Common Questions
How do I know if we’re a good fit - and what if I decide it’s not for me?
Therapists talk a lot about “fit,” but we don’t always define it. A good fit means you feel reasonably comfortable and understood. I say reasonably because therapy is designed to feel a little uncomfortable — you’re talking about personal things. But you shouldn’t feel like you have to impress, perform insight, or explain yourself perfectly.
After a consultation or a few sessions, you might ask yourself:
• Did I feel heard?
• Did I feel respected?
• Could I imagine talking to her about hard things?
It doesn’t need to feel perfect. Just steady, safe, and workable. And if at any point it doesn’t feel like the right fit or the right time, that’s completely okay.
Therapy works best when you want to be there, not when you feel obligated. You don’t owe me progress or permanence. The work only makes sense if it serves you. If needed, I’m always happy to help you think through next steps or offer referrals.
This sounds like deep work. What if I’m not ready to dive into my past?
That makes sense — especially if you’ve spent years holding things together.
Depth doesn’t mean we immediately dissect your childhood. In fact, most of my clients—especially those used to being in their heads—start by talking about current stressors: work, relationships, daily overwhelm. As we explore these things together, the underlying patterns naturally begin to emerge. We follow your lead.
We only move into the past when it feels relevant and when you feel ready. The work should feel connected and useful, not invasive or rushed. You don’t have to collapse to deserve depth. We build it gradually, as you’re living your live.
I’ve never done therapy before. What actually happens in the first session?
A lot of my clients are first-timers, often people who have handled things on their own for most of their lives. Before your first session, we’ll have had a consult and you’ll complete some paperwork. In session, we’ll review logistics, clarify goals, and talk more about what’s bringing you in.
There’s no pressure to “get it right” or to dive into the heaviest parts of your story immediately. The first session is about building footing and getting oriented. There’s no right or wrong way to start. I’m happy to take the lead or simply give you space.
What if I get upset or emotional?
Many of my clients are masters at keeping emotions contained. Sometimes that means tears come quickly as a much needed release. Sometimes that means they don’t come for a long time. Both are completely normal.
There’s no expectation that you access big feelings immediately. There’s also no need to apologize if they show up. Therapy is one of the few spaces where you don’t have to be the regulated one. My role is to help you stay grounded enough to feel what’s there without becoming overwhelmed.
How long will I be in therapy?
It depends on your goals and what you’re wanting to shift. Some clients come in to navigate a specific need and step back within 6–12 months. Others realize they’ve spent years operating on autopilot and want the time to untangle deeper patterns around self-worth, attachment, or burnout.
If you’ve learned to function well but feel disconnected or unfulfilled, that kind of work tends to be gradual and meaningful rather than quick and surface-level. We’ll revisit your goals along the way so therapy feels intentional, however long you decide to stay.
How often would we meet?
Therapy most commonly begins on a weekly basis, and that’s what I recommend to start. Meeting weekly gives us enough consistency to build trust, establish momentum, and get rolling toward your goals. Especially early on, we’re getting to know each other. And like any relationship, comfort together requires time and repetition. Weekly sessions help keep the work present in your life and make it easier to notice and process what’s coming up between sessions.
Over time, many clients choose to shift to every-other-week once they feel more grounded or have made meaningful progress. Others prefer to continue meeting weekly long-term. Occasionally, clients increase frequency during particularly stressful periods. There’s no one right pace. We’ll talk about what makes sense for you based on your goals, schedule, and resources.
What if I don’t know what to talk about?
That’s ok! I talk for a living and have never wasted a session to a client not knowing where to start. It’s really common for folks who are used to thinking rather than feeling to experience a sense of pressure to fill the space. But the reality is, sometimes you sit down and your mind goes blank.
Those moments often lead to some of the most meaningful work. When you aren’t as focused on the day to day stuff that often fills sessions, you end up more focused on the bigger topics. Often the topics that really brought you into therapy to start.
Why don’t you take more types of insurance?
I’ve chosen to work primarily as a private pay practice so I can provide care without the restrictions insurance companies often create.
Insurance requires a mental health diagnosis, can limit the type or length of individual sessions or treatment overall, and can influence how frequently we meet. Working privately allows us to focus fully on your goals without having to justify your care to a third party.
Private pay also offers continuity. Changes in employment, insurance plans, or deductibles can interrupt therapy. Without those variables, our work can remain steady and consistent.
If you have out-of-network benefits, I’m happy to provide Superbills so you can seek reimbursement directly from your insurance company. Many plans reimburse 40%, 50%, or more.
How do I start? Reaching out feels overwhelming.
Looking for a therapist can feel like one more thing on an already full plate, especially if you’re someone who manages a lot in life.
So it can help to keep things simple:
Send a short email to a few therapists. Schedule a couple consults. Notice how you feel afterward.
There’s no rush. And you don’t have to find the “perfect” therapist immediately.
If all you have in you is to reach out to one person and get started — that’s enough. You can always adjust later.
