Frequently asked questions
These are the questions I hear most often from people considering therapy. If yours isn't here, please reach out. I'm always happy to talk.
Absolutely. A lot of my clients are coming to therapy for the first time, often in their 40s or 50s. There's no prerequisite and no right way to start. You don't need to know the terminology or have a specific diagnosis. You just need to be willing to show up and be honest. I'll take care of the rest.
If something in your life feels off and you haven't been able to think or talk your way through it on your own, therapy is worth trying. You don't need to be in crisis. Most of my clients aren't. They're functioning well on the outside but dealing with something internally that they can't quite resolve. If you're unsure, the consultation call is a good place to start. We can talk about what's going on and I'll give you an honest answer about whether I think therapy would be helpful.
The first session is mostly about getting to know each other. I'll ask about what's bringing you in, what you're hoping for, and enough about your history to start understanding the bigger picture. You don't need to prepare anything or have your thoughts organized. It's also a chance for you to ask me questions and get a feel for the space. By the end of the session we'll talk about whether it makes sense to continue working together.
I typically start with weekly sessions. That consistency is important early on because it builds enough momentum for the work to actually go somewhere. As things progress, many clients shift to every other week. We'll figure out the right rhythm together based on what you need.
It depends on what you're working through. Some clients come for a few months and find what they need. Others stay for a year or longer because the work keeps opening up in ways that feel valuable. I don't have a set program or a predetermined number of sessions. I'll be honest with you about where I think we are, and I'll tell you when I think you're ready to stop.
No. As a licensed clinical social worker I provide talk therapy, not medication management. If I think medication might be worth exploring, I'll refer you to a psychiatrist or your primary care physician so you can have that conversation with someone qualified to guide it. I'm happy to coordinate with a prescriber if you're already working with one.
Yes. I offer video sessions for clients who prefer them or who can't make it to the office on a given day. Some clients do all their sessions virtually, some come in person every time, and some go back and forth depending on the week. I'm flexible about it. The only requirement is that you're located in Colorado, as my license requires it.
Yes, with very few exceptions. What you tell me stays between us. I don't share information with family members, employers, or anyone else without your written consent. The only exceptions are situations required by law: if I believe you're at immediate risk of harming yourself or someone else, or if there's suspected abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult. I'll explain all of this in detail before we begin working together so there are no surprises.
I ask for at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice are charged the full session fee. I know life is unpredictable and I'm understanding about genuine emergencies, but the policy exists because when a session is held for you, that time can't be offered to someone else.
I'd encourage you to check your out-of-network insurance benefits first, as many of my clients get meaningful reimbursement that way. I also keep a small number of sliding scale spots available. If cost is a concern, please mention it during our consultation call. I'd rather have the conversation than have it be the thing that keeps you from getting started.
Still have questions?
That's completely fine. You're welcome to call or email with anything that's on your mind, or we can cover it during a consultation call. There's no such thing as a question too small.
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