What kind of therapy do you offer? 

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, chronic pain, 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 attack, 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 has the ability to change, create new neural pathways, and produce new neurons. Because the brand has this ability to change, we have the ability to 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 utilized 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.

How long will it take?

Unfortunately, this is not possible to say on a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them 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:

• Personalized treatment programs for individuals (EMDR Intensives)
• Adjunct EMDR therapy (4-12 sessions) in collaboration with your primary talk therapist
• Extended (80-minute) EMDR sessions
• Hourly (53-minute) individual sessions

Please note that I only work with clients who are physically in the state of Arizona. If you do not live in Arizona, 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?

Weekly, 53-minute sessions are $125

Extended, 80-minute sessions are $200

EMDR Intensive programs offer you accelerated progress and are offered in half-day to multiple-day programs to accommodate your schedule. A personalized client workbook specific to your goals is included 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 $165/hour for weekdays and $248/hour for weekends and evenings, not including the workbook. 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 $125 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. Please note, the sliding scale program is full through August 2023.

Do you give back to the community?

Absolutely! I currently offer 2 pro-bono (free) weekday intensive programs per year to first responders, the military, and educators. I also volunteer at local high schools providing mental health education and support.

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 feel it appropriate not to engage in any lengthy discussions in public or outside of the office.