Through the Darkness, Know Your Light

Service Specialties

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    Trauma

    With traumatic experiences, we often unconsciously employ defenses such as fight-or-flight reactions or dissociation in an effort to protect ourselves. This is healthy and normal - and it also means we have less control over ourselves. Yet, with consistent connection and work with someone with trauma-informed therapy training, our minds may resiliently adopt new patterns of thinking and behavior, allowing us to take back power over our lives.

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    Communication

    Communication is one of the most common concerns clients have pertaining to their mental health. There are steps to communicating effectively no matter the situation, and tools to facilitate interaction with others. Compassion has an important role to play in this, too. Increasing your capacity to give and receive compassion can improve your communication effectiveness as well as your relationship quality.

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    Mood Disorders

    The negative impact of mood disorder symptoms on a person’s quality-of-life (e.g., impairments in social, work, or home functioning) should see improvements over the course of this therapy program, if participating in session and applying interventions from session to daily life. Additionally, by employing techniques that utilize your unique strengths, you increase self-confidence and hope, which nourishes your resolve and increases positive outcomes.

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    Somatic (Body-based) Effects

    The body, like the trunk of a tree, shows indications of problems at the root (or psychological) level. Sleep issues, eating issues, pain/tension, even breathing difficulties and illness may have connections to psychological issues ~ and vice versa. In this therapy program, there are techniques for listening to what your body is telling you, and for resolving the issues manifesting somatically.

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    Shame

    Whether or not you think you deserve shame, shame is slowly constricting your path forward. This is my greatest specialty, because compassion melts away those self-defense mechanisms forced out by shame, and provides a safe environment for you to process the shame, trauma, truth, and anything else, so you can come out the other side and be free to build your life according to your values.

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F.A.Q.


How much does it cost?

Sessions are $90/hr, private pay. I can’t accept insurance at this time. However, your therapy will pay for itself in benefits to your home, social, and work life, and can even save you money in costly hospital visits and sick leave as you grow in your capacity for self-care and self-compassion.

How does “telehealth” work?

Telehealth (A.K.A. telemental health) services provide clients with remote access to mental health services through the use of the internet. All that is needed is a smartphone or laptop with internet access, because webcam and microphone capabilities are built into most laptops and smartphones. With your device, you just log into your client portal and click the button to join the session! Easy and quick. Note: You may need to give the website permission to use your camera and microphone. Just click “Allow”.

What happens in session?

The first session I will be asking you questions to get a good picture of your situation and any possible diagnoses, then within the next couple of sessions we’ll work on creating goals for therapy (called a treatment plan). After that, each session will be based in the here-and-now, since your treatment goals will show up in your day-to-day life. I’ll ask you how you’re doing this week, and from there you tell me anything you need or want to. I’ll provide reflections and give you tools to try during the week, and you tell me how it worked for you and we’ll adjust those techniques as needed. Just a friendly discussion couched in compassion and unconditional positive regard. You need to be heard; I am here to listen.

Do I have to schedule a consultation first?

Not at all! If you want to go ahead and schedule your first session, choose “Psychiatric Diagnostic Evaluation” in the client portal instead of choosing the consultation option. I don’t mind how or when I get to meet you; Just do what’s most comfortable for you.

Do I have to have a diagnosis?

Because I am not using insurance, it is not absolutely necessary to have a diagnosis for therapy. However, it is my legal/ethical duty to evaluate you and inform you of any diagnosis, which will take place during our first meeting (not the 15-minute consultation). Please note that a diagnosis is simply a reference point from which we find the best tools and evidence-based techniques for your unique mind!

Is it really confidential?

Absolutely confidential, and you will always have my unconditional positive regard. The only things I am mandated to report by law are if you intend to hurt yourself or someone else, or if I’m made aware of a child, elder, or incapacitated adult receiving abuse or neglect. In these cases, please understand that I will give you options to participate in the reporting, and I will be with you every step of the way - these laws and my actions are only meant to help in these difficult situations.