frequently asked questions
answers to all your questions.
logistics
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I'm based in West Linn, OR and offer both in-person and online sessions. For in-person appointments, I see clients at my cozy office on Willamette Falls Dr.
Online sessions mean I can work with anyone across Oregon - so whether you're in Portland or Salem or somewhere smaller, we can connect virtually.
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Yes — I have a small number of evening appointments that open as my schedule allows. I don’t offer weekend sessions at this time.
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Yes! I love meeting face-to-face when that works better for you. There's something to be said for sharing the same physical space - some people find it easier to connect that way.
My office is super comfy, and meant to feel a bit like your living room - a place where you can take your shoes off, grab a blanket, and just chill. I've got good coffee, too many plants that somehow stay alive, and a couch that's seen a lot of breakthrough moments.
We can also switch back and forth between in-person and online based on your schedule, the weather, or just what you're feeling that week. Flexibility is key.
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It's honestly pretty simple. We meet via a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform (think Zoom, but specifically designed for therapy). You'll get a link before our session, click it, and we're good to go.
All you need is a device with a camera and microphone - your phone, laptop, tablet, whatever works for you. Just make sure you have a private space where you can talk freely. I've had sessions with people in their cars, bedrooms, offices during lunch breaks, even closets when that was the only quiet spot available. No judgment.
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This is a new thing that healthcare providers (including therapists) are required to give you - basically an estimate of what you can expect to pay for your treatment.
Since therapy isn't like getting your appendix out (where there's a pretty standard timeline), it's hard to predict exactly how many sessions you'll want or need. But I'll give you my best guess based on what you're hoping to work on and what I've seen with similar situations.
The estimate includes session fees and any other costs that might come up. If we end up going significantly over the estimate, I'll let you know and explain why.
Think of it as a financial heads-up rather than a binding contract. Your mental health journey doesn't follow a predetermined schedule, and neither should your investment in it.
We'll review this during our first session and adjust as needed along the way.
working with me
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I work with preteens, teens, young adults, adults, couples and families. Many of my clients are navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, identity questions, relationship stress, or big transitions. I also work with parents and caregivers who want support untangling family dynamics or showing up differently for their kids. If you’re wondering whether you “count” or whether your struggles are “big enough” — you’re welcome here.
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Yes. My work is grounded in an understanding of how trauma and chronic stress shape the nervous system, relationships, and patterns of coping. That means we move at your pace, we prioritize safety and stability, and nothing happens without consent. Trauma-informed doesn’t mean we dive straight into the hardest moments — it means we build enough trust and grounding so you don’t have to do any of this alone.
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Absolutely. Many of my clients are neurodivergent (or exploring whether they might be), including ADHD, Autism, AuDHD, giftedness, learning differences, and sensory or executive function challenges. My approach is collaborative, flexible, and focused on working with your brain — not trying to force you into strategies that don’t fit. We can adapt pacing, structure, communication style, and tools to support the way you work best.
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That’s really normal. Many young people feel unsure about the whole thing, especially if they haven’t been in therapy before or they’ve had bad experiences in therapy. I move slowly, follow their lead, and focus on building trust before asking them to talk about anything hard. They always get a say in the pace and direction of therapy. Parents/caregivers are part of the process too, so we can support your child as a team without overwhelming them.
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Yes. Parenting is intense, and you don’t have to figure it out alone. I work with caregivers to understand what’s happening underneath behaviors, reduce conflict, and shift the patterns that keep everyone stuck. This isn’t about “fixing” your child or judging your parenting — it’s about giving your family more clarity, connection, and support.
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Yes, and it’s welcome. Your identity — including race, culture, gender, sexuality, family story, neurotype, and lived experience — shapes how you move through the world and how the world responds to you. We don’t ignore that. This is a space where you get to show up as your full self without having to educate me, shrink parts of your experience, or leave anything at the door.
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Then we won’t. Therapy isn’t a race. You get to set the pace, and we build trust together over time. We start where you feel grounded enough to begin — whether that’s the surface-level stuff, the day-to-day stress, or just getting used to being in the room. You never have to share more than you’re ready for.
therapy approach
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Our first session is a chance for us to slow down, take stock, and get a clear picture of what’s been going on.
We’ll talk about what brought you in, what’s been feeling hard, and what you’re hoping might change. I’ll ask some questions about your history, relationships, and the patterns you’ve noticed — just enough to understand the context, not every detail of your life.
I’ll also explain how I work, what you can expect from the process, and answer any questions you have. You’re evaluating fit too; therapy works best when the relationship feels safe and collaborative.
There’s nothing you need to prepare. Come as you are. Whether you’re talkative right away or need time to settle in, both are completely normal.
By the end, you’ll have a sense of whether we’re a good match and a general direction for our work together.
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If you’re using insurance, a diagnosis is required to establish medical necessity. I only diagnose when it’s clinically appropriate and relevant to your care — not to label you or define you. Some diagnoses, like ADHD or Autism, require a full evaluation by a psychologist, and I’m happy to help you figure out next steps if that’s something you’re exploring. In our work together, the diagnosis is just one piece of information; the focus stays on understanding your experience, not fitting you into a category.
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There’s no one timeline that fits everyone. Some people come in with a specific goal and feel ready to wrap up after a handful of sessions; others stay longer to do deeper, more layered work. We’ll check in regularly about how things are feeling, what’s shifting, and what you need. The pace is flexible, collaborative, and shaped around your life — not a predefined schedule.
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Sessions are a mix of talking through what’s happening in your world, slowing down enough to notice patterns, and making sense of how your brain and body respond to stress, relationships, and change. Sometimes we explore past experiences for context; sometimes we stay focused on what’s coming up right now. My goal is to help you understand yourself with more clarity and compassion, and to build tools that actually fit you — not a generic checklist.
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Sometimes. I think of them as “side quests” — optional things you can try between sessions to see if they’re helpful. Some clients really like having something to practice or reflect on; others don’t want anything outside the room. Both are completely fine. We’ll figure out what supports you without adding pressure or busywork.
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Short answer: no. I’m not here to lecture, judge, or direct your life. My role is to bring in clinical knowledge, developmental understanding, and the tools I’m trained in. You are the expert on your lived experience — you know yourself better than anyone else. Therapy is a collaborative process that helps you uncover what you need, trust your own judgment, and make choices that align with who you are.
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Progress isn’t just “symptoms getting better.” It shows up in how you feel, how you make decisions, how you respond to stress, and how your relationships shift. We pay attention to the moments when something feels easier, clearer, or more manageable — and we talk openly about when things feel stuck. Regular check-ins help us stay aligned on what’s working, what isn’t, and where you want our work to go.
