Getting Started
How do I get started?
You can schedule a free 15-minute consultation or book through the scheduling links provided on the website. Headway is generally the most efficient option for scheduling therapy and checking insurance information. If you are unsure where to start, you are also welcome to contact me directly.
What happens during the free consultation?
The consultation is a brief conversation about what is bringing you to therapy, what you are hoping for, and any questions you have about scheduling, insurance, or the therapy process. It also gives us both an opportunity to consider whether working together may be a good fit. The consultation is not a therapy session and there is no obligation to continue.
About the Therapy Process
What should I expect from my first therapy session?
The first session gives us more time to understand what has been happening, what you would like help with, and what you want therapy to look like. I will ask questions and begin learning about your experiences, strengths, concerns, and goals. You do not need to arrive knowing exactly what to say or having everything figured out.
What if I am not sure whether you are the right therapist for me?
That is part of what the consultation and early sessions are for. A good therapeutic relationship matters, and you should have space to decide whether my personality, approach, and way of working feel useful to you. If I do not appear to be the right fit for what you need, we can discuss other options or resources when appropriate.
Services and Clients
What kinds of concerns do you help with?
I commonly work with concerns including anxiety, depression, ADHD and executive-functioning difficulties, stress, burnout, trauma-related experiences, life transitions, self-doubt, relationship patterns, communication difficulties, and personal growth. You do not need to know exactly how to label what you are experiencing before reaching out.
Do you work with people who have never been to therapy before?
Yes. Many people begin therapy without knowing exactly what to expect. I try to make the process understandable and collaborative, and you are always welcome to ask questions about what we are doing and why.
Do I need a diagnosis to start therapy?
No. You do not need to know what diagnosis you have or even whether a diagnosis applies before reaching out. Assessment is part of the therapeutic process when clinically appropriate, and we can work together to better understand what you are experiencing.
What is the difference between therapy and coaching?
Therapy is a clinical service in Illinois focused on diagnosing and treating mental health concerns. Coaching is a non-clinical alternative available nationwide that emphasizes personal growth, skill-building, and professional goals. Unlike therapy, coaching is not covered by insurance.
Insurance, Rates, and Payment
Do you accept insurance?
Yes. I accept several insurance plans through Headway. Participation and coverage vary by insurance company, plan, location, and service type. Headway can help verify benefits and provide an estimate of the expected cost before the appointment.
How do I know what therapy will cost with my insurance?
Insurance coverage and out-of-pocket costs vary by plan. Headway can help verify your benefits and provide an estimate of your expected cost before an appointment. Because coverage decisions are made by the insurance company, benefit estimates are not a guarantee of payment.
What if I do not have insurance or prefer not to use it?
Self-pay options are available for clients who prefer not to use insurance or do not have coverage. Sliding-scale therapy may also be available through Open Path for eligible uninsured or underinsured clients. Current self-pay and reduced-cost rates are listed on the Insurance & Payments page.
Is coaching covered by insurance?
Generally, no. Coaching is not psychotherapy and is typically not covered by health insurance. Coaching fees and payment arrangements are discussed separately from therapy services.
Location and Appointment Format
Do you offer in-person appointments?
Yes. In-person counseling is available at 2710 College Avenue in Alton, Illinois. Appointment availability may vary, so clients should confirm the preferred format when scheduling.
Do you offer virtual therapy or life coaching?
Yes. Virtual therapy is available to clients located in Illinois. Sessions are conducted through a secure telehealth platform, allowing you to attend from a private location that works for you. I offer virtual life coaching for anyone in the US.
Can I switch between virtual and in-person appointments?
In many cases, yes. Appointment format can depend on availability and clinical circumstances, so let me know if you would like to change how you attend a session.
Couples Counseling FAQs
Is couples counseling right for us?
Many couples seek counseling when they feel stuck in repeating arguments, disconnected, or unsure how to move forward together. Counseling can help you understand patterns in your relationship, improve communication, and work toward shared goals. You do not need to be in crisis for counseling to be helpful.
How does a typical couples session work?
In most sessions, we meet together as a couple. I help each of you share your perspective while we slow down conversations that may feel overwhelming at home. We focus on building understanding, practicing new skills, and applying them between sessions.
Do both partners need to participate?
Couples counseling is designed around the relationship, so ongoing participation from both partners is generally important. Individual meetings may sometimes be incorporated as part of the couples assessment or treatment process when clinically appropriate.
Do we have to be considering separation to come to couples counseling?
No. Couples seek counseling for many reasons, including recurring conflict, communication difficulties, emotional distance, trust concerns, life transitions, or simply wanting to strengthen their relationship before problems become more difficult to address.
Will you take sides?
My role is to support the relationship and each partner, not to decide who is "right" or "wrong." I work to create a balanced space where both of you feel heard and respected.
Presentation & Workshops
Who can request a presentation or workshop?
Presentations and workshops can be developed for colleges, schools, workplaces, healthcare settings, community organizations, nonprofit groups, and professional audiences.
Can presentations be customized for our organization?
Yes. Topics, examples, level of detail, and degree of audience participation can be adapted based on the audience, setting, available time, and goals of the event.
Do you offer presentations virtually?
Virtual and in-person formats may be available depending on the event, location, and scheduling needs. Contact In Situ Counseling & Coaching to discuss the specific request.
