Frequently Asked Questions

What is your cancellation policy?

I reserve a time just for you each week. If you can’t make it because of illness, let me know as soon as possible. I do not charge for missed appointments due to illness or severe weather. If you have something else come up and can’t make it, I require 48 hours notice, or I will charge you the full fee. Therapy involves a commitment to regular sessions in order to work well.

Do you offer a sliding scale fee?

Yes, I do sometimes offer a lower fee if we’re not billing insurance. If you have financial need, let me know. We can talk about your needs and see if we can come to a fee that works for both of us. I have a limited number of openings for sliding fee clients, but I’m happy to talk with you about the possibility.

Do you accept insurance?

Yes, I’d be happy to bill your insurance. I’m an out-of-network provider for most plans. This means that you pay me at each session, and then every month or two I submit a paid invoice to your insurance. The insurance will send you a check for a portion of the fees. It’s up to you to know the details of your insurance benefits—whether they cover out-of-network providers, whether you have a deductible, and what percentage of the fees they will reimburse you for. I choose to work “out-of-network” because it protects your confidentiality and gives us more freedom to let your therapy unfold without a third party intruding on the process.

How do you work with dreams?

I think of dreams as ways we work through emotions and try to make sense of things while sleeping. I also think of each session as a kind of waking dream. The part of ourselves that dreams is always active, even when we are awake. Often night dreams will lead to symbols that have a healing or transforming effect on the client. I always encourage clients to write down their dreams and bring them in.

How do you work with art and creativity?

I’ve worked with many creative people, whether they write or make art for a living, or simply as a fun way to further their personal development. Bringing the creative process into therapy in various forms—painting, photography, journaling, sculpture, etc.—is a powerful stimulant for therapeutic growth and healing. Some clients choose to bring a piece of art or writing in to share with me if it relates to the therapy process.

What is sandtray work?

Sandtray or sandplay is a mode of therapy where the client creates a microcosm of their inner world in a tray of sand in the therapist’s office. I have a sandtray and a variety of man-made and natural objects with which you can create a world. Adults find it helpful to bypass the rational mind and inner critic by playing in the sand in this way. Sandtray work can be helpful in cases of trauma.

Do you prescribe medication?

I’m not a medical doctor and so do not prescribe psychiatric medication. I often work with people who choose to take medications to help with their symptoms. I can refer you to medical and alternative practitioners when that is beneficial.

Do you work with couples?

I don’t work with couples at this time. I work with individuals, and often individual work benefits the client’s intimate relationships or helps the client sort out what they want and don’t want in a relationship.

Do you work with children and adolescents?

Yes, I do work with children and adolescents. I first talk with parents or guardians to discover more about what is going on, and whether I am the right therapist to help the child or adolescent. When I work with younger people, I emphasize play therapy, sandtray work, and talking through things in a warm, respectful way. Young people have rich inner lives and often need a good therapist to be an “ally” to help them navigate the many real struggles that they encounter.