Resources and Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you're just starting to think about therapy or ready to schedule, it's normal to have questions. Below you'll find general information about the therapy process and direct answers to what I hear most often from new clients.
Mental Health and Support Resources
This is not a substitute for therapy, but these resources can offer additional support. In a crisis, please do not use my contact form. Call 911 or use the resources below for immediate help
Crisis and Immediate Support
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for free, 24/7 confidential support.
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline
Call 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.
Educational Resources

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Offers information and community support for individuals and families affected by mental health conditions.

Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA)
Provides education, resources, and support for anxiety, depression, and related disorders.
Recommended Reads for Growth and Healing
Reading is not a substitute for therapy, but the right book at the right time can open a door. Below are titles I recommend most often to clients working through trauma, anxiety, grief, and the slow work of learning to value yourself. Start wherever feels most relevant to where you are right now.
"The Gifts of Imperfection" Brené Brown A research-backed, deeply human look at letting go of who you think you should be and embracing who you are. Particularly helpful for clients working through perfectionism and chronic shame.
"Self-Compassion" Kristin Neff The foundational book on treating yourself with the same kindness you would offer a good friend. Practical and grounded, less abstract than it sounds.
"The Body Keeps the Score" Bessel van der Kolk, MD A landmark book on how trauma lives in the body and nervous system, not just in memory. Helps clients understand why they feel what they feel, and why talking alone is sometimes not enough.
"Finding Meaning The Sixth Stage of Grieving" David Kessler. When you experience grief, your world can feel overwhelming. It can be difficult to imagine a future. You feel lost and hopeless. Written with warmth and sensitivity, you'll feel like you are sitting with David having a conversation along your path to healing.
"No Bad Parts" Richard Schwartz, PhD An accessible introduction to Internal Family Systems (IFS), the idea that we are made up of different parts, and that all of them deserve curiosity rather than judgment. Pairs well with our work together.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s completely normal to have questions before starting therapy. If your question isn’t answered here, please reach out. I’m happy to answer anything that’s on your mind.
How do I know if therapy is right for me?
If something is getting in the way of your daily life, whether that is sleep, relationships, work, or just feeling like yourself, that is enough of a reason to reach out. You do not need to be in crisis to ask for support. Many people contact me when they have been struggling for a while and are tired of managing it alone. If you are wondering whether therapy might help, that question itself is worth exploring.
What happens during the free 15-minute consultation?
The consultation is a relaxed conversation, no pressure, no commitment. We will talk briefly about what is going on for you, you can ask me any questions you have, and we will get a sense of whether working together feels like a good fit. It is free, it is informal, and you are not obligated to book sessions afterward. It is simply a low-stakes way to start.
How do I schedule an appointment?
You can call me at 734-751-4036 or send a message through the contact form on this site. I will get back to you to schedule the free 15-minute consultation, and we will go from there. You do not have to have everything figured out before you reach out. That is what the first conversation is for.
What should I prepare before my first session?
Nothing specific. You do not need to arrive with a prepared list or a clear sense of what to say. I will ask questions and we will find our way in together. If it helps, you might spend a few minutes thinking about what has been hard lately and what you are hoping for, but even that is optional. Show up as you are. That is enough.
How long are sessions?
The intake session is 60 minutes. Individual therapy sessions after that are up to 53 minutes. All sessions take place online through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform, so there is no commute, no waiting room, just you logging in from wherever you have privacy in Michigan.
How often do people come to therapy?
Most clients start by meeting weekly, especially early on when we are building a foundation and things may feel more active. Over time, many people move to every other week as they develop more tools and stability. We figure out the frequency together based on what is actually working for you. There is no one-size-fits-all answer.
Do you offer virtual sessions?
Yes, I am a virtual-only practice. All sessions take place online through a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform. You can attend from home, from work, or anywhere you have a private space and a reliable internet connection in Michigan. Many clients find this makes it easier to stay consistent, which is one of the most important factors in making real progress.
How does virtual therapy work, practically?
Before each session, I send you a secure link. You click it at your appointment time and we meet by video, it works similarly to any video call. You do not need to download special software. A phone or tablet works, though a laptop or desktop tends to give the best experience. If you run into any technical issues, we will sort it out together.
What is your cancellation policy?
I ask for at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. This allows me to offer that time to someone else who may need it. Same-day cancellations and no-shows are charged a cancellation fee. I understand that life happens, emergency situations are handled on a case-by-case basis. If something comes up, please reach out as soon as you can.
What are your fees for therapy?
Here is the full breakdown:
Free 15-minute consultation
Intake session: $225 (60 minutes)
Individual therapy session: $165 (53 minutes)
Payment is due at the time of service. A credit card is kept on file to cover session fees or any copays. If cost is a concern, reach out and we can talk through what options might be available.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes. I accept insurance and am in-network with several providers. If your plan is out-of-network, I can provide a superbill, a detailed invoice you can submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement. One thing worth knowing: using insurance requires a formal diagnosis, which becomes part of your health record. I want you to have that information so you can make the choice that feels right for you. Your insurance benefits are an agreement between you and your carrier, so I recommend confirming coverage details with them directly before we begin.
What is a superbill and how does it help me get reimbursed?
A superbill is a detailed receipt that includes all the information your insurance company needs to process a reimbursement claim, session dates, service codes, my license number, and diagnosis. You submit it directly to your insurance provider after each session or in batches. Reimbursement amounts vary by plan, and I cannot guarantee what your carrier will cover. It is worth calling your insurance to ask about out-of-network mental health benefits before we start.
Do you offer a sliding scale?
If cost is a barrier, please bring it up during the free consultation. I want therapy to be accessible to people who are ready to do the work, and I am willing to have an honest conversation about what might be possible. The best time to raise it is before we begin so we can figure it out together from the start.
Will you judge me for what I share?
No. I have been doing this work for over 30 years across a wide range of community settings, jails, hospitals, emergency programs, and private practice. There is very little that surprises me, and nothing that would change my respect for you or my commitment to your care.
The things people feel most ashamed of are often the things that bring the most relief to finally say out loud. You do not have to minimize what happened, perform okay-ness, or have the right words for it. Whatever you bring into session belongs there.
What if we are not a good fit?
That is a fair thing to wonder about, and I take it seriously. Not every therapist is the right match for every person, and a good therapeutic relationship matters more than credentials alone.
The free consultation exists for exactly this reason. It gives you a low-stakes chance to get a sense of how I work before we commit to anything. If we start sessions and something is not clicking, I will be honest about it and help you find a better fit. Your progress matters more than my caseload.
How long does therapy take?
It is different for everyone. Some clients notice real shifts within the first several sessions. Others are working through deeper material that takes longer to move through. I will not rush you, and I will not keep you in therapy longer than you need. Many clients tell me the first thing that changes is sleep, or the ability to get through a difficult moment without falling apart. Progress tends to build from there. You decide when you are ready to finish.
What approach do you use?
My approach is client-centered and trauma-informed. That means we start where you are, move at your pace, and keep your goals front and center throughout.
In sessions, you can expect real conversation, honest feedback, structured exercises, and practical tools you can use outside of our time together. I draw from approaches including EMDR, IFS, CBT, DBT, and grief-informed methods. What that looks like for you specifically depends on what you bring in and what you need most.
I have tried therapy before and it did not help. Why would this be different?
This is one of the most important questions someone can ask, and I want to give it a real answer.
I have been through unhelpful therapy myself. I know what it feels like to sit with someone who did not really hear you, or to leave sessions with nothing to show for it. What I offer is different in specific ways: I am trained in EMDR and trained in IFS, not just claimed, but documented. I give you homework, practical tools, and honest feedback. If something we are doing is not working, I will tell you. You deserve therapy that actually works.
Is everything I say confidential?
Yes, with a small number of legal exceptions I am required to share with you. Confidentiality does not apply if there is an immediate risk of harm to yourself or someone else, if there is suspected abuse of a child or vulnerable adult, or if I am required by a court order to release information. Outside of those situations, what we discuss stays between us. I will always talk through any confidentiality concerns with you directly whenever possible.
What if I do not know what to talk about?
That happens more often than you might think, and it is completely fine. You do not need to arrive with an agenda or a clear starting point.
I will ask questions. I stay curious. Often, just sitting in that space together helps something surface that you did not expect. You do not have to have it figured out before you call. That is what the sessions are for.
Do I have to talk about everything that happened?
No. You do not have to have words for it yet. You do not have to tell the whole story right away, or at all, until it feels right. Many of the people I work with are carrying things they have never said out loud to anyone. Part of what I do is create the kind of safety where you can approach that material slowly, at your own pace. We build trust first. The deeper work follows when you are ready.
Still Have Questions? I'd Be Happy to Talk.
If something isn't covered here, don't let that be what stops you. Reach out directly through the contact form or by booking the free consultation. There's no commitment required, and no question is too small.
You don't have to have it figured out before you call.



