What to Expect from Therapy: 

The reasons people seek therapy are varied and unique. Sometimes people have childhood trauma that is leaching into their adult lives and relationships. Other times, people are going through periods of transition and need support to address new and uncertain times. Commonly, someone may not be able to identify anything in particular, but they want to get more out of their lives and/or their relationships. All reasons to enter therapy are personal and all reasons are valid. My role is to provide a safe, nurturing, nonjudgmental space for you to explore how your life could be more fulfilling. 

How Long Will This Take? 

Therapy can take a few hours or several years, it really depends on the individual. People usually meet with me weekly, but some people prefer bi-monthly, while others schedule bi-annual mental health check-ups, just like dental care. We will work together to decide what works best for you and how I can best help you attain a more satisfying life.  

What Will We Talk About? 

The course of therapy is also relative to each person’s goals. Therapy always starts with an assessment, which helps us to know the best way to move forward. We will set some preliminary goals and a plan to attain those goals. What we cover in therapy is always up to you!   

We will talk about your feelings and experiences at the pace with which you are comfortable. We will practice skills together in the office for you to try out in your “real life.” I will suggest books, movies, and videos for you, but primarily, we will sit together and talk. 

Often people ask me what therapy “really” is like. The answer might be surprise you: Therapy can filled with intense emotions such as anger, sadness, grief, but just as often there is joy, laughter, and silliness. When the pain is lifted from someone, they find room to express and experience a fuller range of emotions and greater depth in their lives, and that is true healing and the reason I love my work.  

Where Will We Meet? 

I am available for in-person sessions in Maroa, Illinois. I offer virtual and telehealth sessions as well, you must reside in the state of Illinois for me to meet with you. We will discuss what your preference is and schedule a time that works for you. I have limited evening appointments available. 

Who do you see?  

I work primarily with adults over 18. I will see adolescents if prescreening determines they are a good fit for the work I do. I have a consulting-relationship with Barb Sherman, LCSW, who works primarily with children and adolescents. I am happy to facilitate that referral information if requested. My practice is gender-inclusive and LGBTQI+ allied; I value and affirm all genders and sexual orientations. 

COVID Precautions:  

I will follow all recommendations provided by IDPH and the CDC. I also offer virtual sessions and telehealth for those who cannot mask when required or those who may be especially vulnerable to exposure. Providing a safe, healthy environment for everyone is my goal. 

What If I See You in Public?  

This is a fear many people have. I will never acknowledge you or speak to you outside of a session about anything relative to our work together. If we see each other, I will follow your lead: If you greet me, I will greet you, if you ignore me, that is completely fine as well. In most circumstances, my clients prefer not to be acknowledged. If we find ourselves frequently interacting outside of the office, we will need to discuss termination and possible referral. 

Can I Quit Therapy? 

Yes. There are circumstances where someone may want to stop therapy. You can withdraw from therapy at any time, however, I would recommend a closing session to wrap up our work. This will allow us the opportunity to discuss how you can continue your progress on your own or to process anything difficult that has come up in therapy. There also may be times I assess I am not the best fit for you, or can no longer assist you. In these circumstances, we will discuss my recommendations, and if I am able, I may recommend another provider for you. 

Will you do court evaluations? 

No. I do not do any court evaluations or attestations for substance use, competence, custody, visitation, or any other court-related determinations. I am not a forensic psychologist, and as such am not qualified to make these determinations. If I am contacted by your attorney or receive a subpoena, you will be billed my hourly rate of $180  an hour as well as the hourly rate of my attorney for any work on your case including but not limited to 1. Preparing documents (case notes and assessments), 2. Appearance in court, 3. Travel to court, 4. Legal consultation for my practice, and others. Neither insurance nor the court will pay these charges, you will be required to pay all fees before documents are released. 

Free 15 minute consultation: 

I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation. This will give us a chance to get to know a little about each other, and if we think I am the best therapist for you. I offer virtual, telehealth, and in-person options. Please discuss with me your insurance during this time to ensure we are clear about which panels I am currently on as they will change periodically and this may impact your choice of providers.