Starting counseling often comes with practical questions about what to expect, how scheduling works, and whether a therapist will be a good fit. Below are answers to some of the questions I hear most often.
If you don’t see your question here, feel free to contact me.
How do I know if you’re the right therapist for me?
Finding the right therapist involves more than credentials or a list of specialties. You should feel comfortable being honest, asking questions, and discussing what’s important to you.
I work primarily with adults experiencing concerns such as anxiety, OCD, addiction, trauma, relationship difficulties, men’s issues, and other challenges. My approach tends to be active, collaborative, and practical while making room for deeper exploration when it’s helpful.
The first few sessions also give us an opportunity to determine whether working together feels like a good fit.
What happens during the first counseling session?
The first session gives us time to understand what brings you to counseling, what you’ve been experiencing, and what you would like to change.
I’ll ask questions about your current concerns and relevant history, and we’ll begin identifying goals for our work together. You’ll also have an opportunity to ask questions about therapy or my approach.
You don’t need to arrive knowing exactly what to say or having everything figured out.
How long are counseling sessions?
Standard individual counseling sessions are approximately 53 minutes.
The frequency of sessions depends on your needs and goals. Many clients begin with weekly sessions, although we can discuss what makes the most sense for your situation.
How much does counseling cost?
My standard rate is $140 per session. A limited number of reduced-fee appointments may be available based on financial need.
If cost is a concern, you’re welcome to contact me to discuss current availability.
Do you accept insurance?
I do not directly bill insurance. Payment is due according to the practice’s payment policies.
Depending on your insurance plan, you may have out-of-network benefits that reimburse a portion of counseling expenses. I recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to understand your specific benefits and requirements.
Do you offer in-person counseling?
Yes. I offer in-person counseling from my office in Loveland, Colorado.
You can visit the Office page to see the counseling space and learn more about the location.
Do you offer telehealth?
Yes. Telehealth counseling is available for clients located in Colorado when clinically appropriate.
Telehealth can be a convenient option if you live farther from Loveland, travel within Colorado, or simply prefer meeting remotely.
What concerns do you work with?
My primary areas of focus include addiction, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), trauma and EMDR, anxiety, men’s issues, and faith-integrated counseling.
I also work with clients experiencing concerns such as depression, stress and burnout, relationship difficulties, life transitions, shame, self-worth, and questions of identity or purpose.
You can learn more on the Services page.
Do you provide OCD treatment and ERP?
Yes. I use Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) when treating OCD.
ERP is an evidence-based treatment that helps clients change how they respond to obsessive fears, intrusive thoughts, uncertainty, and compulsive urges.
You can learn more on my OCD Therapy page.
Do you offer EMDR?
Yes. I incorporate Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) when it is appropriate for a client’s concerns and treatment goals.
EMDR can be used to address traumatic or distressing experiences that continue to affect a person’s emotions, beliefs, or responses in the present.
You can learn more on my EMDR Therapy page.
Do I have to be a Christian to work with you?
No.
I offer Christian counseling and faith integration for clients who want faith to be part of therapy, but it is not required.
Your beliefs and values will be respected regardless of whether you want spirituality to be part of the counseling process.
What does Christian counseling look like?
That depends on what you want.
For some clients, faith simply provides an important context for understanding their values and experiences. Others may want to discuss Scripture, prayer, spiritual struggles, forgiveness, purpose, or their relationship with God more directly.
Faith integration is collaborative and exists alongside evidence-based psychological treatment rather than replacing it.
You can learn more on my Christian Counseling page.
Is counseling confidential?
Generally, what you discuss in counseling is confidential.
There are specific legal and ethical exceptions to confidentiality, which are explained in the informed consent and mandatory disclosure documents before beginning treatment. We’ll also have an opportunity to discuss confidentiality and any questions you have about it.
How long will I need to be in therapy?
There isn’t one answer that applies to everyone.
The length of counseling depends on what you’re working on, the complexity of the concern, your goals, and how you respond to treatment. Some concerns may respond to relatively focused treatment, while others benefit from longer-term work.
We’ll periodically evaluate your progress and whether counseling continues to be useful.
What if I’m nervous about starting therapy?
That’s completely understandable. You don’t need to know how therapy works or have a perfectly organized explanation of what’s happening before you come in.
Part of my job is to help us figure out where to begin.
How do I schedule an appointment?
You can request an appointment through the secure client portal on the Schedule page.
Once your request is submitted, I’ll review it and either confirm the appointment or contact you to discuss another available time.
What if I have questions before scheduling?
You’re welcome to reach out first.
Use the Contact page to send a message with general questions or to ask about whether counseling might be a good fit for what you’re looking for.
Still have questions?
Choosing a counselor is a personal decision, and it’s reasonable to have questions before getting started.
If you’d like to learn more about working together, you’re welcome to reach out or request an appointment.