Question 1

What issues do you specialize in?

Accepted Answer

I specialize in supporting adults navigating trauma, grief and loss, and the emotional impact of chronic illness. Many of my clients are coping with medical trauma, caregiving stress, life transitions, or long‑standing patterns shaped by earlier experiences. I work with children five and older on a case by case basis.

Question 2

What is therapy like with you?

Accepted Answer

My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and paced to your comfort. I integrate evidence‑based modalities such as trauma‑informed therapy, somatic awareness, and mindfulness-based strategies. We work together to help you feel safer in your body, more grounded in your daily life, and more connected to your own resilience.

Question 3

Do I need a diagnosis to begin therapy?

Accepted Answer

No. You don’t need a diagnosis or a specific “reason” to start therapy. Many people come because they feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to move forward. If a diagnosis becomes relevant for treatment planning or insurance, we can discuss that together.

Question 4

How long does therapy usually last?

Accepted Answer

It varies. Some clients come for short‑term support around a specific event, while others prefer longer‑term work to process trauma or manage chronic illness. We’ll regularly check in about your goals and progress so therapy remains meaningful and supportive.

Question 5

Do you offer virtual sessions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I offer secure telehealth sessions for clients located in North Carolina and Virginia, where I’m licensed. Many clients with chronic illness or mobility limitations find virtual therapy especially accessible.

Question 6

What can I expect in the first session?

Accepted Answer

The first session is a chance for us to get to know each other. We’ll talk about what brings you in, your history, and what you hope to gain from therapy. You’re welcome to share as much or as little as feels comfortable — there’s no pressure to tell your whole story right away.

Question 7

I've experienced trauma. Do I have to talk about it in detail?

Accepted Answer

No. Trauma therapy does not require you to retell painful events before you’re ready. Evidence shows that more harm can be done if a trauma survivor has to "re-tell" their trauma over and over. We will move at a pace that feels safe for you, focusing first on building stability, coping skills, and a sense of control.

Question 8

How do you support clients living with chronic illness?

Accepted Answer

I help clients navigate the emotional, relational, and identity-related challenges that often accompany chronic illness. This may include grief around changes in your body,anticipatory grief, medical trauma, burnout, or the stress of navigating healthcare systems. Therapy can be a space to process these experiences and build sustainable coping strategies.

Question 9

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and due to the nature of the insurance industry, this can be fluid. I accept and am in network with Medicare (Traditional, or the "red white and blue" card), Tricare, Aetna, Cigna, Carelon, and Quest Behavioral in both Virginia and North Carolina.

I am also in network with the following Virginia specific insurances: Independence Blue Cross Pennsylvania in Virginia, Horizon Blue Cross & Blue Shield of New Jersey in Virginia, and Kaiser Permanente of the Mid Atlantic in Virginia.

I am in the process of credentialing with Optum, BCBS, Humana Medicare Advantage, and the Veterans Choice Program (managed by Optum, provided to Veterans by Veterans Affairs).

I can provide superbills for out‑of‑network reimbursement. If you’re unsure about your benefits, I’m happy to help you understand your options.
For the most up to date listing of my insurances, please visit my Psychology Today Profile

Question 10

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Sessions canceled with less than 48 hours’ notice may be subject to a cancellation fee. I understand that health and energy levels can fluctuate, especially for clients with chronic illness, so please reach out if you need flexibility.

Question 11

Is therapy confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your privacy is protected by law. There are a few rare exceptions related to safety, which we’ll review in your first session so you know exactly what to expect.

Question 12

How do I know that you're the right therapist for me?

Accepted Answer

The best way is to schedule a consultation. It’s a low‑pressure conversation where you can ask questions, share what you’re looking for, and get a sense of whether we’re a good fit.

Question 13

What if I've tried therapy before and it didn't help?

Accepted Answer

Many people come to me after previous therapy experiences that felt unhelpful, overwhelming, or mismatched. Your past experience doesn’t mean therapy can’t work for you — it simply means you hadn’t yet found the right fit or approach. We’ll move at a pace that feels safe, check in regularly about what’s working, and collaborate so the process feels supportive rather than stressful.

Question 14

What if I'm not sure if I'm ready to talk about my grief? What if it has been a long time since my loved one passed away?

Accepted Answer

That’s completely okay. Grief can feel tender, confusing, or unpredictable, and you don’t have to dive into anything before you’re ready. Our work can begin with grounding, coping skills, and gentle exploration. You get to set the pace, and we’ll create space for your grief in a way that feels manageable and respectful of where you are.

Grief is not linear and there is no set timeline. You never "get over" losing a loved one, you "get over" bad relationships, toxic ex-es, and unfortunate haircuts. When we're discussing a loved one's loss, we are looking at what your "new normal" looks like, and that can be addressed anytime after (or before) a loved one passes.

Question 15

Can therapy help if my illness has no cure?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Therapy can be deeply supportive even when your medical condition is chronic or incurable. We focus on the emotional and relational impact of living with illness — identity shifts, fatigue, fear, frustration, grief, and the strain of navigating healthcare systems. You don’t have to face these challenges alone, and therapy can help you build resilience, self‑compassion, and sustainable ways of coping.

Question 16

What if I feel like my problems aren't "big enough" for therapy?

Accepted Answer

You don’t need to reach a crisis point to deserve support. Many people minimize their struggles or compare them to others, but if something is affecting your well‑being, it’s worth exploring. Therapy is a place where your feelings matter, your experiences are valid, and you don’t have to justify needing care.

Question 17

Do you work with caregivers or family members?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Caregivers and loved ones often carry their own stress, grief, and emotional load. I support caregivers navigating burnout, role changes, anticipatory grief, and the complex emotions that come with supporting someone who is ill or healing from trauma. Therapy can be a space for you to process your experience and receive support without judgment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Therapy FAQs

What issues do you specialize in?

What is therapy like with you?

Do I need a diagnosis to begin therapy?

How long does therapy usually last?

Do you offer virtual sessions?

What can I expect in the first session?

I've experienced trauma. Do I have to talk about it in detail?

How do you support clients living with chronic illness?

Do you accept insurance?

What is your cancellation policy?

Is therapy confidential?

How do I know that you're the right therapist for me?

What if I've tried therapy before and it didn't help?

What if I'm not sure if I'm ready to talk about my grief? What if it has been a long time since my loved one passed away?

Can therapy help if my illness has no cure?

What if I feel like my problems aren't "big enough" for therapy?

Do you work with caregivers or family members?

End of Life FAQs

What is an End-of-Life Doula?

When should an End-of-Life Doula become involved?

Are your services medical?

Are you considered respite care?

What kinds of services do you offer?

Care Coordination & Practical Support

Do you work alongside hospice?

What is vigil sitting?

Do you support caregivers and families too?

Do you offer virtual services?

Are End-of-Life Doula services covered by insurance?

How do I get started?