FAQ

My practice is entirely online. Alaska is a huge state, and many people do not have access to mental health services in rural areas. I want to increase access to mental health services and make it easier for those who work away from home for extended periods (i.e., seasonal workers, construction, North Slope, commercial fishing, etc.).  I am also licensed in the State of Missouri and am able to work with individuals residing in Missouri as well.

My “office hours” are flexible. I will answer phone calls and emails during regular business hours (9 am-5 pm); however, sessions are available Monday – Thursday afternoons, Fridays 9-5 pm, and as needed, I can accommodate a Saturday morning session at 9 or 10 am.

Nope. You will always work directly with me, no admins or other assistants. I keep my caseload small to give my clients undivided attention to achieve their goals faster.

I am an out-of-network provider, but I am happy to submit claims to your insurance as an out-of-network provider. This is called “courtesy billing.”

I have elected not to become an in-network provider because they tend to be a little bossy about the frequency, the number of sessions, and type of care I provide to my clients… and some even require using their specific forms or software programs.

I prefer to spend my time providing good therapy to my clients rather than managing multiple phone calls and paperwork with insurance companies.

Because therapy is amazing! It is often hard work, but the changes you can make in your life and the improvements you’ll see will be worth the work.

We are fortunate there has been a significant reduction in the stigma once attached to going to therapy. People feared others would think there was something wrong with them.

But now, it’s not uncommon to overhear someone in a coffee shop saying, “You know my therapist was telling me…”

I work with men and women of all ages who are motivated for change. You also need to be located in Alaska or Missouri.

Yes! I have over a decade of experience working with people from different backgrounds, ethnicities, and religions. I enjoy learning about other cultures, but most importantly, I will treat you respectfully concerning your beliefs and practices. I encourage you to share any traditional cultural practices you utilize to improve and support your health and well-being.

During the first visit (especially), there will be a lot of questions. But this is also an opportunity to “tell your story.”

Beginning with your first session, you will feel heard and validated. You will be able to feel accepted rather than judged.

My standard session length is 55 minutes; however, we can extend the session if you are experiencing a crisis.

People don’t like this answer, but it depends.

A lot of it will depend on you and your engagement in the process. Highly motivated individuals ready to start digging and who are committed to the process can see improvements quickly.

Homework or practice assignments are provided each session so that you can take the knowledge, skills, and strategies you learn in session and practice them in your everyday life. This not only helps the process keep moving forward, but it sets you up for success when therapy ends, as you will know how to maintain the progress you’ve made.

Therapy is kind of like an ongoing conversation. Often a session will start with a review of the past week and any “homework” that you worked on. You have the opportunity to share whatever struggles and difficulties you are facing that day or week, if that be physical, emotional, relational, educational, work-related, or all of the above. And then we “dig in.” I listen to the things you say and help you hear the things you don’t say.

I utilize many strategies and techniques, including problem-solving, brainstorming, challenging you to see things from new perspectives, role-playing, teaching new skills, and providing support and motivation for change. Sometimes we laugh together. Sometimes people cry, and that’s okay! Tears don’t scare me. Toward the end of the session, we review any insights you learned and make a plan for the week of “assignments.”

I love caring for others and watching them grow into who they want to be. I believe that every person has value and deserves to be treated with love and respect. So many people in this world carry pain and hurt around with them every day, and I am honored that I have the opportunity to help people heal.

You are more than welcome to wear your pj’s as long as they are full-coverage! I will admit that I often wear my comfy pants.