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Frequently Asked Questions
Check out our most asked questions about Therapy Services and End of Life Services
Therapy FAQs
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
End of Life FAQs
An End-of-Life Doula (EOLD) is a non-medical support professional who provides emotional, practical, and holistic support to individuals and families navigating serious illness, dying, death, and grief. The role of an EOLD is to help create a more supported, informed, and meaningful experience during one of life’s most vulnerable transitions.
There is no “too early” time to involve an End-of-Life Doula. Many people reach out:
After a serious or terminal diagnosis
During discussions about goals of care or hospice
When caregiving responsibilities become emotionally overwhelming
When families need help organizing support systems
During active dying
After a death for guidance and emotional support
Early involvement often allows for more thoughtful planning, deeper conversations, and reduced stress for both the individual and their loved ones.
No. All services are strictly non-medical.
I do not provide:
Medical care
Medication administration
Personal care assistance
Clinical assessments
Nursing services
Medical decision-making
My role is complementary to hospice, palliative care, medical providers, caregivers, and family support systems.
No. While my presence may provide emotional relief and support to caregivers, my services are not a substitute for professional respite care, home health aides, nursing care, or supervision services. Families seeking hands-on caregiving or supervision support may need additional community or healthcare resources.
Services are individualized based on the needs and wishes of the person and their loved ones. Support may include:
Advance Planning & Conversations
Facilitating conversations about wishes, values, and priorities
Discussing funeral, memorial, and celebration-of-life preferences
Helping organize important documents and practical plans
Creating space for meaningful family conversations
Emotional & Presence-Based Support
Companioning during difficult transitions
Supportive listening without judgment
Vigil sitting during active dying
Creating a calm, comforting environment
Legacy Projects
Legacy work helps preserve stories, memories, values, and connection for future generations.
Projects may include:
Recorded interviews
Written life stories
Letters to loved ones
Memory books or guided reflection projects
As a published author with extensive interviewing experience, I especially value helping individuals share their stories in authentic and meaningful ways.
I can help families organize and coordinate non-medical support needs, including:
Scheduling helpers and visitors
Coordinating meal trains
Organizing errands and practical tasks
Helping identify community resources
Supporting communication among support networks
This coordination can help reduce stress and create more structure during emotionally demanding times.
Yes. End-of-Life Doulas often work collaboratively alongside hospice and palliative care teams.
While hospice provides medical care and symptom management, I focus on emotional support, practical planning, presence, advocacy for wishes, and quality-of-life support for both the individual and their loved ones.
Vigil sitting is compassionate presence during the active dying process. This may include:
Sitting quietly with the individual
Providing calming reassurance
Reading aloud or playing music
Supporting family members
Helping create a peaceful environment
Some families appreciate having an experienced, grounded presence during this time so they do not feel alone.
Absolutely. Serious illness and end-of-life experiences affect entire families and support systems.
I provide emotional support, guidance, practical organization, and compassionate presence for caregivers and loved ones as they navigate anticipatory grief, caregiving stress, difficult decisions, and bereavement.
Depending on needs and circumstances, some services may be available virtually, including:
Planning conversations
Family meetings
Emotional support sessions
Legacy interviews
Care coordination assistance
No. End-of-Life Doula services are generally not covered by health insurance, Medicare, or hospice benefits because they are non-medical support services.
To help families choose the level of support that best fits their needs, I offer several service packages with transparent, upfront pricing, as well as optional add-on services for more individualized support. This allows care to remain flexible, personalized, and tailored to each unique situation.
The first step is usually a consultation conversation where we discuss:
Current needs and concerns
Desired support
Questions about services
How I may best support the individual and family
Initial consultation calls are always free of charge, typically last 30–45 minutes, and are offered without any obligation or expectation of continuing services. The purpose of the conversation is simply to explore whether my support feels like a good fit for your needs, values, and circumstances.
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