Counseling hasn’t worked for me in the past. Why should I try again?

Research shows that the two most important factors predicting the effectiveness of therapy are finding a counselor who makes you feel safe and comfortable, and tapping into the root causes of your difficulties rather than simply focusing on surface symptoms. If my website resonates with you, it is likely that you will enjoy working with me. I use an active approach to dig out the “why” underneath your struggles, teach you new skills, role-play with you, be your cheerleader, assign homework, and more. I am not the therapist who sits there nodding wisely, stroking my chin, and saying, “Hmmm…” Instead, I partner with you to intentionally create the changes you want in your life.

Can you really help me with my problems?

I do have training and education that qualify me to use empirically validated treatment approaches that help people heal. More importantly, I bring my own experiences, my authentic self, my history of struggling and overcoming difficulties, my quirky personality, and my optimism. I have not walked in your shoes but my personal journey has invested me with an aversion to judgment, deep empathy, and the certainty that each person is infinitely valuable and unique. My passion is to work hard to see the world through your eyes and help you reach the goals that are important to you. Click here to learn more about me.

What if I don’t have time for therapy?

I know you are busy. But I believe to my core that we each make time for the things that are most important. Investing in yourself—making time and space to discover what makes you tick, why you are the way you are, and how to change the things about your life that get in the way of being whole, joyful, and effective—is one of the most critical choices you can make. I sincerely believe that counseling is one of the most productive and impactful uses of your time. It is an investment in you. You’re worth it.

Isn’t therapy expensive?

It is true that counseling costs money as well as time. It is my highest goal to ensure that the value and benefit you get working with me is so great that your investment feels more than worth it. You are also free to engage in a customized schedule of therapy to balance your specific goals and financial needs.

You can use your HSA to pay for services, or, if your insurance company covers out-of-network benefits, you can submit bills to them for reimbursement.

I accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Priority Health, Aetna, ASR Health Benefits, United HealthCare, Optum, Golden Rule, and UMR. See my Fees page for more information.

What are your qualifications?

I hold a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Western Michigan University and am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Michigan. In addition to my academic preparation, I bring a wealth of life experience and perspective to our work together. I earned a BA in Economics from the University of Michigan in my early 20s, was a stay-at-home mom to my three children for an extended period, struggled to find a career path that was right for me, and battled and overcame many of the same issues my clients face. You can learn more about me here.

Will you be a good fit for me as a therapist?

That question is one only you can answer. But I have found, after working with hundreds of individuals and couples, that people who are drawn to me through referrals or my online presence typically do find me a good fit. I offer a free 15-minute video consultation so you can decide for yourself risk-free. Just click on “Client Portal” at the top of the page, then “New Client” to choose a day and time that works for you.

What happens during a free 15-minute video consultation?

A free consultation allows you to get a sense of what I am like to work with, ask questions, and decide if you feel comfortable with me. It allows me to get a snapshot of your issues and assess whether I would be a good fit to help you.

We will discuss insurance, scheduling, my approach, and anything else that is important to you. At the end of the consultation, if we both feel comfortable and I believe that I have the skills to help you, we can schedule a full session.

Please note that I am only licensed in Michigan and, therefore, am not able to work with clients who live in other states. Please note that free consultations are offered by video only, not in person.

Won’t it be a long wait to schedule an appointment or a hassle to reschedule when I need to?

I place a high priority on being extremely responsive and easy to work with. Many counselors take days or weeks to respond to inquiries. You can always connect with me through text, phone call, or email and I promise to respond within 24 hours, usually within an hour or two.

I also offer the opportunity for you to schedule appointments online. Just click the “Client Portal” button at the top of the page, then either click “Existing Client” to schedule an appointment or “New Client” to schedule a free 15-minute video consultation.

One of the things that sets me apart is the high level of customer service and personal attention that I provide. I have no office staff; you will always be communicating directly with me, and I am committed to making managing your therapy easy and convenient.

Do you only counsel women?

Even though I specialize in working with women, I also work successfully with men, nonbinary and transgender people, and couples. I work exclusively with adults (18+).