+ What do you charge for your services?

My fee is $195 per 50 minute session. I accept all major credit cards, HSA and FSA cards, checks, and money orders. My practice is private pay only; I do not accept insurance.

As a service to the community, I am happy to offer free yoga nidra meditation recordings to those who are interested. While there is no substitute for one-on-one personalized counseling with a licensed professional, I hope these meditation offerings can be a beneficial and uplifting self-care option for those experiencing financial hardship. Please reach out if you would like to receive a free audio recording from one of my yoga nidra classes!

+ What is counseling?

Counseling is something I am super passionate about! Practically speaking, counseling is time you set aside each week to meet with a professional and talk about yourself. It’s a special opportunity to process and work through any personal struggles you may be experiencing under the guidance of an experienced professional who is dedicated to helping you.

That being said, counseling isn’t “one size fits all.” It’s a collaboration. I tailor each session to fit your specific needs and goals. I don’t come in with an agenda each week of what I think we should discuss. Instead, I listen deeply to your concerns and begin formulating hypotheses of what I think might be going on below the surface. I provide just enough structure to keep the session flowing, while simultaneously offering all the time and space you need to work through an issue at your own pace.

I also love this definition from Capital Area Counseling which may resonate with you: “Psychotherapy in its broadest definition is about growth. It is about living a life that is most congruent with who you are and participating in the quality of relationships you desire. Psychotherapy can look different for each client. For some it may involve identifying survival techniques developed in one’s childhood that are no longer useful today. For others, psychotherapy might involve developing new patterns to meet current and future challenges.”

+ Is there a difference between counseling, therapy, and psychotherapy?

That's a great question and one I get asked a lot by friends, family, and clients. The answer is no! Sorry for all the confusion out there. The terms ‘counseling’, ‘therapy’, and ‘psychotherapy’ are all different ways of describing basically the same thing. You’ll hear doctors and mental health professionals use these terms interchangeably.

+ How long will I need to be in counseling? Am I going to be in therapy forever?

That's a valid question, and I can totally understand wanting to know how long counseling will take to “work.” The most accurate answer is that it depends. The course of treatment depends on a number of factors, such as the reason you’re seeking help, the severity of your issues, how frequently and consistently you’re able to attend sessions, and your definition of progress. We’ll work together on determining your goals for treatment. I’ll continually check in with you to see how you think things are going and if you believe therapy is helping you reach your goals. We’ll also reevaluate your goals from time to time, as they often shift and evolve during the course of treatment.

+ How is counseling with a therapist different than speaking with a friend?

Although many of us work through our personal struggles by confiding in close friends, there are several reasons why speaking with a therapist has different and possibly more effective outcomes.

Focus & Purpose Counseling sessions serve a specific purpose—to provide a safe environment for you to talk about you. Therapy sessions are typically a one-sided conversation, and as a psychologist I am here to listen, not to go on about myself or tell my own stories. We will focus on the things that are affecting your mental health and your life, and I’ll help you to develop the tools to cope with anxiety, depression, and the stress of everyday life.

Reliability I offer a wide variety of days and times for appointments. You can depend on me to be there during the good and bad times. I won’t bail when things get rough.

Formal Training & Expertise I went to school to learn how to help people like you. My rigorous education allowed me to spend thousands of hours lending a trained ear to people from all walks of life. By sharing my knowledge, I can help you sort out your issues, come up with solutions to problems, and support you on your journey as you learn how to live a happier, more balanced life.

Objectivity As a qualified psychologist in Austin, TX and a neutral party, I can be more objective than a close friend. I can offer an unbiased perspective on situations, relationships, and the people in your life.

Confidentiality Counseling sessions are private and strictly confidential. You don’t have to worry that what you say about someone will get back to them. I take client confidentiality very seriously and am vigilant about protecting my clients’ privacy.