In my practice you are not simply a patient; you are a valued individual. I understand how difficult it can be to reach out and ask for help. This is a sign of strength and it takes courage to pursue. Seeking out therapy is an individual choice. There are many reasons why people come to therapy. It may be to deal with long-standing psychological issues, anxiety, depression, difficulty with your child or adolescent, or relationship issues. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in life such as death, divorce, relocation, or work transition. Many seek the advice of counsel as they pursue their own personal exploration and growth. Working with a skilled therapist can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Therapy is right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life by taking a proactive approach to finding purpose and passion, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards healthy, adaptive changes in life.

At one time or another everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you’ve faced, there’s nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it or as a preventative measure. In fact, therapy is very effective for people who have a desire for self-awareness or realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you are in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.

There are numerous benefits from participating in therapy and counseling. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, professional development, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn.

Yes. Virginia and Ohio Statutes as well as HIPPA protect the confidentiality of all communications between a client and a psychologist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the patient. However, there are some exceptions to this rule that are required by law. These exceptions include:

•Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse. The psychologist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.

•If a patient is suicidal and at risk to harm himself or herself. The psychologist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety; however, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.

•If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The psychologist is required to notify the police.

No. My practice uses Teletherapy to provide services. Teletherapy has been scientifically shown to be as effective as in-person therapy and has the benefits of easier access, increased flexibility, and reduced wait times. Teletherapy does require a strong WiFi signal as well as good internet speed. If you are uncertain about using Teletherapy, I am happy to provide a complimentary, 15 minute consultation which will allow you to determine your level of comfort with Teletherapy as well as whether or not my approach to treatment is a good fit for you.

Yes. I use the Doxy.me platform. Similar to Zoom, people in different locations can participate in the same session.

No. You must physically be located in either Virginia or Ohio for each session that you attend.

Yes. I participate in most major insurance panels. You must call your insurance company and determine if you have mental health coverage. You should ask the following questions:

•What are my mental health benefits?

•What is the coverage amount per therapy session?

•How many sessions does my plan cover?

•How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?

•Is approval required from my primary care physician?