Frequently Asked Questions
Do you accept insurance?
In Colorado I accept Rocky Mountain/United Healthcare (Medicaid and commercial plans), UMR, Aetna, and self pay.
In Hawai’i, as a pre-licensed therapist, I am not able to be paneled with insurance companies and only accept self pay. I offer a limited number of sliding scale spots for those with financial need.
During our initial consultation, we can discuss fees and payment options to ensure they work for your situation.
What does it mean that you're pre-licensed?
As a pre-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I have completed my master's degree and practicum experience and am in the process of accumulating the clinical hours required for full licensure.
During this time, I work under supervision of two American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) approved licensed marriage and family therapists who provide guidance and ensure the quality of care.
This arrangement provides you with the benefit of two clinical perspectives—mine and my supervisor's—while generally offering more affordable rates than fully licensed therapists. My supervisor and I meet regularly to discuss cases (while maintaining client confidentiality), allowing me to provide the best possible care during this final phase of my professional development.
What therapeutic approach do you use?
My approach integrates the evidence-based therapeutic modalities of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems therapy (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
When working with parents on child behavioral issues I utilize Behavioral Parent Training skills.
This means I provide both the depth work needed for healing and the practical support and skills development for implementing changes.
How long does therapy typically take?
The duration varies based on your specific goals and circumstances:
For couples, EFT typically involves 15-20 sessions, with many couples reporting significant improvements by session 10-12.
For individuals, the timeframe depends on the complexity of the issues being addressed. Some clients achieve their goals in 8-12 sessions, while others benefit from longer-term work to address deeper patterns.
During our initial consultation, I can provide a more specific estimate based on your situation. We'll also regularly review progress to ensure the work continues to meet your needs.
What kind of commitment should I expect to make outside of the therapy session?
Between-session practice is an important part of the change process. Even though we can have wonderful conversations, I want you to see the change where it matters most: in your every day life. Between-session practice typically involves:
Noticing patterns as they emerge in daily life
Practicing new ways of responding to situations or internal experiences
Reflecting on insights from our sessions
Reading, watching videos or trying specific exercises that support our work
These practices help integrate insights from our therapy sessions into your daily life, accelerating the change process. I'll always make sure any suggested practices feel manageable and meaningful for your specific situation.
How do you work with LGBTQ+ specific concerns?
My work with LGBTQ+ clients and couples is informed by specialized training in gender-affirming care and an understanding of the unique stressors and contexts that can impact LGBTQ+ relationships and individuals.
For couples, this includes understanding how minority stress, family-of-origin experiences, and social factors can influence relationship dynamics. For individuals, it means creating space to explore identity, relationships, and life transitions within a fully affirming environment.
I bring both cultural competence and specific clinical training to this work, ensuring that LGBTQ+ clients receive care that honors their full experience.