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Frequently Asked Questions

If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

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General

  • A good fit is everything!! We therapists all have different toolboxes and certifications to demonstrate proficiency in using said tools, but studies have shown that far and away the best predictor of a positive outcome in psychotherapy is the relationship between therapist and client. This relationship is probably unlike any other in most of our lives! You meet a perfect stranger, begin to build trust, tell them things you’ve never uttered to another soul, thoughts that only appear while lying awake at night and then poof are left behind in the morning. You laugh and cry with this person. They journey with you thru rugged terrain to witness your triumphs (however small they might look to others) and tragedies (again, however small they might look to others). I think of it like Frodo and Sam walking thru Mordor. So there had better be a “click” that enables both parties to be the most authentic versions of themselves!

  • Let’s find out! I tend to do my best work with people who:

    • are kind, warm and empathetic

    • have a social support system

    • have a sense of humor (cause life is flipping hard)

    • have curiosity about how their present day challenges are rooted in earlier experiences

    • are not actively or chronically suicidal

    • have a basic understanding of what EMDR is and want to experience the power of it

  • I offer both in person and telehealth sessions. Most of my sessions are via telehealth. The only day that I offer in-person sessions each week is on Tuesdays at:

    10120 S. Eastern Ave., Suite 209
    Henderson, NV 89052

  • Preparing for a telehealth EMDR therapy session can help you get the most out of your treatment while ensuring a smooth and effective experience. Here are some key steps to take before your session:

    Set Up a Private & Comfortable Space

    • Choose a quiet, distraction-free room where you won’t be interrupted.

    • Sit in a comfortable chair with good back support.

    • Have tissues, water, and any comfort items (e.g., a weighted blanket, fidget tool) nearby.

    Check Your Technology

    • Use a stable internet connection to avoid disruptions.

    • Make sure your camera, microphone, and speakers/headphones are working.

    • Close unnecessary apps to reduce lag during your session.

    • Set the device to “Do Not Disturb.”

    Prepare for Bilateral Stimulation (BLS)

    • EMDR involves eye movements, tapping, or auditory cues to process distressing memories. Since you’re doing this remotely, consider:

      • Eye movements – Position your screen so you can comfortably track your therapist’s hand or a moving object.

      • Self-tapping (Butterfly Hug or Alternating Taps) – Practice gentle tapping on your shoulders, knees, or arms if your therapist suggests this method.

    Set an Intention for the Session

    • Reflect on what you want to work on or any recent triggers that have come up.

    • Keep a journal or notes handy to track your emotions and insights.

    Plan for Grounding Afterward

    • EMDR can bring up intense emotions, so schedule time to rest, journal, or engage in a calming activity after the session.

    • Have a grounding tool ready (e.g., deep breathing, a sensory object, or a short walk).

    Communicate with me as honestly as possible about your experience.

    • If you have any concerns about the session, let’s discuss them before starting.

    • Let me know if you experience technical issues, discomfort, or strong emotions that need extra attention.

    By preparing in advance, you can create a safe, effective, and supportive environment for your EMDR telehealth session.

  • I am formally registered as a licensed psychologist in Nevada, California and Oregon.

    Although my practice is primarily focused on serving those who reside in one of these 3 states, I am also PsyPACT certified, which allows me to practice in the following states: AL, AZ, AR, CO, CNMI, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, ME, MD, MI, MN, MO, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, and WY.

    This means that if you relocate during our time working together, we can continue seeing one another without a hitch.

  • Together, we will develop a personalized treatment plan, where the frequency and duration of sessions will be tailored to your specific needs and the issues you are seeking to address. The approach will be flexible and adjusted as needed to ensure the most effective progress.

    Typically, sessions are weekly, lasting at least 50 minutes, but can be several times a week and/or up to 2 hours.

  • I understand that challenges can arise between therapy sessions, and I want to clarify my availability so you know what to expect.

    While I am committed to providing you with the highest quality care during our scheduled sessions, I am not always available for immediate support outside of these times. I encourage you to bring any concerns or reflections to our sessions, where we can explore them together in a structured and supportive way.

    If you need support between sessions, here are some things to consider:

    • Journaling or Self-Reflection – Writing down your thoughts can help you process emotions until we meet.

    • Coping Strategies – Use grounding techniques, mindfulness, or other tools we’ve discussed.

    • Crisis Support – If you are in distress and need immediate help, please reach out to:

      • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (Call or text 988)

      • Local crisis hotlines or emergency services

      • Trusted friends, family, or a support group

    If you have a non-urgent question or need to reschedule, you may contact me via text, phone or email, and I will respond as soon as I am able, typically within 24-48 hours.

    Your well-being is important, and I appreciate your understanding as we work together within the structure of our sessions. If you would like to discuss additional support options, we can explore that.

Fees & Insurance

  • A standard 50-minute session is $225.

    In certain instances, I also provide 80-minute sessions for $337.50 and 110-minute sessions for $450.

  • I do not accept insurance, however I am able to provide receipts or superbills in the event that you are eligible for out-of-network coverage through your provider.

    I've also partnered with Mentaya, a service that streamlines reimbursements through out-of-network benefits. You can learn more about your benefits here.

  • I keep a handful of sliding scale slots available each week, though these often have a waitlist.

    Please feel free to reach out here for more information.

  • Here are some reasons I choose not to panel with insurance companies:

    • Confidentiality & Privacy: Insurance companies require detailed records of your diagnosis and treatment to approve and reimburse services. By working independently, I can ensure that your personal information remains strictly between us, allowing for a more private and secure therapeutic experience.

    • Personalized & Unrestricted Care: Insurance companies often limit the number of sessions or dictate the type of therapy based on their policies rather than your unique needs. By not being restricted by insurance guidelines, I can provide the most effective and individualized care without external interference.

    • Accurate Diagnosis & Ethical Considerations: To receive reimbursement, insurance companies typically require a mental health diagnosis. In some cases, this can lead to over-diagnosis or misclassification, even when a diagnosis may not be necessary. My approach prioritizes your well-being over administrative requirements.

    • More Time for You: Insurance billing requires significant administrative work, which can take time away from my ability to focus on what truly matters—your therapy. By avoiding these bureaucratic hurdles, I can dedicate more energy to providing high-quality care.

  • I understand that paying for therapy out-of-pocket can be a significant investment, and I want to make mental health care as accessible as possible while maintaining the quality of care you deserve. While I do not panel with insurance companies, I have chosen to partner with Mentaya to help clients utilize their out-of-network benefits more easily.

    Mentaya is a service that streamlines getting reimbursed for your therapy sessions through out-of-network benefits. Click here to see if you qualify.

    Mentaya is perfect if you:

    • Have out-of-network benefits

    • Feel overwhelmed by superbills and insurance

    • Have submitted superbills but failed to get any reimbursement

    • Simply want to skip the hassle of paperwork!

    Here’s how it works:

    1. Sign up for Mentaya here.

    2. Our practice will enter your sessions into the platform.

    3. Mentaya submits the claim and handles any insurance follow-up.

    4. You get reimbursed by insurance!

    Mentaya charges a 5% fee per claim, which includes handling any paperwork required, dealing with denials, and calling insurance companies. It’s risk-free: they guarantee claims are successfully submitted, or a full refund of their fees.

EMDR

  • You can learn more about this modality here.

  • You can learn more about EMDR here.

  • The length of EMDR therapy varies depending on several factors, including the complexity of your trauma, personal history, and how you respond to treatment.

    Short-Term EMDR (6-12 Sessions)

    • Suitable for single-event trauma (e.g., car accident, natural disaster, assault).

    • Many clients experience significant relief within a few sessions.

    Medium-Term EMDR (3-6 Months)

    • For those with multiple traumatic events, ongoing stress, or moderate anxiety and depression.

    • Includes more preparation and coping skill development.

    Long-Term EMDR (6+ Months to a Year or More)

    • Necessary for complex trauma (C-PTSD), childhood abuse, attachment wounds, or deep-seated negative beliefs.

    • Involves a slower pace to ensure emotional safety and stability.

    Factors That Influence EMDR Duration include:

    • The number and intensity of traumatic experiences – More complex histories require more processing time.

    • Your ability to regulate emotions – If distress tolerance is low, more preparation may be needed.

    • Your goals for therapy – Some clients seek relief from specific memories, while others want deeper healing.

    • Therapy frequency – Weekly sessions lead to faster progress than biweekly or monthly sessions.

  • We will regularly assess progress. EMDR is considered complete when:

    • The traumatic memories no longer cause significant distress.

    • Negative self-beliefs are replaced with healthier, more adaptive ones.

    • You feel emotionally and physically grounded in daily life.

  • Not necessarily. While I will always begin a session with some general idea of where we “go” during the session based on our mutually agreed upon treatment plan, there are times when life throws a curveball and the need to discuss recent event feels more pressing and urgent. We will make this determination together. Please note too that even when we are not doing bilateral stimulation (i.e., tapping or eye movements), I am always using an EMDR lens and encouraging steps towards our agreed upon goals.

  • No, while Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is primarily known for treating trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), it has also been used for a variety of other psychological conditions. Research and clinical practice have shown EMDR can be effective for:

    • Anxiety disorders (including generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and panic disorder)

    • Phobias and fears

    • Depression

    • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

    • Chronic pain and somatic disorders

    • Addictions and compulsive behaviors

    • Performance enhancement (e.g., in sports, academics, or public speaking)

    • Attachment wounds and relational issues

    Since EMDR focuses on reprocessing distressing memories and maladaptive beliefs, it can be applied to any condition where past experiences contribute to current symptoms.

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“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”

— Maya Angelou

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