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FAQs
You Ask - I Answer
WHAT IS YOUR TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND?
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Undergraduate: Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Kansas State University
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Graduate: PhD in Counseling Psychology, University of Louisville
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Practicum Experiences: Community Mental Health, College Counseling Center, ​​Acute Psychiatric Inpatient
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APA Predoctoral Internship: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Counseling and Psychological Services center
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Postdoctoral Fellowship: Cambridge Eating Disorder Center, Residential level of care
IS THERAPY RIGHT FOR ME?
Research shows that any therapy is better than no therapy. Basically, if you want to make personal changes toward a better life, then step right up. Research shows that the best way to benefit from therapy is to find a therapist you believe you can connect to and be open with.
If you're unsure, it's typically better to try it out knowing you can stop sessions at any time.
WHAT TYPE OF METHOD OR APPROACH DO YOU USE?
Overall, I use a combination of insight-oriented therapy (psychodynamic) combined with skills-based work (CBT and DBT). The majority of clients have found great benefit simply from talking through their struggles and having a person to listen and understand. I do try to add education about coping skills when appropriate.
I use evidence based treatment and adjust the therapy method according to what works best. For example, I use Prolonged Exposure therapy with PTSD and Exposure Response Prevention with OCD. Contact me today if you have questions about more specifics.
DO YOU OFFER VIRTUAL SESSIONS?
Yes, I exclusively offer virtual sessions.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT OUR FIRST MEETING?
Once we schedule an intake session, I'll ask you to bring the completed intake forms and your insurance card to our appointment. This session is mainly spent getting to know one another and getting information about what brings you to therapy and any potential goals. At the end of the session, I'll give you an overview of my thoughts and how I foresee working together. We can then reappoint for the following week, giving you time to get a feel for the sessions and decide if we are a good fit.
HOW LONG DOES THERAPY LAST?
All clients start with 45-50 minute sessions once per week. Though most continue with this schedule, some increase to twice per week and others taper down to every other week, as appropriate. The course of therapy lasts anywhere from 3 months to several years, depending on your goal. As long as you are wanting to improve areas of your life, therapy can continue. I only provide voluntary treatment and you can stop attending at any time.
IS WHAT WE TALK ABOUT CONFIDENTIAL?
Yes, by and large, what we discuss is confidential. No information is disclosed without your prior authorization. The main exceptions are if there is suspected abuse a child, elder, or disabled adult or threat to harm yourself or someone else.
ARE YOU LGBTQ FRIENDLY?
You bet! My therapy office is a safe space for all sexes, genders, cultures, and identities, including people who are exploring or questioning. I personally identify as a straight, white, cis-female, which may be of note if you are seeking a therapist who identifies similarly to yourself.
I DON'T HAVE BCBS INSURANCE. CAN WE STILL WORK TOGETHER?
I am fully credentialed with BCBS but also accept all forms of self-payment and PPO/out-of-network insurance (ask me or contact your agency if you're unsure about your plan).
CAN YOU PRESCRIBE MEDICATION?
While I support the use of medication, as appropriate, I cannot prescribe this myself. As a clinical psychologist, I am licensed to practice psychotherapy, or what some consider traditional "talk therapy." Psychologists are not able to prescribe medications in either of my practice locations, but psychiatrists are. Please consult with a local psychiatrist, nurse practitioner, or your primary care physician if you are interested in medications.
HOW DO I CANCEL OR RESCHEDULE A SESSION?
If something comes up, simply contact me via phone or email 24 hours before the scheduled appointment. Life happens! There are times that unforeseen events come up and you will need to reschedule a session. I ask that you contact me via phone or email as soon as possible and we will find an alternative time to meet.
WHAT IF I NEED HELP BETWEEN APPOINTMENTS?
Though I specialize in DBT, I am not a DBT coach - I do not provide phone, text, or email coaching between sessions. In case of emergency, I urge you to contact 911 or visit your nearest emergency department.
WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?
Short answer: Boston, Massachusetts USA and Amsterdam, Netherlands
Long answer: I lived and built my practice in Boston, MA for eight years starting in 2014. After transitioning my work to virtual therapy following the coronavirus pandemic, I was able to travel the world and ultimately moved to Amsterdam, NL in 2022. This has allowed me to maintain my professional practice and community in Massachusetts even from abroad.
DO YOU PROVIDE PSYCHOTHERAPY TO PEOPLE IN AMSTERDAM?
No, I do not practice as a Clinical Psychologist in the Netherlands. Though my work in NL has slight overlap with my US practice, it is an entirely seperate business and does not specialize in mental health or clinical diagnoses. Rather, my work in Amsterdam focuses on general wellness education, personal development, and life-coaching. Check out more info here.