FAQs

I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?

Not at all!

Everyone needs help now and then.

The fact that you’ve been handling things on your own for so long, shows your resilience and ability to tackle some very difficult challenges. When you ask for help, you are stepping out with a tremendous amount of courage to finally give yourself permission to go deeper and do the work you’re ready to do to become the person you want to be with the help of a guide by your side.

You already have strengths within you, that for whatever reason, may not be working right now. Perhaps this problem feels overwhelming and is making it difficult to access your past strengths. In our work together, I’ll help you identify what those strengths are and how to implement them again in what is happening now.

Wouldn’t it be easier to just talk to my friends and family about my struggles?

Family and friends are often wonderful and invaluable supports when going through tough times. There are times, however, when they may not provide the full support you need for growth and healing.

A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you find your authentic voice.

Therapy is also confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Your situation might provoke a great deal of negative emotion, and if you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.

A mental health professional can help you assess how much or how little you want to share about your healing journey with loved ones in a way that feels safe and in line with your needs.

Won’t medication be enough?

Medication can be a powerful and effective tool for managing challenging symptoms that may get in the way of being your best self. Medications in conjunction with therapy and other supportive strategies may offer a host of resources to help you get closer to your goals.

Our work together is designed to explore the root of the issue, dig deep, and teach strategies that can help you accomplish your personal and/or relational goals.

I believe in whole-person healing, so there may be a variety of tools you might decide to use that are safe and beneficial for you.

How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?

Because each person has different needs and goals for therapy, I tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific needs. Your therapy experience is a collaborative one where together we will work on ways to get you closer to your goals.

Therapy is a space where you can discuss your current circumstances, worries, thoughts, feelings or behaviors that are getting in the way, and I will offer feedback, resources, or strategies to help you get closer to living the life you want.

I will listen to you without criticism or judgement, jot down a few notes to keep your goals at the center of our work, and encourage you to speak openly and freely without fear or shame.

In the first session, I go into more detail about what to expect from therapy, discuss paperwork/forms, and take some time to get to know each other and learn what has led you to begin therapy. We will also discuss your goals for our work together, and provide you with an opportunity to ask me any questions you may have about the therapy process or what it’s like working with me.

In between sessions, I may encourage you to practice skills to promote your growth, change, or recovery such as: releasing anger in healthy ways; using new strategies to address your child’s challenging behaviors; keeping a journal; practicing mindful strategies; using an App or tracker to keep up with your moods; or doing an activity that brings you joy, pleasure, or renewal.

How long will it take to see progress?

Everyone’s circumstances are unique, and the length of time therapy can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek therapy. I love helping clients on their healing journey! I have been humbled and honored to support clients in various stages of healing.

Maybe you just want a few sessions to help you sort out a few things, get the validation you need, and get a jump start on a change path you are ready to take. Perhaps you want to work together over the long term to address deep emotional pain that you are now ready to tend to. Or, maybe your needs fall somewhere in between. I would enjoy working with you on your healing journey in the time frame that makes the most sense for the goals you wish to achieve by doing this work.

I want you to feel confident about entering or leaving therapy freely, without guilt, shame, or hurt feelings. I respect, value, and encourage you to engage in as much or as little therapy as needed in a way that fits your life. It is okay to say you want to end our work together, and in fact, there is great therapeutic value in practicing healthy ways to amicably end relationships when it has served its purpose.

I’m ready to find out more about how you can help me. What is the next step?

I’m excited to hear you are thinking more deeply about the life you wish to lead. If you are a woman living in North Carolina or Virginia, I invite you to schedule an appointment or contact me and we can talk about what you’re looking for, answer questions you may have, and set up an intake appointment if you’re ready.