Frequently Asked Questions
Counseling and Therapy in Skagit County, Washington
In order to make the most of the momentum we build up front, I meet with clients on a regular weekly basis at least for the first 3 months.
Research has shown that meeting less frequently is generally not as effective and in fact more costly in terms of overall time, energy, and money.
When counseling and therapy sessions are spread out, each subsequent session becomes more of a summary of what’s happened, rather than working on the core issues that often contribute to those experiences.
I want to help you reach your goals as quickly, efficiently, and painlessly as possible. Let’s direct your precious resources where they’re needed and spare you some heartache!
I work with clients who are ready to do the heavy lifting because they’re worth it. That might not be what you’re looking for, and that’s okay! I’d be happy to connect you with another therapist who may be a better fit.
People seek counseling and therapy for various reasons, including: a crisis, major life changes, difficulty in relationships, personal growth, and more.
In the first few sessions, I focus on getting to know you, your strengths and stressors, and what you'd like from therapy. Afterwards, we collaboratively make a plan to help you get from where you are now to where you want to be.
In the early stages, I meet with clients once a week for 50 minutes to build good momentum up front (and give you the most bang for your buck!).
After we address immediate concerns, underlying relationship patterns, and unmet emotional needs, we would gradually space out sessions as you “replicate therapy outside of therapy” (or integrate new skills and resources into your day-to-day life), until you feel like you're ready to end therapy.
Since no two people are the same, therapy looks differently for each person. My goal is to customize the space according to what you desire and need.
No significant, lasting change can be attained without intentional effort and practice. Changing lifelong patterns is hard work, but definitely doable - and you won't be doing it alone!
Much like a personal trainer, I am committed to finding which emotional workout methods that are well suited to your needs and goals, saving you precious time and energy for what matters most to you.
Revealing your reactive patterns of thinking, feeling, doing, and relating (the WHY you do what you do) and,
Equipping you with new ways of living (the HOW to do things differently).
In order for meaningful change to occur, we must first know WHAT we're dealing with, so that we can DO something about it. The less we know, the more we go into a reactive "autopilot" mode, which usually generates more issues and leads us deeper into trouble.
If you feel like you run into the same problems over and over again, therapy can help you get "unstuck" by:
That is a question that only you can answer! I work really well for some people, and not so well for others.
As a therapist who "translates emotions" into English, how you feel matters to me. It’s important for you to feel safe enough to explore painful areas of your life; it's my job to create such a space for you. Your experiences deserve the utmost of care.
Trust your intuition (gut), and ask a lot of questions. After a few sessions, if you feel like I "get" you where you're at, that's a good sign.
Counseling and therapy are very personal. If it feels like we're not connecting (for whatever reason), that's alright! Please let me know, and I will gladly point you towards someone who may better serve you.
Timelines for counseling and therapy depend on how much stress or emotional reactivity you are experiencing during this time: the higher your level of stress and reactivity, the more you may benefit from coming in frequently (at least once a week). The more resources, safe connections, and self-control you feel you have, the more space you can have between sessions.
The frequency and length of session also depends on whether you want to focus on a single, isolated topic (e.g., the trauma of a car accident) or on several, interconnected topics (e.g., self-esteem and relationships).
It's important for me to help you get back on your feet as soon as possible. Whatever resources or skills I recommend are with that in mind, all while honoring your own personal journey and ability to decide what works best for you.
Once I have a good sense of your goals and needs, I can formulate the best plan to move us forward.
What brings you to therapy at THIS time in your life?
What are the most pressing concerns you have?
If you summarize your whole life into a few significant moments, what would they be?
How would you like for your life/relationships to be different?
The main purpose of the first session is for me to get to know you. I will be asking some of the following questions:
The bulk of my counseling and therapy sessions take place in my cozy, private office in Mount Vernon. This gives us space to connect and really focus, which is so important in a long term therapy relationship.
Sometimes, a virtual therapy session is the best choice. This is particularly helpful during periods of bad weather or when you just can’t get into the office. Online sessions take place through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video link provided per session that can be accessed via computer, tablet, or phone.
I am out-of-network and do NOT bill insurance. However, depending on your insurance carrier, you may be able to use your benefits to pay for counseling and therapy sessions. Visit the Billing and Insurance page for options and recommendations for using insurance for therapy.
Your time is important, and our time together is held on my calendar. However, I do understand that things happen and sometimes schedules need adjusting. I try to be flexible and I am often able to reschedule appointments with enough advanced notice. I will try to accommodate and reschedule as my calendar allows.
If you must cancel a session, please do so at least 24 hours in advance to avoid being charged the full session fee.
I prioritize human connection and engagement, focusing primarily on in-person therapy sessions. However, sometimes driving into the office for a therapy session isn’t practical or ideal.
For ongoing therapy relationships, HIPAA-compliant online sessions are available and a great option when you can’t make it into the office due to bad weather, recovering from an illness, traveling, etc.
I offer free counseling and therapy consultations for new clients. If you want to connect and see if we’re a good fit, you can submit a request for a free consultation through the Contact form. The form is a great spot to give me a few thoughts about what you’re looking for.
I typically respond to consultation requests within 2-3 days. Watch for an email or a text message from me to schedule that 15-minute call.
If I have an open space in my calendar that fits with your availability, we can schedule your first session.
OR
If our calendars do not yet align, I will add you to the waitlist.
During that first 15-minute call, we’ll talk about my approach as a therapist, the payment structure, and answer any questions you might have about my practice. This is also a great time to briefly discuss what you’re looking for to determine if we’d be a good match.
If it turns out that I’m not a good fit for your needs, that’s ok! This quick chat gives us a great introduction without committing to anything.
After the 15-minute consultation, if it feels like we are a good fit and you want to start therapy, one of two things can happen:
The waitlist consists of people who have already completed their free consultation call and want to begin therapy sessions. When a new appointment slot opens up on my calendar, I will immediately send an email to the waitlist.
The waitlist email will go to the email address you provided when you first contacted me through the website. It will include information on the time slot or time slots available.
If you would like to grab that time slot for your ongoing sessions, email me directly to claim the spot. Open time slots are claimed on a first come, first served basis.
