Things people often ask before reaching out.

The goodness of fit between therapist and client is one of the most important factors in a successful outcome. I may not be the best fit for what you’re looking for and that’s okay. The 15 minute call is partly so you can get a sense of whether my presence and approach feel right to you. I am always happy to recommend another provider.

That’s not uncommon, and you may not be ready. The 15 minute call can help you to determine if you are ready. You can ask questions, get a feel for how I work, and decide whether the timing is right.

A relaxed conversation. You share briefly what is bringing you to therapy. I share how I work and how I might be able to help. We see if it feels like a good fit. No paperwork, no commitment. If we both want to proceed, we schedule a first session, you complete paperwork, and we begin. If not, there is no awkwardness. We wish each other well.

I work with individual adults and couples around a wide range of concerns, especially the inner patterns that interfere with feeling peaceful, confident, open hearted, hopeful, trusting, playful, grateful, and more fully yourself. These may include anxiety, stress, self criticism, perfectionism, self doubt, people pleasing, approval seeking, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, emotional withdrawal, resentment, anger, and coping strategies that may once have helped but no longer serve you well. You can read more about the kinds of issues I help people with here: What I Help People With

Internal Family Systems is the idea that we all have different coping strategies, parts of us that havehelped us survive emotionally, socially, and sometimes even physically. These protective parts ofourselves, such as anxiety, self criticism, perfectionism, people pleasing, attention seeking, anger,depression, addictions, and many others, are trying to help, but often cause more harm than intended. In IFS therapy, we focus on getting to know and understand these parts with curiosity rather than judgment. Through this process, these protective coping strategies are able to release fear, relax, and find more helpful ways of being. It is gentle, collaborative, and surprisingly practical. We also address parts of ourselves that carry fear, self doubt, shame, worthlessness, and other extreme feelings and beliefs, helping these parts unburden and return to feeling good. You can read more about how I help people using IFS. That page also links to several longer articles for people who want to go deeper.

It varies and depends mostly on what a person has been through. Some people work with me for a few months to address a specific concern. Others stay in therapy for several years as part of a longerprocess of growth.

For most adults, yes. Research and my own clinical experience support telehealth as effective foranxiety, depression, and relational problems. Some people actually find online therapy easier. Being in their own space sometimes helps people speak more freely. In person sessions are available inOlympia.

I can provide you with superbills that you submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement, but I don’t bill insurance directly.

My standard fees are:15 minute initial consultation: $060 minute individual therapy or marriage counseling session: $25090 minute individual therapy or marriage counseling session $375Sliding scale information is listed here: https://www.theawakeningheart.com/sliding-fee-scaleMy fees reflect the depth of the work we do together, the experience I bring to the process, and the intentionally small size of my practice. I charge for my time and expertise, though my heart is free.

I reserve five reduced fee openings for clients experiencing financial hardship. If the standard feecreates a barrier to receiving care, you are welcome to reach out to discuss whether a reduced feespace may be available. You can view my sliding scale fee policy:https://www.theawakeningheart.com/sliding-fee-scale

I accept all major credit cards, HSA cards, and debit cards through the secure Simple Practice platform.I also accept cash and checks for clients I see in person. Payment is due at the time of service unlessother arrangements have been made in advance.