Frequently asked questions

Therapy can be incredibly valuable during times of crisis, helping you stabilize and navigate overwhelming emotions when life feels like it’s on fire. At the same time, research consistently shows that the most lasting change happens when you learn new skills and strengthen coping tools while you’re in a more regulated state. These skills are easier to practice, retain, and apply before the next challenge arises. If you come to therapy in crisis, our first priority will be helping you regain stability and safety. Once the immediate crisis has passed, we’ll work together to build practical skills and resilience that can help reduce the likelihood and intensity of future crises.

Absolutely not. Seeking therapy is a sign of strength, not weakness. It takes courage to ask for help, face difficult emotions, and commit to personal growth.

Therapy is an investment in yourself; a space to build insight, resilience, and the skills needed to create meaningful, lasting change. Choosing to prioritize your mental health is one of the strongest steps you can take.

That’s completely okay. Therapy isn’t about pushing you before you’re ready; it’s about meeting you where you are.

We can begin with simply talking and making sense of your experiences. If and when you’re ready, we’ll introduce practical tools at a pace that feels manageable. Sometimes that means practicing skills together during our sessions before trying them in your daily life.

The tools I use are meant to make life feel more manageable, not add another item to your to-do list. If something feels overwhelming, we’ll talk about it, adjust our approach, and find what works best for you.

The goal isn’t to rush change; it’s to help you build lasting skills that feel natural, accessible, and sustainable so you can continue to support your mental health long after therapy ends.

It’s natural to want clear answers when you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck. While I won’t tell you what decisions to make, I will help you better understand yourself, identify patterns, and develop practical skills to navigate life’s challenges with confidence.

Therapy is a collaborative process. Together, we’ll explore what matters most to you, practice evidence-based strategies, and work toward meaningful, lasting change. My goal is to empower you with the insight and tools to make decisions that align with your values—not just solve today’s problem, but help you navigate future challenges with greater resilience.

Choosing a therapist is an important decision. A consultation gives you the opportunity to get to know me, learn about my therapeutic approach, and ask any questions before beginning therapy. My goal is to help you feel comfortable, informed, and empowered in your decision. If I believe your needs would be better supported by another provider, I’ll be honest and help connect you with appropriate resources.

Your privacy is a top priority. All communication and client records are maintained in compliance with HIPAA regulations, and I take every precaution to keep your information secure and confidential.

If we happen to see each other in public, I will not initiate contact or acknowledge you unless you choose to approach me. This helps protect your privacy and maintain the confidentiality of our therapeutic relationship.

I offer both in-person and secure virtual therapy sessions. Both options are available for most clients, provided they align with your treatment goals. During your complimentary 15-minute consultation, we can discuss which format is the best fit for your needs.

I am licensed to provide therapy in North Carolina and hold a Telehealth license in South Carolina. At this time, I can only provide services to clients who are physically located in North Carolina or South Carolina during their therapy sessions. If you’re located in another state, I’m unable to provide therapy but would be happy to help you find appropriate resources.

The length of therapy varies based on your unique goals, needs, and commitment to the process. During our first session, we’ll discuss your concerns and work together to create a personalized treatment plan that best supports your growth.

Your first session is a 60-minute intake appointment focused on understanding your concerns, personal history, and goals for therapy. Together, we’ll discuss what brings you to therapy and create a personalized treatment plan that supports your unique needs.

After the initial 60-minute intake, ongoing individual therapy sessions are 50 minutes long.

Your appointment time is reserved exclusively for you. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please provide at least 24 hours’ notice so I can offer that time to another client. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice, as well as missed appointments (no-shows), will be charged the full session fee.

Email is the best way to reach me for scheduling or non-urgent questions. Once you submit an inquiry form, I’ll provide my email address. I typically respond within 24-48 business hours.

Please note that email is not appropriate for emergencies or crises. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need immediate support, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

I am an out-of-network provider, which means payment is due at the time of service. If your insurance plan offers out-of-network mental health benefits, I can provide a Superbill for you to submit for possible reimbursement. I recommend contacting your insurance provider to understand your out-of-network deductible and coverage before starting therapy.

My current fees are listed on the Pricing page. If you have any questions about rates or payment, I’m happy to discuss them with you.

Yes. I offer a limited number of sliding scale appointments for clients with financial need. Availability is limited, so please reach out to discuss whether a reduced fee may be an option.

I use the Gottman Method as the foundation for couples therapy. We begin with a comprehensive assessment to gain a deep understanding of your relationship, your concerns, and your goals.

Our process includes:

• A 90-minute joint intake session to explore your relationship history and current challenges.
• Individual questionnaires for each partner to identify strengths and areas for growth.
• A 45-minute individual session with each partner to better understand personal experiences, family history, and each person’s perspective.
• A 90-minute feedback and treatment planning session where we’ll review key themes, identify relationship patterns, and develop a collaborative plan for therapy.

After the assessment, ongoing sessions are 90 minutes and focus on your most pressing concerns while integrating evidence-based Gottman tools and interventions to strengthen communication, deepen connection, and create lasting change.

This is a common concern. My approach to couples therapy is grounded in a no-secrets policy. Individual sessions are designed to better understand each partner’s perspective, personal history, and relationship experiences—not to keep information from the other partner.

If something important arises that hasn’t yet been shared, we’ll work together on how to bring it into a joint session in a way that supports honesty, safety, and the therapeutic process.

Every relationship is different, so there isn’t a set timeline. My goal is not to keep you in therapy indefinitely, but to help you build the skills and confidence to navigate challenges on your own. Your commitment to the process plays a significant role in how quickly you progress.

Together, we’ll learn practical tools, practice them in session, apply them in your daily life, and gradually work toward the point where therapy is no longer needed. For most couples, meaningful change takes 6 months to 2 years, depending on the concerns you’re addressing and your goals.

For couples therapy to be effective and emotionally safe, both partners need to be able to fully engage in the process. There are three situations in which I do not begin couples therapy:

• Ongoing domestic violence or abuse (physical, sexual, or psychological): Safety is the priority. I recommend individual therapy with a provider experienced in domestic violence to help establish safety and support.
• Active substance abuse or dependence: When one or both partners are actively struggling with substance use, it can interfere with communication, emotional regulation, and the therapeutic process. I recommend addressing substance-related concerns in individual treatment before beginning couples therapy.
• An ongoing affair: Couples therapy is most effective when both partners are committed to the relationship. If an affair is currently ongoing, the continued betrayal can make the therapy process emotionally unsafe. If the affair has ended and both partners are committed to repairing the relationship, couples therapy can be an appropriate next step.

If you’re unsure whether couples therapy is the right fit for your situation, we can discuss your concerns during a consultation and determine the most appropriate path forward.