therapy unsure of where to begin. You don’t need to have the “right words” or a clear plan. We’ll simply start with whatever feels most present for you, and the interventions will unfold from there.
What if I’m worried my problems aren’t “serious enough” for therapy?
You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Many people come simply because they feel overwhelmed, stuck, or want to understand themselves better. If something is affecting your well-being, it’s worth exploring.
How can therapy help?
Therapy offers a supportive space to explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences without judgment. Together, we work to understand patterns, process difficult experiences, and develop tools that support healing, clarity, and meaningful change in your life.
How long will I need to participate in therapy before I feel better?
Everyone’s healing process is unique. Some people begin to notice relief within a few sessions, while deeper patterns and past experiences may take longer to process. We’ll regularly check in about your goals and adjust our work together at a pace that feels supportive and sustainable.
What can I expect to happen in a therapy session?
Sessions are collaborative and guided by what feels most important for you to explore. We may talk through current challenges, process past experiences, build coping strategies, or use therapeutic approaches such as EMDR or adjunctive techniques to support healing and insight.
May I include family members in my therapy sessions?
My practice focuses on individual therapy, and I am not currently offering couples therapy. However, in some situations we may invite a family member to join a session if it would support the client’s healing or enhance the therapy process.
How much do you charge?
Individual therapy sessions are $175 per session.
Family sessions are $200 per session.
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Payment is due 48 hours prior to appointment. If you have questions about fees or scheduling, we can discuss those during your initial consultation.
Do you offer a sliding scale?
I understand that for some individuals who are facing financial strain, it can feel overwhelming to commit to an out of pocket rate for ongoing therapy. In an effort to make therapy accessible to clients in need, I offer a limited number of spots using a tiered rating scale. What this means, is that for some clients who self-qualify, there are three rates available to that the client may choose from. Financial need will be evaluated every six months to determine if the client is able to adjust up one tier or to the full fee. If the client is unable to adjust, we can review client goals and the sustainability of practice to determine if current rate is still manageable for all involved. This tiered rate is not based on income; it is an honor system with the understanding of temporary support.
What are your payment options?
I operate as a private pay practice, which means I don't accept insurance. In some cases, payments may be submitted to your insurance company for out-of-network reimbursement directly to you. Payment can be made via credit card or other secure methods. There are financing options for EMDR intensive packages. This approach allows us to focus entirely on your healing without insurance constraints, such as time restrictions, diagnosis requirements, and modality approval. In the event of cancellation, partial refund (service - late cancellation fee) will be granted.
Do you offer virtual therapy sessions?
Yes, I provide telehealth sessions for clients in Illinois and Missouri. This allows you to access therapy from the comfort of your home.
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EMDR intensives are not currently offered online.
Who do you typically work with?
I work with a variety of individuals, any gender, ranging in ages from 8 years old to 55. My speciality is working with women dealing with CPTSD, religious trauma and anxiety, and particularly those navigating generational challenges, deconstructing patterns of shame and seeking to heal their inner child. I am also skilled at working with LGBTQIA+, neurodivergence, teens and children as well.
What therapy methods do you use?
I integrate a variety of therapeutic methods tailored to your needs, including EMDR, CBT, inner-child work, sandtray, archetypal imagery, and motivational interviewing. Together, we'll find what works best for you.
Do you do tarot readings?
I utilize tarot cards within my clinical practice when it is indicated, but I am not predicting your future or "fortune telling." In clinical practice, tarot is used as a projection tool, similar to the Rorschach Tests (inkblot tests). What separates the use of tarot and oracle cards in the therapy room from a psychic reader is that the cards are used as a tool to uncover what is within your subconscious. I may ask questions to help guide you to more clarity, but you are encouraged to engage with the cards using your intuition to assign meaning, while recognizing that your future is determined by free will. With any therapeutic intervention, it is important to know that there are indications and contraindications which need to be assessed.
What can I expect during my first therapy session?
During your first session, we'll focus on getting to know each other. I'll ask you about your goals, concerns, and what brought you to therapy. It's a safe space to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable.