Frequently Asked Questions

What Might Treatment Look Like?

If we’ve collaboratively determined that therapy is the best path for you, we’ll begin by clarifying where you are now and where you want to be — emotionally, relationally, or professionally.

That exploration begins in our first consultation, where we take a deeper look at your strengths, patterns, goals, and values. Together, we’ll identify what’s working, what feels stuck, and what you’re hoping to shift.

Therapy offers a space for self-reflection, clarity, and healing. At times, this may include looking at how past experiences or beliefs are impacting your present — especially if unprocessed stress, trauma, or emotional patterns are getting in the way.

If that’s the case, we may discuss the use of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) or other evidence-informed approaches to help reduce the impact of past experiences and build emotional flexibility.

However, if there are no current symptoms, flashbacks, or trauma-related barriers, we may focus more on forward-focused therapy — identifying your goals and aligning your actions with your values. This may include exploring your life, business, creative work, or relationships, depending on what feels most meaningful to you.

In all cases, this is a collaborative process. My role is to support your clarity and momentum, while honoring your pace and what matters most to you.

Why Don't You Take Insurance?

That’s a thoughtful and important question. Here's why I’ve chosen to operate as a private-pay practice:

  • You don’t have to be “sick enough” to get support.
    Insurance companies require a mental health diagnosis to cover therapy — even if you’re just feeling stuck, burned out, or in transition. I want to offer care without labeling your experience.

  • Your care stays private.
    Submitting to insurance means sharing your diagnosis, treatment plan, and progress notes with a third party. With private pay, your sessions remain fully confidential unless you choose to disclose.

    Please see the limits of confidentiality in your intake packet.

  • We get to choose what works — not the insurance company.
    Insurance can limit the type of therapy, the number of sessions, and how often we meet. Private pay gives us full freedom to tailor therapy around your goals and needs.

  • More sustainable care.
    Navigating insurance systems often creates burnout for providers — chasing reimbursements, managing audits, and working under pressure. A private-pay model allows me to provide more thoughtful, present, and ethical care.

  • Superbills are available.
    If you have out-of-network benefits, I can provide a monthly “superbill” (receipt) you can submit for possible partial reimbursement. I'm happy to guide you through how it works.

What if I can’t afford your rate or prefer to use insurance?

If now isn’t the right time to invest in private-pay therapy, or if you'd prefer to go through your insurance, that’s completely understandable.

Therapy is a vital form of support, and there are many excellent providers who accept insurance or offer reduced-fee options. If you'd like, we can point you toward some resources or help you take the first step in finding a provider who fits your needs.

While we’re not able to maintain a full referral directory, we’re happy to offer a bit of guidance to help you move forward — just reach out.

You can also explore these resources directly:

  • Psychology Today
    Use filters to search by location, insurance, specialty, and more.

  • Open Path Collective
    Affordable therapy with vetted therapists offering sliding scale sessions ($40–$70) for those in financial need.

  • Online Therapy Directory
    A global listing of therapists offering virtual therapy, often with sliding scale options and inclusive specialties.

  • Women’s Resource Center of Manatee
    Offers referrals, support services, and often low-cost or sliding scale counseling options.