No Pressure — It all Starts With Just a Quick Conversation
Therapy works best when you feel comfortable, understood, and clear about the direction you’re heading in.
I typically start with free 15-minute phone consultation. This gives us a chance to talk briefly about what you’re looking for and how I might be able to help.
This is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions you might have about how the process works.
Therapy has the best chance of succeeding when we decide together if it’s potentially the right fit and if working together feels like the right next step.
If we both agree, we schedule a first session.
Before We Start and How to Prepare
Before our first session, you’ll have received access to my secure client portal. There you can access my intake documents: consent forms, questionnaire, insurance info, etc.
I’ll send a separate email with office directions, tele-health instructions and some other getting started info.
I ask that you complete all documents the day before we meet so I have a chance to look over them.
For our first session, my priority is to help you feel at ease in my office.
Please come as you are.
No need to over-prepare. You can start with what’s on your mind when you arrive. Or if it helps to organize your thoughts, feelings, and concerns before the session, that’s also welcome.
Initial sessions are a chance for me to get to know you better and let you know how we might reach you goals together. Of course, you get to assess me too! Please feel free to ask any questions you might have about me, my practice, or about the process of getting started.
By the end of the hour, we decide if continued sessions feel like a good idea.
What First Sessions Are Like
Most people wonder what it will actually feel like to sit down and get started. Beginning therapy doesn't have to be intimidating or mysterious.
I'll help you quickly feel safe and at ease. From our first session together you can expect an environment of warmth, acceptance, and understanding — a space where you can come just as you are.
We'll clarify what you want help with. You might come in feeling overwhelmed and confused. I'll help you translate these feelings into something we can work on together.
I'll offer direction. You’ll leave with a clearer sense of what’s happening, what we can do about it, and how we can get your life working again.
It’s ok to feel unsure. Questions, uncertainty, doubt — this is all part of the process, we’ll make room for all of it. Let’s talk openly about your concerns.
You’re in control of the process. Therapy doesn’t have to be forever. We decide together what feels most useful.
Fees, Insurance, Practical Details
I see people in-person in my office in Bellevue, WA and virtually throughout the state of Washington.
The virtual sessions I provide are through Tele-health a secure, HIPPA compliant video-conferencing tool connected to my EHR platform Simple Practice.
My experience has been that in-person sessions are a bit more effective at creating connection and picking up on the nuances of relationship. At the same time, I do value accessibility for those who can’t easily get to my office. This makes tele-health a useful option.
My fee is $190 for a 53 minute individual or couples session.
Your insurance may cover a portion of your therapy cost. You are also welcome to pay privately. I encourage potential patients to ask their insurance provider what their coverage is before beginning treatment.
In-network with Premera and Lifewise. Other plans may offer out-of-network reimbursement.
You should note that the couples therapy I provide is not generally covered by insurance; private payment is usually required.
I am happy to answer any and all questions you might have about the business of therapy in our initial session.