Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Many clients choose to use out-of-network benefits.

Here’s how it typically works:

• You pay the session fee at the time of service
• A superbill can be provided upon request
  You submit the superbill directly to your insurance company
• Your insurance provider determines eligibility and reimbursement

Reimbursement amounts vary by plan.

If you’re considering using out-of-network insurance benefits, the most reliable way to understand your coverage is to contact your insurance provider directly. Coverage details can vary widely by plan, even within the same insurance company.

You can reach your insurance provider by calling the member services number on the back of your insurance card or by logging into your insurer’s online member portal.

When you call, you may find it helpful to ask specifically about out-of-network mental health benefits.

Helpful Questions to Ask

When speaking with your insurance provider, consider asking:

• Do I have out-of-network benefits for mental health services?
• What is my out-of-network deductible, and has it been met?
• What percentage or amount is reimbursed for out-of-network psychotherapy?
• Is there a limit on the number of reimbursable sessions per year?
• Are longer sessions (such as 90–120 minutes) covered differently?
• Is pre-authorization required for out-of-network services?
• How long does reimbursement typically take after a claim is submitted?
• Under what circumstances could a claim be denied or reversed after payment?

Insurance representatives may be able to provide reference or confirmation numbers for your records.

A Supportive Reminder

Insurance policies can be complex, and coverage information may change over time. While I’m happy to provide documentation such as a superbill, reimbursement decisions are made entirely by the insurance provider.

If you have questions about services, payment options, or fit, you’re welcome to reach out for clarification.

Payment is due at the time of service. We accept major credit and debit cards,  cash, check as well as HSA/FSA cards.

Receipts and superbills can be provided upon request.

A Good Faith Estimate (GFE) is a federal requirement that gives you an upfront estimate of the expected cost of services if you are self-pay or uninsured.

This protects you from surprise billing and ensures transparency. You may request  this before services begin and can ask questions at any time.

We do not offer sliding-scale fees.

Our services reflect advanced, specialized trauma treatment (including EMDR and intensives) and require significant training, preparation, and clinical resources. To provide consistent, high-quality care, our fees are set accordingly.

That said, we do offer discounts for first responders, military members, and veterans as a way to honor the unique stress, trauma exposure, and service-related demands they carry.

If you believe cost may be a barrier, we’re happy to discuss alternative options, referrals, or group services that may better fit your needs.

The first session focuses on EMDR Phase 1: History Taking and Treatment Planning.

This session includes:

• Understanding what brings you in
• Identifying patterns, symptoms, and goals
• Assessing readiness and safety for EMDR
• Beginning stabilization and resourcing

You are not expected to process trauma in the first session. This is about building safety, clarity, and direction—not ripping the emotional Band-Aid off.

If you are in immediate danger or feel unable to keep yourself safe:

• Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room

• Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, U.S.)

Therapy is not crisis care. If you need support outside of session hours, please use emergency resources or local crisis services.

Not at all. That belief usually comes from trauma, not truth.

People who seek therapy are often:

• Highly capable
• Over-functioning
• Used to surviving without support

Therapy isn’t weakness—it’s upgrading your nervous system instead of white-knuckling life forever.

Your loved ones care about you—but they:

• Are emotionally involved
• May minimize, fix, or avoid hard topics
• Don’t have clinical training

Therapy provides:

• A neutral, confidential space
• Evidence-based tools
• Structured support that doesn’t burden your relationships

You don’t have to protect us from your truth.

The difference is between someone who can do something, and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. 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 listen to yourself. Furthermore, counseling is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, and 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.

Many clients use therapy alone or therapy with medication. This is a collaborative decision, not an either/or.

Medication can be effective in reducing symptoms or improving sleep but it alone cannot solve all issues. Medication does not process trauma.  Sometimes medication is needed in conjunction with counseling. Our work together is designed to explore and unpack the problems you are experiencing, address the root cause and help your brain and body resolve stored distress. Additionally, therapy can help you expand on your strengths and accomplish your personal goals.

Because each person has different issues and goals for counseling, it will be different depending on the individual. We tailor our therapeutic approach to your specific needs. 

We do want you to be aware that your job is not to perform, impress, or “do therapy right.”

You’ll be guided through:

• Identifying targets and patterns
• Processing experiences safely
• Noticing thoughts, emotions, and body responses
• Practicing grounding and regulation

Your nervous system already knows the story and knows how to help itself with the right support. 

Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time counseling 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 counseling in the first place.

For EMDR, there is no universal timeline. 

• Single-incident trauma may resolve in fewer sessions
• Complex or developmental trauma takes longer
• EMDR Intensives can shorten the overall timeline for some clients

We focus on progress, not arbitrary session counts.

You don’t need to be perfect—just engaged.

Helpful things include:

• Showing up consistently
• Practicing grounding skills between sessions
• Being honest about what isn’t working
• Letting yourself go at your own pace

Healing works best when it’s collaborative, not forced.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based trauma therapy that helps the brain reprocess distressing experiences so they no longer feel stuck in the present. Instead of just talking about what happened, EMDR helps your nervous system finally digest it. Think: emotional indigestion relief, not reliving misery for sport. 

Yes—when provided by a trained clinician. EMDR is endorsed by organizations such as the APA, WHO, and VA/DoD. Sessions are paced carefully, and resourcing is built in to ensure you stay within your window of tolerance. You’re not thrown into the deep end and told to swim with your trauma. 

Absolutely not. This is one of the biggest myths. You do not need to give graphic details or retell your story repeatedly. EMDR works with how your brain and body store memory—not with forced disclosure. You remain in control the entire time. 

Sessions typically include:

• A brief check-in
• Identifying current triggers or targets
• Using bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, tones, or VR when appropriate)
• Noticing thoughts, emotions, and body sensations as they shift
• Ending with grounding and containment

You’re awake, aware, and not “reliving” trauma—your brain is doing the work while you observe.

It’s a rhythmic left-right stimulation of the brain that helps activate adaptive information processing. This can look like:

• Eye movements
• Alternating tapping
• Audio tones
• Virtual reality (EMDR-VR)

No hypnosis. No mind control. Just neuroscience doing its thing.

Talk therapy helps you understand your experiences. EMDR helps your nervous system resolve them.

Many clients say: “I knew this logically—but EMDR helped my body finally believe it.” That’s the difference.

EMDR Intensives are extended sessions (or multi-day formats) that allow deeper processing without the stop-and-start of weekly therapy. They’re ideal for:

• Busy professionals
• First responders
• Clients traveling from out of state
• Those wanting focused, accelerated healing

Same safety. Same structure. Just more momentum.

Some clients experience temporary increases in emotion or body sensations between sessions. This is normal and typically short-lived. We prepare you with grounding tools and adjust pacing as needed. Healing isn’t always linear—but it shouldn’t be destabilizing. 

Yes. EMDR can be effectively delivered via telehealth using adapted bilateral stimulation methods. Virtual sessions are secure, structured, and surprisingly effective. The nervous system still heals. 

If you’ve spent time in talk therapy and gained insight, yet still notice certain reactions don’t fully shift… If you understand why you feel the way you do, but your body continues to respond as if the past is still happening… If you’ve worked hard to cope, reflect, and make sense of things, and are wishing for deeper relief…

EMDR may be a supportive next step. It’s designed to help the brain and nervous system process experiences in a way that goes beyond insight alone. We’re happy to explore whether it’s a good fit during a consultation.

Schedule a consultation. Ask questions. Trust your intuition. Healing doesn’t require perfection—just willingness and the right support.