Frequently Asked Questions

Getting started is simple! You can schedule a free consultation or book your first therapy appointment directly through my secure Alma scheduling portal. If you prefer, you're also welcome to contact me, and I can help you find a time that works.

A consultation is optional but can be a helpful opportunity to ask questions, share what you're looking for, and see if we're a good fit.

It’s a short, low-pressure call to connect. We’ll talk briefly about what you’re looking for, availability, and you can ask anything—about my style, how therapy works, scheduling, and payment options.

If you decide to move forward, we’ll also discuss the intake questionnaire and onboarding paperwork so you know what to expect. The goal is simple: clarity on whether working together feels right and what the next step should be.

We'll discuss a schedule that fits your needs and goals, typically toward the end of our first session.

For clients actively working toward specific goals, I generally recommend every other week. Monthly sessions (every four weeks) can provide lighter, ongoing support and an opportunity to check in on progress or identify a focus for the month. Weekly sessions may be helpful during periods of greater need, while occasional, as-needed appointments may also be available.

Session frequency is flexible and can change as your needs evolve.

My style is warm, grounded, and collaborative—I aim to create a space where you feel supported first, not judged. From there, we’ll focus on practical change: making sense of what’s happening and choosing next steps that fit your real life.

I do offer tools and skills when they’re useful—things like coping strategies, routines, boundary work, and goals that reflect what matters to you. If you want structure or “home practice,” we can do that; if you prefer something more conversational, that works too.

That’s completely okay—many people start therapy with a feeling more than a clear “problem statement.” We can begin with what you’re noticing: stress, burnout, low mood, anxiety, relationship strain, or just feeling off. From there, we’ll map patterns and identify what’s keeping you stuck. Clarity tends to show up once you feel supported and we start gently exploring the bigger picture.

In practice, people use the words interchangeably—and that’s okay.

When I say counseling, I’m often referring to practical support for current stressors: coping skills, routines, decisions, and next steps. When I say therapy, I’m often referring to deeper pattern work: how your history, beliefs, emotions, and relationships shape the present. Most clients end up doing a blend of both, depending on what they need.

No shame—and nothing to take personally. I won’t be the right fit for everyone, and that’s okay. The relationship matters, and not every therapist is the right match for every person. If we meet and it doesn’t feel aligned, we can talk openly about what you’re looking for and what might fit better. I’m happy to help you find a more suitable match—whether that means a different style, a different specialty, or a higher level of care. The goal is that you get the support you need.

Yes. I approach substance use with a nonjudgmental, client-centered lens—and I understand it exists on a spectrum. That can include harm reduction, cutting back, exploring healthier coping, recovery support, or simply having a space where you can talk honestly about what’s going on. We’ll work toward goals that feel realistic and meaningful to you. If coordinated care is helpful, I’m open to collaborating with other providers (with your permission).

Walk & Talk is an option for clients who want movement and fresh air as part of the session. It’s available with limited availability in central Austin, and we can discuss whether it fits your needs. Because we’re in public, confidentiality looks a little different—people may pass by, and privacy can’t be guaranteed the way it is in a private office or during telehealth. We’ll talk through boundaries (route, pacing, what to do if we see someone you know, weather) before scheduling. It can also help to consider the sensitivity of what you want to discuss when choosing a Walk & Talk session.

Yes. I accept several insurance plans and Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), which may cover some or all of your counseling costs. I also offer private-pay sessions and can provide superbills for potential out-of-network reimbursement.

Visit the Rates & Payment page for current details.

Therapy is confidential, with a few legal and safety exceptions. These typically include situations involving imminent risk of harm to yourself or others, suspected abuse or neglect of a child/elder/dependent adult, or a court order. If a safety concern comes up, I’ll aim to be transparent and collaborative about what happens next. If you have questions about privacy—especially with telehealth—I’m happy to talk through them.