Everything you need to know to start your healing journey
Here’s a quick guide to what counseling with me looks like.
Starting therapy can feel a little overwhelming — especially if it’s your first time or you’ve had mixed experiences in the past. Even people who’ve been in therapy before often have questions about how this works and what to expect. Every counselor is a little different, so I’ve put together answers to common questions to help make the process of getting started feel more manageable.
It’s completely normal to feel nervous before your first counseling session. Most people do. Here’s what you can expect.
When you schedule your first appointment, you’ll get a link to the client portal where you’ll complete your intake paperwork. This includes consent forms, practice policies, a personal information questionnaire, and a few mental health assessments. These help me understand your background so we can make the most of our time together.
When you arrive, you’ll walk into a comfortable, living‑room‑style space. We’ll spend the first part of the session getting to know each other and expanding on what you shared in your intake forms. Most of the session is simply talking through what you want to work on and how those issues are showing up in your life.
Some things might feel awkward or embarrassing to talk about at first — and that’s okay. We just met. While more information helps me support you, there is never any pressure to talk about something before you’re ready. What we explore, and when we explore it, is always on your terms. Sometimes that means starting with smaller things until you feel comfortable diving into the deeper stuff.
A lot of people tell me they find it easier to talk than they expected. I’m pretty laid‑back and down‑to‑earth, and sessions often feel more like sitting and talking over coffee than anything formal. And just to clear up a common myth: counselors aren’t perfect people with all the answers. I’m a regular human who happens to have extensive training in helping people work through their challenges.
Because I specialize in trauma, many clients need a little time to settle in and “drop into” the work. To make sure you have the space you need, I typically offer 90‑minute sessions. Some people prefer 60‑minute sessions, and that’s completely fine — we can choose the length that feels right for you.
I usually recommend meeting weekly for the first three to four sessions so we can build momentum and get a clear sense of your goals. After that, we’ll reassess together and decide what frequency makes the most sense. For some people, schedules or finances don’t allow for weekly sessions, and that’s okay. We’ll find a pace that supports your progress without adding extra stress.
This is one of the most common questions people ask, and the honest answer is: it depends. The number of sessions you’ll need varies based on what you’re working on and how actively you engage in the process. Some people come in with a specific, straightforward concern and feel better after just a handful of sessions. Others, especially those navigating long‑term or complex mental health challenges, may need more time and support.
While I can’t predict the exact length of therapy on day one, I can usually give you a general sense after a few sessions—once I’ve gotten to know you, understand your goals, and have a clearer picture of what you’re carrying. We’ll figure it out together, at a pace that feels right for you.
You’re not alone. Not every therapist is the right fit for every client, and it’s completely normal to feel unsure about trying again. One of the most important parts of therapy is the connection you have with your counselor.
My style is more laid‑back — think coffee with a friend. I want you to feel like you’re talking to a real human, not a “clinician,” so you can relax and give the real answers instead of the “right” ones. That’s where the actual work happens.
If you’ve had a bad experience before, we can talk about what didn’t work and make sure this time feels different. You get to set the pace, and together we build something that feels safe, honest, and supportive from the start.
Getting started is easy. The quickest way is to schedule your appointment online. Once I review and approve your request, I’ll send you a link to the client portal where you can complete your intake forms. You can also reach out through the contact form on my website, email me, or give me a call if you prefer. After your intake paperwork is finished, your appointment is confirmed and we’re ready to begin!
I work with a wide range of clients, including:
If you’re not sure where you fit, we can talk through what you’re looking for and figure out the best approach together.
Yes — I provide affirming, trauma‑informed counseling for LGBTQ+ clients. Many LGBTQ+ individuals and couples carry the weight of chronic stress, identity‑based trauma, family rejection, religious trauma, or experiences of discrimination. My approach centers safety, consent, and empowerment, and I’m mindful of how trauma shows up in relationships, communication, attachment, and the nervous system.
I work with LGBTQ+ individuals, couples, co‑parents, and teens, and I support clients navigating identity exploration, coming‑out experiences, relationship challenges, and the impact of minority stress. My goal is to offer a space where you can show up fully as yourself, feel understood, and begin healing without fear of judgment or dismissal.
This is more common than you might think. It’s frustrating when you’re ready to work on the relationship and your partner isn’t — or isn’t ready yet. You can still come in on your own. Individual counseling can help you understand the patterns in your relationship, get clarity about what you need, and learn new ways of communicating or setting boundaries.
Sometimes, when one partner starts doing their own work, the other becomes more open to joining later. And if they never do, you’ll still have support, tools, and a clearer sense of your next steps.
Yes — in a limited and intentional way. I encourage parents to join the first 10–15 minutes of the initial session so we can do a quick meet‑and‑greet, set expectations, and make sure everyone understands confidentiality. After that, ongoing parent involvement happens only with the teen’s consent. Teens need a private space to talk openly, and protecting that space helps them feel safe, honest, and invested in the process.
Parents are always welcome to share concerns or updates with me, but I can only share information back with your teen’s permission unless there’s a safety concern.
Do you have more teen‑specific questions? You can find a full set of FAQs for teens and parents on my Adolescent Counseling page
Yes — I offer EMDR therapy for teens (15+) who are dealing with trauma, anxiety, panic, intrusive thoughts, or overwhelming life experiences. EMDR can be especially helpful for adolescents because it supports the brain’s natural healing process without requiring them to talk through every detail of what happened. I use a trauma‑informed, developmentally attuned approach to help teens feel safe, understood, and empowered as they work through what they’ve been carrying
I use a mix of evidence‑based therapies, including:
I also integrate somatic work into these approaches to help connect what’s happening in your body with what’s happening in your mind.
I don’t like being put in a box, so I don’t put my clients in one. Therapy isn’t a rigid formula — it’s a relationship. We use the tools that make sense for you, based on what the person sitting on the couch in front of me actually needs. My approach is flexible, collaborative, and grounded in what helps you feel better, not just what fits a textbook.
I specialize in trauma work, including PTSD, complex trauma, birth trauma, and intergenerational trauma. I also provide EMDR therapy for both teens and adults as part of my trauma‑informed approach to healing.
In addition, I offer perinatal mental health support for pregnancy, postpartum, and reproductive‑related challenges. I work with teens (15+) and adults navigating anxiety, depression, identity shifts, and major life transitions.
Relationship counseling is another core part of my practice. I work with couples facing communication issues, high‑conflict patterns, trust ruptures, and the emotional impact of past trauma. My work is attachment‑focused, emotionally safe, and grounded in helping people understand themselves, heal old wounds, and build healthier, more connected relationships.
I offer in‑person counseling in the Charlotte/Ballantyne area and virtual therapy for clients across North Carolina and South Carolina
Yes — I specialize in birth trauma, postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, and a wide range of perinatal mental health concerns. I support clients who have experienced traumatic or complicated births, postpartum PTSD, intrusive thoughts, pregnancy anxiety, mood changes, identity shifts, or emotional overwhelm during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
My background includes extensive training in perinatal mental health and trauma‑informed care, and I offer EMDR therapy for both birth trauma and postpartum‑related trauma responses. Whether you’re navigating a difficult recovery, feeling disconnected from yourself, or struggling with the transition into parenthood, you’ll have a safe, compassionate space to process what you’ve been through and get the support you deserve.
Perinatal mental health is one of my biggest passions! You can learn more about it on my Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Birth page.
Yes! I offer EMDR therapy. EMDR is one of the most effective approaches for treating trauma, anxiety, mood disorders, and many other concerns. You can learn more about how EMDR works on my EMDR page.
There are decades of research showing that counseling can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress while helping you identify and shift patterns that aren’t serving you anymore. Therapy gives you space to build new, healthier ways of thinking and coping. The most important part of the process is having a trusting relationship with your therapist so you feel safe being open and honest. When you have that — and you’re willing to do the work — therapy can be genuinely life‑changing.
Yes — I offer virtual counseling for anyone living in North Carolina or South Carolina. Because I’m licensed in both states, you can access online therapy from anywhere within NC or SC.
Coming soon: I’ll be expanding my virtual therapy services to Tennessee, Georgia, and Kentucky in early–mid 2026.
Yes — I offer in‑person sessions at my office in the South Charlotte/Fort Mill area. Some clients prefer the comfort and connection of being in the same room, and others like to mix in‑person and virtual sessions depending on their schedule. You’re welcome to choose the format that feels best for you, and we can always adjust as we go.
My office is located in Ballantyne, right off the I‑485 Rea Road exit, making it easy to reach from Charlotte, Matthews, Fort Mill, Rock Hill, and the surrounding South Charlotte area. You can find my full address and directions on my Contact page.
Yes, I offer Saturday appointments and limited evening appointments. You can find my current office hours on the Contact page. I update them there regularly so you always have the most accurate information.
Prices vary depending on the type of counseling you need. You can see all of my current rates on my pricing page.
I don’t file insurance directly, but I’m happy to provide monthly statements (superbills) that you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. The amount they reimburse varies based on your specific plan, so it’s a good idea to check with your insurance provider about your out‑of‑network benefits.
All session fees are due at the time of service. You can see my current rates on my pricing page.
I keep a limited budget for sliding‑scale clients. If I have space available in that budget, I’m able to offer a reduced fee. The exact discount depends on what’s available at the time. If you’re interested in sliding‑scale options, feel free to reach out and I can let you know whether I currently have room.
My cancellation policy requires at least 24 hours’ notice. Cancellations or rescheduled appointments made with less than 24 hours’ notice are charged the full session fee. I hold this boundary pretty firmly so I can protect my time and keep openings available for clients who need them.
Everything we talk about in therapy is confidential. I don’t share the content of our sessions with anyone — not parents, partners, family members, friends, school staff, or anyone else. Privacy laws protect your information, and your sessions are just between you and me.
There are only a few specific situations where I’m legally required to share information: if you’re in immediate danger of harming yourself or someone else; if a child, elderly adult, or dependent person is being abused or neglected; if I receive a court order; or if you sign a release giving me permission to speak with someone on your behalf.
If you ever have questions or concerns about privacy, please ask. I want you to feel completely safe and informed about how your information is protected.
No. Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors are not permitted to prescribe medication. We can talk about medication, though, and explore whether your symptoms might benefit from it. If it seems like medication could be helpful, I can refer you to a psychiatrist, who is licensed to prescribe and specializes in psychiatric medications.
Yes — I provide ESA letters for existing clients who have been in ongoing therapy with me for at least three months. This gives us enough time to understand your needs and determine whether an ESA is an appropriate part of your treatment plan.
I can provide court‑related documentation in certain situations, but it’s not a service I offer often. My focus is on therapeutic work, and court involvement can shift the nature of the therapy relationship. If you think you may need documentation for legal purposes, let’s talk about what’s required and whether it’s appropriate for your situation.
Therapy isn’t just an investment in you. It’s an investment in the people you love. When you feel steadier, more grounded, and more resourced, it ripples outward — into your home, your relationships, your parenting, your friendships, and your ability to show up in ways that feel aligned rather than depleted. Caring for yourself creates space for healthier connection, clearer boundaries, and more sustainable ways of being with others.
This is the time for you to finally slow down, heal, and grow in ways that allow you to truly THRIVE as the best version of yourself.
Let’s do this together
*Full value will be applied to your third session
