What kind of therapy do you offer?

Although I provide treatment using a variety of treatment modalities, including CBT and CPT, my passion is utilizing the transformational benefits of EMDR with clients who are ready to live with anxiety, depression, dissociation, phobias, and post-traumatic stress.

My approach is relational and integrates what we know about neurobiology, ego states, and attachment in order to alleviate anxiety, depression, and trauma symptoms. I am a Certified EMDR Therapist, EMDRIA-Approved Consultant-in-Training, and Certified First Responder Counselor with advanced training in attachment, dissociation, complex and developmental trauma, cognitive behavioral therapy, and somatic work.

We will choose a mix of techniques and frameworks that are most beneficial for you.

Can EMDR help me?

It’s highly likely! EMDR can be effectively utilized for:

• Resourcing: We will work to strengthen internal resources while soothing parts of you that feel limited. EMDR utilizes images, emotions, body sensations, and positive cognitions to increase feelings of calm, safety, and confidence.
• Resolving relationship difficulties: Attachment-focused EMDR works to repair unmet developmental needs (often called attachment wounding) when we have experienced an absence of care/neglect, or abuse.
• Chronic pain: Often, chronic pain is managed by medical professionals with limited use of therapy. Although talk therapy can assist in the reduction of depression and anxiety as a result of pain, EMDR can be successful in intercepting pain where it starts: the brain.
• Trauma recovery: While I often utilize EMDR for clients with big “T” trauma (e.g., a major car accident, assault, natural disaster), I also support clients with small “t” traumas (e.g., chronic or ongoing stressful conditions, such as interpersonal conflict, difficult parents, financial work employment stress). One of the most overlooked aspects of small “t” traumas is their accumulated effect. Multiple, compounded small “t” traumas may lead to distress in the nervous system and trouble with emotional functioning.

EMDR is a form of adaptive information processing that helps the brain evolve from limiting beliefs. EMDR may avoid some of the long and difficult abreactive work often involved in the treatment of anxiety, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress symptoms (such as intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and flashbacks), dissociated disorders, depression, phobias, identity crises, and other adverse experiences.

Research in neuroplasticity demonstrates that our brain can change, create new neural pathways, and produce new neurons. Because the brand has this ability to change, we can change our way of thinking and improve our mood. Neural pathways in the brain are strengthened with repetition. One way to describe this process is “neurons that fight together, wire together.” Constant repetitions of an experience lead to changes within the brain’s structure and how the neurons process that experience. EMDR utilizes our brains’ neuroplasticity to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections, which allows the brain to compensate for injury and adjust to new situations. Please visit my EMDR and EMDR Intensive pages for more information on the benefits of EMDR.

There are situations in which EMDR is not recommended. This does not mean that a person cannot heal from their trauma or other distressing symptoms. Often, another treatment modality may be better suited to your needs.

How long will it take?

Unfortunately, this is not possible to say on a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique, and the length of time counseling can take to allow you to accomplish all of your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek counseling in the first place.

Where and when will we work together?

I support clients in person and virtually in 4 ways:

• EMDR Intensives (Personalized treatment programs for individuals)
• Adjunct EMDR therapy (4-12 sessions) in collaboration with your primary talk therapist
• Hourly (53-minute) individual sessions (both EMDR and non-EMDR)

Please note that I only work with clients who are physically in Arizona and Wyoming. If you do not live in Arizona or Wyoming, we can assist you in flying here for treatment and provide you with a list of area hotels and recreational activities.

What is your fee?

$130/per session for private pay clients. Sessions are typically 53-minutes.

EMDR Intensives (3 hours):  $165/hour for weekdays and $248/hour for weekends and evenings.

EMDR Intensive programs are available and are offered in half-day to multiple-day programs to accommodate your schedule. A personalized client workbook specific to your goals is optional with these programs. Fees are based on your needs and program design and are communicated ahead of time in accordance with the No Surprises Act. Typically, intensive therapy is not covered by insurance. You can get on the waitlist here for a 55-minute initial session to see if we wish to work intensively together. The rate for our first session is $130 and may be covered by insurance.

Can I use my insurance to pay for services?

Yes. Many insurance companies reimburse for a portion or all of the cost of your initial intake assessment and hourly psychotherapy sessions. I am in-network with United Health Care, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and Cigna. Insurance does not cover extended and intensive sessions but may reimburse a small portion of the cost.

Do you offer sliding scale rates?

Yes! I offer a 12-week sliding scale program for clients who wish to work with me on targeted treatment goals and are not able to pay my full fee.

How can I pay for services?

Services can be paid by cash, all major credit and debit cards, and Care Credit. Checks are not accepted.

What if I see my therapist in public?

If we see each other outside of my office, I will not acknowledge you first. Your right to privacy and confidentiality is of the utmost importance to me, and I do not wish to jeopardize your privacy. However, if you acknowledge me first, I will be more than happy to say hello and speak briefly with you, but I feel it appropriate not to engage in any lengthy discussions in public or outside of the office.

How can I pay for services?

Services can be paid by cash, all major credit and debit cards, and Care Credit. Checks are not accepted.