How did that plant get in there? How does the plant get water? What happens when the plant grows to big? Should we break the glass?
There’s no such thing as a dumb question.
I’ve compiled a list of the most frequent questions that I have received over my career. It’s normal and encouraged for patients to ask many questions when choosing to work with a licensed therapist. Here are some answers to the questions I receive the most.
If you can’t find what you are looking for, please get in touch.
The First Session
The first session is a time when I introduce myself and briefly review all the information you need to know at the onset of therapy. This includes reviewing confidentiality and important details. The majority of this session is like a conversation where I tend to do a lot of listening. I encourage clients to share whatever they want to share to help me understand what brought them to therapy. The last portion of this session includes gathering specific details, like family or health history, establishing goals and discussing the therapeutic plan.
Where do we meet?
We will meet in person in my office or virtually using a HIPPA secured video platform. There may be times when only virtual appointments are available. Clients located outside of Charlotte will be seen virtually.
How much are your sessions?
Whether it is a gym membership, weekly piano lessons, or school tuition, therapy is a financial commitment. My fees reflect my education, years of professional training, and experience in the field. I began training in 2003 and have been a licensed professional since 2007. **Intake appointments are $275. Individual sessions are $210. **
Do you take insurance?
I am a private pay practice and am Out-of-Network with any insurance companies. Most private health insurance plans provide some level of out-of-network reimbursement. If you see the terms, “POS,” “PPO,” “Tricare,” or “out-of-network” on your insurance card then you are likely eligible. If you see “HMO,” “Medicare,” or “Medicaid” on your card then you probably do not. Check with your insurance company or human resources representative to be sure. If you have a health savings account (HSA) plan, you may also be able to submit expenses that are not covered for reimbursement there. If you would like to use your out-of-network benefits, I will provide the necessary documentation for you to submit to your insurance company. Through your online portal, you can receive a Superbill that includes all information necessary for you to file for reimbursement.
LYRA HEALTH PROVIDER - I am a Lyra Health Provider. Some companies have a Lyra Health Benefit. Check with your employer to see if you have this benefit or visit LyraHealth.com to find out more about Lyra Health.
TRICARE (Non-network) - A non-network provider is a civilian provider who is authorized to provide care to TRICARE beneficiaries. Non-network providers meet TRICARE licensing and certification requirements, and are certified by TRICARE to provide care to TRICARE beneficiaries.
WHO I AM
Check out the About Me page to learn more about who I am and why I do this work.
WHO I SERVE
I am trained to support all ages across the lifespan. In the first 10 years of my career I supported young children. In my current practice, I primarily work with teenagers, young adult, and adult women. I also see boys (11 years and younger) and adult men. Concerning clinical issues, I utilize research based methods and actively work to reduce anxiety and mood fluctuation by teaching healthy coping, meditation, and clinical skills. I support LGBTQIA+ individuals and families connected to their journey. I support People of Color, especially Black and Brown teen and adult women. I have a dynamic family systems practice and support all family types by offering support for single parents, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) co-parenting coaching, and traditional family therapy. Anxiety, ADHD, Depression, Life transitions, Relationship, Attachment, Trauma, Emotional Regulation, PMDD, and Life Coaching are a few areas of speciality.
WHAT TO EXPECT
I view therapy as an interdependent relationship. Your success as a client is dependent on my clinical experience and my professional guidance. My success as a therapist is dependent on your openness, honesty, vulnerability and willingness to work towards positive change. Therapy requires effort and commitment. Clients who actively engage in therapy should expect to see positive change. I see a diverse age of clients with a wide variety of concerns. Therefore, aspects of therapy will be different for each client. Some clients may need clinical assessments to assist with a diagnosis, while others need more life coaching. Some clients may need to focus on individual counseling while others need couples, parent/child therapy, or family sessions included in their therapeutic plan. My overall goal is to meet each client where they are in order to understand their specific needs. However, no matter the client, there are a few things you can expect. These include, non-judgement, confidentiality, patience, respect, and unconditional regard.
Integrative Work
I’m certified in Early Childhood and Adolescent Mental Health and other evidence based modalities such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I’m also trained in mindfulness, meditation, and completing a professional training in Nutrition & Integrative Medicine for Mental Health Professionals. I uniquely blend research based integrative methods with traditional clinical methods. I understand that the mind, body, and breath connection is a powerful way to have control over our mental and emotional health. In therapy, we will learn how to access this connection by learning self awareness, meditation, and breathing techniques. These techniques can help calm the mind, relax the body, regulate our emotions, and reduce overthinking. I also like to include art therapy and other holistic approaches.
What is an Integrative Practice? Find out here...
THERAPEUTIC APPROACH
Individual, Relationship, and Family Therapy
Supports All Orientations and All Genders
Supports People of Color
Anxiety, Depression, and Life Transitions
Attachment
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
Transracial Adoption
Parenting, Co-Parenting, and Family Systems
An eclectic blend of clinical psychology and integrative methods
Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200) offering Yoga Therapy and Mindfulness for all ages
Evidence-based therapy such as ACT, CBT, and PCIT
Bachelor of Psychology from Tennessee State University
Masters in Clinical Psychology from Loyola University in Maryland