Who do you provide services to? 

I provide services to any adult (18+) living in North Carolina and South Carolina. 

Do you provide in-person sessions?

No. All services are provided virtually through secure, HIPPA compliant Telehealth software. 

How often do we need to meet? 

I prefer to meet with clients weekly for at least the first 6-8 weeks in order to build trust and momentum towards your goals. This also allows me the time to properly get to know you and the full scope of the problem(s) you're facing, which is when I am most effective. 

What if I'm running late or need to cancel a session?

You may cancel appointments in advance without charge, as long as I receive a 24-hour notice. You will be responsible for the entire session fee if your cancellation request if not received at least 24 hours in advance or if you "no-show" your appointment. This is necessary because I've made a time commitment to you and a time slot has been held exclusively for you. Furthermore, I'm unable to fill the appointment without proper notice. 

If you are running late to a session, you may lose some of your session time, but we'll make the best of the time remaining. If you are running more than 10-15 minutes late to your session, it will be considered a "no-show" and we'll need to reschedule. 

I'm used to handling my problems on my own. Does this make me weak?

Not at all, quite the opposite actually. Having the self-awareness to recognize when you need a helping hand, and having the courage to ask for it are both a sign of strength. There's nothing wrong needing some extra support and guidance, even if you've handled all your challenges on your own up until this point. 

What’s the difference in talking to you versus my friend/family?

Although your friends/family know you and may be a helpful outlet, a therapist has specialized professional training. A therapist prioritizes you and your feelings, and there's no guilt or "feeling like a burden" for taking up a therapist's time. Therapists can provide an unbiased space for you to express yourself with no expectations or judgements. Unlike confiding in friends or family, the conversations in therapy are completely confidential. Lastly, seeking professional help can prevent the strain on personal relationships. Sometimes sharing with loved ones during tough times can lead to avoidance once you start feeling better. 

Why shouldn’t I just take medication? Do you prescribe medication?

Medication can be very effective - but it will not solve everything. Although medication may help you manage symptoms while you're taking it, it does not address or heal the root cause of the issue. It's common for individuals to take medication in conjunction with therapy, however, therapists do not prescribe medication. Medication can be prescribed from a Psychiatrist or Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. 

How does it work? How do I get started?

If you decide to move forward with therapy, a client profile will be created for you in the client portal. Once created, the system will automatically send you an email with some standard intake forms (consent to telethealth, practice policies, etc). The forms need to be signed/completed in order to schedule your initial session. Once a session is scheduled, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to the HIPPA-compliant video call. You will also receive reminders for your upcoming session. 

How long will I need to be in therapy?

Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique and the length of time you may need to accomplish your goals will depend on the factors driving you to seek therapy, your consistency, and your commitment to personal growth and development. 

How do I get the most out of therapy?

You get out of therapy what you put into it! Actively participating in sessions, consistently attending your sessions, and practicing recommended coping skills or exercises outside of session is crucial to your growth and success! It's equally important to be open and truthful with your therapist about the challenges you're facing - your therapist can't help you if they don't truly know what's going on. 

How should I prepare for my first session?

During your first session, your therapist will want to get an idea of who you are as a person, what's going on in your life, and what's bringing you into therapy. Remember to keep an open mind, especially if it's your first time and you're feeling skeptical about starting therapy. Try to be mentally prepared to talk about what's bothering you. It may be helpful to write down some notes for yourself - it can be easy to draw a blank if you're feeling nervous!

Other than being mentally prepared for discussing yourself - you don't need to do anything! Just make sure you have an internet connection and are in a private setting with minimal distractions.