OUR APPROACH TO THERAPY
Focusing on you and your goals and needs
Our therapy approach is to tailor the plan to each individual. Our work together will include skill building, trauma processing (if needed), and exploration of your values. Together we will create a path that enables you to live your best life, grow your relationships, and act with meaning and intention, even when you are faced with challenges and disappointments.
Laughter
A lot of people imagine therapy as a place of sadness or venting. And that may be part of our work. Tears are welcome. But you will find that there is also laughter, humor and fun in our time together.
Listening
This is your time. If it matters to you, it matters to us. We're listening.
Learning
You're here for a reason. We'll make sure you leave with the knowledge you need to power your life.
Healing
You are going to see positive transformations. We can't wait to get started!
THERAPY MODALITIES We USE
You are not your diagnosis.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Brainspotting
Internal Family Systems
Developmental Needs Meeting System
Psychoeducation
Answers to Your Questions about Mental Healthcare
General Mental Health Basics
We offer both as my schedule allows. In general, we have more availability for medication appointments. If you are interested in both and our therapy slots are full, we will help you connect with another therapist while we manage your medication.
This will be determined during your intake appointment. Brief appointments are ideal for time-limited specific concerns or for clients who are stable and transitioning out of recurring therapy or have already been in recurring therapy in the past. It is also helpful for clients who have challenging schedules or financial concerns that do not accommodate recurring therapy.
No! we see young adults and young-at-heart adults from diverse backgrounds. We have additional training and experience working with the college health and perinatal mental health populations but you do not have to identify with those groups to receive care.
We do not at this time.
Depression, anxiety, social anxiety, OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, ADHD (with non-stimulants only)
No. Our services are offered predominantly through telehealth and I do not prescribe any controlled substances.
Yes. Clients who live locally, may request an in-person appointment.
Yes. We know how challenging juggling all these responsibilities can be and we will make a plan that will help you succeed all aspects of your life-including academic life.
What to expect for Virtual Appointments
Yes, in order to provide effective care, we must be able to see you. You are not required to use your camera for asynchronous classes.
No, you will need to reschedule. Please be aware there is a cancellation fee for appointments not cancelled within 24 hours.
The best feature of having a virtual appointment option is the convenience! Come as you are, baby drool, messy house, and all. You must be clothed (shirts required, and you may not be using mind altering substances during your appointment.
You will be able to access your appointment from any device with internet and a camera. Due to state licensing regulations, you must be in NC or VA at the time of your appointment. Please try to give yourself a quiet and private place. (Some patients find their vehicles (parked-not driving!) or bathroom to be great escape locations for their appointment.
Practice Policies for clients seeking 1-on-1mental healthcare
Yes, we will collaborate with your individual therapist.
No. Due to the boundaries established by the DEA system, providers cannot prescribe controlled substances to patients they have not initially seen in person. It is anticipated that the COVID pandemic exception will expire. That said, we have many modalities that are safe and effective and provide a long-term solutions so that controlled substances may not be necessary. We are committed to helping patients connect with their best-selves (which involves the courageous exploration of a values-driven life, rather than avoidance and symptom management).
Yes. Please plan to sign a release of information so we can communicate with your medication provider as needed.
Brainspotting for clients in NC seeking 1-on-1 mental healthcare
Brainspotting is an exciting and rapidly expanding modality used for trauma-processing. It is based on the science of brain development which involves the subcortex (“primitive brain” responsible for bodily regulation and instinct that becomes over-activated when trauma occurs) neocortex (“thinking brain” responsible for things like time, hope, values and language) and the limbic system (“emotional brain”). When a patient experiences trauma, the communication between these parts of the brain may be disrupted, resulting in symptoms of anxiety, rumination, flashbacks, and more. Since the brain is internal, and cannot be visualized or touched externally, we need different assessment tools to identify the areas where injury is located. When it comes to trauma, assessing for subtle changes in the visual field of gaze can help us pinpoint where we need to target our efforts of healing. It may help to think of this in terms of physical therapy for the brain.
For many patients it is VERY effective, even when other modalities have not been. For many patients, they are able to have much more rapid trauma resolution than seen in other modalities. Because patients take the lead, it is an empowering approach that can feel more gentle and tolerable. Because it doesn’t require talking, it can feel more safe and private.
You will be asked to bring to mind a concern or experience that you feel is causing you distress or disrupting your functioning. When patients bring to mind uncomfortable concerns or experiences, we call this “activation”. Holding this activation, your provider will work with you to locate the area of your gaze that correlates with this trauma-based tender-point in your brain. Once this area is located, the provider will use a pointer to “mark the spot” so that you can return your gaze to it as needed. By using this “spot” as a focus point for mindfulness, the brain is able to heal the area of injury.
An eye position that correlates with a brain-based location of traumatic memory
Attunement is the intentional sharing of presence between the provider and the patient that allows the limbic system (“emotional brain”) to fulfill its role in trauma processing. With attunement, the patient is gently reminded that they
Emotional pain is real and the thought of doing something that might require leaning into this discomfort, even for a short period, can be very scary! That said, when we do trauma work it is because there is already pain. This is a modality that works to resolve the pain. Just like physical therapy, it does require “stretching” tender areas. However, your provider will work with you to make sure it is tolerable and you will be in control at all times.
No, but there may be side effects such as temporary changes in energy, emotion, focus, or sleep while your brain is healing itself. These are typically mild and resolve within a few days. Keep in mind, living with unresolved trauma has MANY risks.
It depends on the individual. Some patients need a few minutes 1 session, others may work full-sessions for weeks.
Only if it is helpful to you.
Bilateral music has been shown to facilitate processing. Some patients find it comforting and have more rapid resolution of their activation when bilateral music is incorporated in their processing. It is optional
No. Once the Brainspot is found, you will use this as a starting point for your focused mindfulness but then may find you want or need to move your gaze. Your provider will hold the position of your Brainspot so you can return your gaze to it whenever you need.
No. Once the Brainspot is found, you will use this as a starting point for your focused mindfulness but then may find you want or need to move your gaze. Your provider will hold the position of your Brainspot so you can return your gaze to it whenever you need.
We will continually be monitoring to make sure you are not overwhelmed and do not exceed your level of activation tolerance. We will be with you the entire time and available to help if needed. Tears are fine and common for some. Because of how my brain will also be using its limbic system, We may get tearful with you and that is fine too.