Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you are a parent looking for help for your teen who is overwhelmed with emotions or a woman feeling the weight of responsibilities and the pressure to hold it all together–I’m here to help. Starting therapy can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be.  This is a safe, welcoming space and your first step is simple:  Just fill out the form below.  You don’t need to have all the answers today–just a willingness to reach out.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • I specialize in working with teens (ages 12 -18) and women across Alabama through secure online therapy. Typically the teens I work with are struggling with anxiety, depression, social drama or self worth issues.  While I work with both teen boys and girls, I specialize in working with teen girls who are struggling with self worth and have low self-esteem, low self-confidence and/or body image issues.

    I work with women who are experiencing anxiety, depression, high stress levels and/or significant life changes. Many of the women I work with are taking care of everyone else’s needs but are privately dealing with anxiety, burnout or high functioning depression.

    *Important Licensing Note: State regulations require that I only see clients who are physically located in the state where I am licensed.  If you live outside of Alabama, I will be unable to provide virtual sessions for you at this time.

  • I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as the foundation of my work, which means we will look at how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected and how changing one can impact the others. CBT gives us practical tools to help you feel more in control, less overwhelmed, and more like yourself again. I also bring in mindfulness techniques to help you stay grounded in the present and build awareness of your thoughts without judgment. This can be especially helpful for managing anxiety, stress, and emotional overwhelm. My approach is always trauma-informed and strengths-based. That means I honor your experiences, recognize the resilience it’s taken to get here, and meet you with kindness and care. Therapy with me is a safe space to explore what’s going on, build new skills, and find real, lasting change.

  • Online therapy -also called teletherapy or virtual counseling- is professional mental health support provided by a trained and licensed clinician which is delivered through a secure video platform.  Instead of coming to an office, you meet with me from the comfort and privacy of your space using your phone, a tablet or computer.

  • Yes, according to the American Psychological Association (APA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) online therapy has been proven to be just as effective as in person therapy. 

  • Online therapy offers the same support, connection and professional care as in person therapy but in a more flexible and accessible format.  Through secure video sessions, you can meet with me from the comfort of your home, office or any other private space you choose.  Many people find online therapy easier to fit into their lives, especially for juggling school, extracurriculars, work and family demands. Online therapy is also beneficial because it makes therapy more accessible to people who may have transportation issues, live in more rural areas or have difficulty with mobility. 

  • You need a private space, a reliable internet connection and a phone, tablet or computer with a camera and microphone.   Headphones are optional but are helpful for privacy.  

  • Yes, absolutely.  You don’t need to be tech-savvy to have a successful online therapy experience.  There is no special software to download and I will guide you through anything that feels confusing.  Once you have booked an appointment, I will send you an email through the secure, client portal that will invite you to create an account.  This will only require your name, birthdate and password (use the one provided which is unique to each person or create your own).  You will see your scheduled appointment once you sign in to the portal.  A few minutes before the scheduled time, you just need to click on the button that says “Join Session.”  I  want therapy to feel supportive from the start so if you are unsure about the tech part, I am here to help make it easy.

  • Take your time to read through my website.  If you sense that I might be a good fit for you or your teen, reach out by email to schedule a free 15 minute consultation.  During that time, you can ask me questions about my approach, my training, how I have helped other people like you before or any other questions you may have. You will also be able to share about what is going on with you and I can share my ideas about how I can help. The first few sessions are a time to get to know each other and explore together if we are a good fit.

  • Yes, what you say in therapy is kept private and confidential.  This is an essential part of creating a safe and trusting space for you to speak freely.  However there are a few legal exceptions to confidentiality.  I am required by law to break confidentiality if:

    • You share that you plan to harm yourself or others

    • There is suspected abuse or neglect

    • If I receive a valid court order or subpoena requiring disclosure of information.

    These situations are uncommon and whenever possible, I will talk with you first before any information is shared.  Your privacy matters deeply to me and I am committed to protecting it.  We can talk more about confidentiality in our first session together.

  • I understand how important it is for parents to be involved and informed.  In the first therapy session for your teen, I will invite you to join us so you can both share what is happening and what concerns you both have.  Following that first intake appointment, sessions will just be between your teen and I.  In order for your child to have a safe space to talk freely with me, I will not share all the details of what they say in session.  However, I do believe in building a collaborative relationship with parents so that we can all support your child in the best way.  Throughout my work with your teen, there will be times that I will update you and check in to see how things are going at home and school.  I will always involve you right away if something serious, like a concern of harm, comes up.

  • My availability is designed to work with busy family schedules.  During the school year, I offer evening and Saturday appointments so teens don’t have to miss school.  In the summer, I also offer some daytime sessions.  Specific days may vary throughout the year, so feel free to check with me for current openings.  You can always check my availability through the secure client portal.

  • You may be wondering how long therapy will take because you are currently struggling and want fast relief.  If this is true for you, I want you to know that on average, my new clients start seeing positive effects after the first few sessions.  The total duration of therapy varies from person to person and depends on your goals and what you are working through.  Some clients come to work on specific issues and they find that 8-12 weeks is enough to reach their goals while others feel more supported by long term therapy that may last for months or even years.

  • Weekly sessions are common for most clients in the beginning of therapy but that can vary depending on your specific needs and goals.

  • The first appointment is what we call the intake appointment.  This is a chance for us to get to know each other.  We will talk about what brought you in and what you are hoping to gain from therapy.  We will also discuss your history so I can completely understand your needs allowing us to develop a personalized treatment plan designed around your specific challenges and goals.  This will also be another time to answer any questions you may have about the therapy process.

  • To avoid being charged the full session fee, I ask that you contact me at least 24 hours in advance to cancel or reschedule an appointment. I do make exceptions in cases of emergencies or unforeseeable life circumstances. If you need to make a change, just send me a message through the client portal or email me directly.  I will always do my best to be flexible when life happens. 

  • Please see my Fees/Insurance page here.

  • You can contact me by using the form here to request a free 15 minute consultation.  This will give us a chance to talk, answer questions and see if we are a good fit to work together.  When you schedule an appointment, I will send you client forms to complete through my secure Therapy Notes client portal.  Completing the forms prior to your first appointment helps me review your information and prepare for your first session.