How Does Counseling Work?

My goals in the first therapy session are to:

  • fully understand your concerns,

  • create a safe place where you can open up, feel heard, and be respected,

  • help you begin to experience clarity,

  • begin formulating a map of the solutions,

  • provide you with hope for your future,

  • begin giving feedback on how to create change.

Clients tell me they feel safe, understood, and learn a ton right from the beginning.

I will begin by asking you to share what brings you to counseling. We will discuss your problems and concerns. I’ll ask questions and be listening to your history and how it relates to your current challenges. I’ll start mapping out how it makes sense you’re feeling or behaving this way, and then we collaborate on solutions. I will help formulate goals to work on between counseling sessions so you can start feeling better.

I’m very active in sessions. I strive to provide consistent, helpful feedback in each meeting. I want help you feel better.

Cost of Therapy Sessions:

Therapy is a valuable investment in your health, relationships, goals, and future.

Sessions are 45 minutes and $175. Some people opt for longer sessions. I welcome your preference.

I stay busy and am honored to say my clients frequently express their gratitude for our work together.

Session frequency: I welcome clients to work at a pace in therapy that feels right for their goals, processing time, and schedules. Most people begin by spacing their sessions closer together so they can hit the ground running and then taper accordingly. I'm flexible and happy to accommodate your needs.

Insurance:

I do not accept insurance. Couples or relationship therapy is not a covered benefit on most insurance plans.

For individuals wrestling with a diagnosable mental health issue (anxiety, depression, PTSD, etc.), I can help you navigate the possibility out-of-network reimbursement by your insurance.

My Therapy Office:

I am locally based in Rochester Hills, Michigan and have been for 16 years. I have discovered telehealth is a smarter, more efficient way of helping clients. Research shows there is no difference in effectiveness between in-person versus online therapy. I run a busy counseling practice and work with people from all over Michigan.

I believe in quality in all aspects of my life and strive to maintain balance. Telehealth has been a gift to my practice, my life, and my clients. I love that I can bring high quality help to people in the comfort of their homes and the remote parts of Michigan. Providing online therapy is also my way of practicing what I preach about finding balance and maintaining self-care in a demanding world.

Methods of Therapy Used

As a specialist in couples counseling and systems theories, I am expertly trained in the following:

  • Bowen Theory/Transgenerational Therapy (Murray Bowen) - my clients love this approach the most. Most people (clients and therapists) have never heard of it but it’s my golden-goose of therapy approaches, and renowned for its effectiveness in treating couples issues, anxiety, trauma, codependency, and depression.

  • The Gottman Method (John & Julie Gottman)

  • Emotion Focused Therapy/ Emotion Focused Couples Therapy (Sue Johnson)

  • Trauma Theory (Collin Ross)

  • Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (Albert Ellis)

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Aaron Beck, Donald Meichenbaum)

  • Narrative Therapy (Epston & White)

  • Choice Theory (William Glasser)

  • Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (Steven Hayes)

  • Internal Family Systems Theory (Richard Schwartz)

I closely follow the research of many important researchers/counselors in the field including:

  • Esther Perel (research on intimacy and desire)

  • Brene Brown (research on shame and vulnerability)

  • Bessel van der Kolk (founder and researcher of PTSD)

  • Dan Siegel (researcher on interpersonal neurobiology - INPB)

Each human and relationship is different. I use a wide range of tools and strategies to create a customized approach to best help you. I focus on helping people understand and alleviate their symptoms, not on pathologizing or labeling.

Therapy must be safe to genuinely explore hurts, problems, and needs. My goal is to provide a safe space to tell your story, discuss your concerns, and find solutions that work for everyone involved. Healing is best done with a safe person who understands and can offer practical advice.

How do I begin online counseling? (The logistics).

Once you decide to get started, I will send you a welcome email outlining everything to expect. The day before the session, I will email you the video link, and send the IVYPAY text link for payment.

If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA), you may use that account to pay for your sessions. You are responsible for reviewing the rules of your HSA to ensure compliance. All major credit cards are accepted. I do not accept cash or money transfer systems like VENMO. I use IVYPAY, a counselor specific, HIPPA compliant credit card processing system.

Sessions are conducted via the Simple Practice platform which is a HIPPA compliant Electronic Records Management system and video platform (just like at your physician’s office). Payment is collected through a therapist-specific banking system called IVYPAY. Both systems are very easy to use and HIPPA compliant and secure.

I have a strict 24-hour cancellation policy. I will hold an appointment as far in advance as you’d like. I welcome schedule changes and cancellations at least 24 hours in advance. Otherwise, I will ask you to cover the session. I understand life happens to all of us which is why I set the timeframe at 24 hours. I frequently have a waiting list and want to be able to help those who want to be helped. This is my way of keeping everything respectful for everyone. I do not charge for missed sessions due to medical emergencies.

It’s easy to begin online therapy.

For the last 16 years, clients have told me how beneficial therapy is for them. My goal is to take a lifetime of education and experience, tailor it to your specific needs, and distill that into an easily understandable therapy session so you can be successful and transform your relationships and life.

If you do your part, you will be successful.

Feel free to call me at 810-397-4861 or email me through the “Contact Me” button below.