FAQ
Where is your office located?
My office is wherever you are. It sounds a little strange. But as I am currently only providing Telehealth, I don’t have an office where I meet with clients.
So, it could be at your dining room table, your yard, workplace, or even your car. Wherever you can find privacy and have an Internet connection is where we meet.
I am licensed in both Oregon and Washington State to work with clients in either place. I live in Eugene, OR, but I am originally from Washington.
What are your hours?
How long are the sessions?
Standard sessions are 50 minutes (often called a therapy hour). 75-minute or 100-minute sessions are also an option.
If you are interested in meeting for a longer time, please let me know during a consultation or as soon as possible, as it may affect available times to meet.
What do you charge?
A standard/typical 50 minute session is $175. Longer times are possible and are prorated.
Do you take insurance?
No, I am not on any insurance panels. Not taking insurance allows us the freedom to determine what your therapy looks like, how long we meet, and what we can work on during your visits. It also gives me the ability to provide you with the highest level of confidentiality.
I do not provide direct billing of insurance, nor do I interact with insurance systems. I have a private pay practice. I would be happy to provide you with a Superbill receipt for you to submit to your insurance if you have any out of network benefits or a health savings account you would like to use.
How do I set up an initial appointment?
You have two options. You can call me at (541) 505-3533 or email me using the contact form below.
Can I cancel an appointment?
You can always cancel an appointment if needed. I do require a 24-hour notice for cancellations with no charges.
If you cancel with less than 24-hours’ notice or no-show your appointment, I will charge you the regular fee.
Consistency in attendance is essential for progress, so minimizing missed appointments is essential, but life happens sometimes!
With whom do you work?
I work with adults who are 18 and over and living in either Oregon or Washington State.
I work with individuals across the gender spectrum as well as those who identify as non-binary. I have experience working with clients of different sexual orientations and those with cultural, racial, and religious/spiritual experiences different from my own.
For all my clients, I work to provide a safe and informed space.
I’m not mainstream… can you still work with me?
What do you do in the session?
There is usually a fair amount of talking and listening. You do most of the talking or sometimes sit in silence. Either is okay, depending on what you need. Hopefully, there is more listening on my end.
Sometimes, I talk more, usually introducing new ideas, teaching skills, or asking questions (I’m good at asking questions!). Each session is a little different depending on with whom I am working.
For more information, look at the What to Expect tab.
Do you give homework?
Sometimes I do. Homework can be helpful in many ways, including giving you a chance to explore what you are feeling, process your experiences, and practice new skills.
Doing regular homework can speed up the healing process. I also know that outside work isn’t everyone’s favorite. While some people relish homework, others consider it burdensome or busywork, and for some, it depends on what the task is. So, we tailor any homework assignments to your needs.
What modalities do you use?
What is your professional training and experience?
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and completed my MSW (Master of Social Work) degree in 2001.
I participate in continuing education courses yearly to maintain my licensure as well as to refresh, update, and learn new skills. Professionally, I have worked in private practice and community mental health settings, as well as outreach with homeless and at-risk adolescents.
What we talk about is private, right?
Yes… mostly. I have a legal and ethical obligation to protect your privacy and have taken many steps to maintain that privacy, including using HIPAA-compliant platforms.
There are some legal and ethical exceptions: child abuse, elder/vulnerable population abuse, imminent danger to self (suicidal ideation with perceived intent), and imminent danger to others (homicidal ideation with perceived intent). Outside of these considerations, I will not share your information with anyone without your express written consent.
Will you make me cry?
Will you be offended if I curse?
Can I tell you if you have salad in your teeth?
What happens if I see you at the store?
If you see me at the store or out in public, the first thing to know is that I will not say “hello” or acknowledge you in any way first. Your confidentiality is so important that I will pretend not to know you unless you give the go-ahead by saying “hello” to me.
And for clarity, you are under no obligation to say hello or even acknowledge me, and that is perfectly fine. If you decide to say hello, we will keep it brief and not discuss anything relating to your treatment, so no worries!
Have you ever been to therapy?
Yes! Going to therapy is what put me on the road to becoming a therapist. It was life-changing.
I have had a few different therapists at different points in my life. I firmly believe that all therapists should have the experience of being IN therapy themselves. The client chair is the most challenging chair to sit in, and if therapists don’t understand that, they are missing out on a considerable part of the experience for you…the client.
Can you tell me some therapy jokes?
Q: Why did Waldo go to therapy? A: To find himself.
Q: How many psychotherapists does it take to change a light bulb? A: Just one, as long as the light bulb wants to change.
Therapist: What triggers your anxiety?
Me: Nouns
Therapist: Nouns?
Me: Yep. Persons, places, and things.