Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect during my first counseling session?
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Your first session is a chance for us to get to know one another and begin talking about what brings you to counseling. We’ll briefly review important information about policies, communication, and confidentiality, and I’ll ask you to complete a couple of brief questionnaires to help me better understand how you’ve been feeling physically and emotionally and how these experiences may be affecting your day-to-day life. Most importantly, there’s no expectation that you have everything figured out or know exactly where to begin. We can take it one step at a time together.
How do I know if counseling is right for me?
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You don’t have to be in crisis or have everything figured out to consider counseling. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, stuck, disconnected, or simply want support as you navigate something difficult, counseling may be a helpful place to start. You also don’t need to know exactly what you need before reaching out; we can talk together about what you’re experiencing and whether counseling feels like the right fit for you.
Do you offer in-person and virtual counseling?
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Yes! I offer both in-person and virtual counseling, so you can choose the format that feels most comfortable and convenient for you. In-person sessions are available at my office in the North Houston area, conveniently located in Montgomery/Woodforest, while virtual sessions are available for individuals located throughout Texas and Louisiana. My professional preference and practice policy is to meet with minor clients in person. For adults, we can talk about which format may work best based on your needs, preferences, and circumstances.
I typically recommend meeting weekly for the first eight weeks. This gives us time to get to know one another, build a comfortable and trusting relationship, and better understand how you’re doing as you navigate everyday life, stressors, and the concerns that brought you to counseling. I understand that circumstances may sometimes make weekly sessions difficult, and I’m happy to talk through what feels realistic for you. As we continue working together, we’ll regularly revisit the frequency of sessions and determine what feels most appropriate and helpful based on your needs and goals.
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How often will we meet?
Do you accept insurance, and what will I pay?
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Yes! I’m currently in-network with Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare/Optum, and Curative. Your cost will depend on your individual insurance plan and mental health benefits, which may include a copay, coinsurance, or deductible. Before scheduling your initial intake appointment, I prefer to verify your insurance benefits and let you know what your expected cost may be, so you can make informed decisions about your care. Your responsibility may differ between your first appointment and ongoing sessions, and I’ll do my best to make sure you have that information before getting started.
What if I've never been to counseling before?
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You are absolutely welcome here, whether this is your first experience with counseling or you’ve been to therapy before. You don’t need to know what to say, where to begin, or how counseling is “supposed” to work. I’ll walk alongside you through each step of the process. Together, we can slow things down, better understand what you’re experiencing, and explore practical ways to navigate your thoughts, emotions, and physical responses with greater awareness and compassion. My hope is that you’ll feel comfortable being yourself, asking questions, and moving at a pace that feels right for you.
What is EMDR, and is it right for me?
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EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based approach that can help the mind and body process experiences that may still feel overwhelming, distressing, or difficult to move past. While EMDR is often associated with trauma, it can be helpful for a variety of experiences that continue to affect how you think, feel, or respond in the present. If EMDR may be a good fit for you, we’ll take time to build a trusting relationship, make sure you feel prepared and comfortable, and determine together whether and when it makes sense to incorporate it into your counseling. You never have to rush into EMDR; we’ll move at a pace that feels safe and appropriate for you.
My goal is to make the process of getting started with counseling as simple and manageable as possible. You can reach out through the contact form on my website to ask questions or schedule a brief consultation call, and we can talk about what brings you to counseling and whether I may be a good fit for your needs. If you decide to move forward, I’ll guide you through the next steps, including completing your intake paperwork, verifying your insurance benefits if you plan to use insurance, reviewing self-pay options, and scheduling your first session. There’s no pressure to have everything figured out before reaching out; I’m happy to walk through the process with you.
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How do I get started?
Endorsements from Counseling Colleagues