Nuts and Bolts

Nuts and Bolts – How Therapy Works with Me

(Here’s the practical stuff you might be wondering about.)

Counseling Services & Goals

Your goals are the priority. In our first session (the intake), I’ll ask about what brings you to therapy – your concerns, any symptoms or history that are relevant – and together we’ll start shaping your personal goals for counseling. Think of it like co-op gameplay: you lead the way on what quests or problems you want to tackle, and I’ll assist with strategies and support. We’ll figure out what you want out of therapy (better relationships? less anxiety? more self-confidence? all of the above?) and make a plan to get there. This first meeting is also where I gather some background info (medical and psychological history, etc.) just to make sure I have the full context to help you best. By the end of our intake, we’ll have an idea of the “game plan” that suits your needs. And remember, no two clients are the same – I’ll stay flexible and adjust our approach as we learn what works for you.

Session Length & Fees

Therapy sessions with me are 45 minutes long (sometimes called a “therapy hour”). The fee is $125 per session. I currently accept payment via credit/debit card or electronic payment through the client portal. (I do not bill insurance directly, but I can provide a receipt/superbill if you plan to seek out-of-network reimbursement. Just ask!)

All sessions are held online via secure video. That means you can attend from the comfort of your home, office, or even your Dragon Age-themed gaming chair – whatever works, as long as you’re in a private, safe space to talk. Evening appointments are available to accommodate work or school schedules. If you have any questions about payment or scheduling logistics, I’m happy to answer them up front. Transparency is key – no surprise fees or hidden policies here.

Diagnosis: To Diagnose or Not to Diagnose?

In many cases, people come to therapy for personal growth, support, or specific life problems that don’t require any formal mental health diagnosis. I take a minimalist approach to diagnoses. What does that mean for you? It means I won’t label you with a disorder unless there’s a good reason – like if a diagnosis is necessary for treatment planning or you need it for insurance reimbursement or personal understanding. We’ll decide together if assigning a diagnosis would be helpful for your situation. If we do use one, I rely on the DSM-5 (the big guidebook of mental health conditions) to make sure it’s accurate.

Importantly, any diagnosis becomes part of your confidential record. I won’t disclose it to anyone without your written permission, unless I’m legally compelled (more on those rare cases below). In short: you are not your diagnosis. It’s just a tool, used sparingly and carefully, in my practice.

Confidentiality & Privacy

When you enter therapy, you should know that what we talk about stays between us. I am ethically and legally bound to keep our conversations confidential. I take your privacy seriously – my online platform is secure and I won’t even confirm you’re a client to anyone without your consent.

However, there are a few specific situations – true emergencies or legal requirements – where I might have to break confidentiality to protect you or others. These are the only exceptions to our secrecy, and I want you to know them upfront:

If you share that a child, elderly, or dependent person is being abused or neglected currently, I am required by law to report it to the authorities to ensure safety.

If you seriously threaten to harm yourself or someone else, or I believe your life is in immediate danger, I may need to contact emergency services or others who can help keep you (or the other person) safe. Your safety is a top priority.

If I receive a court order or subpoena for your records (which is rare), I might have to release information legally. I will only share the minimum required and will discuss it with you if possible.

Aside from those crisis scenarios, everything you share with me is private. I’ll happily answer any questions you have about confidentiality because it’s crucial you feel safe and trust that your personal story is protected.

---

Have more questions about these details? Feel free to reach out and ask. I want you to feel comfortable with “how things work” before we begin.

When you’re ready, you can schedule a session using the link below. I look forward to possibly working with you and handling all the nitty-gritty together so you can focus on growth and healing.

👉 Request an Appointment (Online scheduling, quick and easy)