FAQs
Clinical
What is neurodiversity-affirming therapy?
Neurodiversity-affirming therapy is a strengths-based approach that regards differences among neurotypes not as deficits to be fixed, but as natural variations in human development and expression. As a neurodiversity-affirming therapist, it’s my job to understand your unique abilities, needs, and talents, and to help you determine what support you want so you can reach your goals. The point is not to make anyone more neurotypical—it’s to help you be your most authentic self.
Why do you specialize in high achievers?
High achievers often mask their struggles with high performance, leaving them especially vulnerable to chronic stress, anxiety, burnout, and relationship issues. Their lives may look great on the surface, but beneath the accomplishments can be painful or pervasive problems that go undetected and unaddressed. Frequently, high achievers experience a deep sense of shame that they aren’t good enough without their achievements, or they don’t know who they are if they’re not successful. Unwinding this braid of pressure, identity, and shame takes expert knowledge and skills to help high achievers live up to their standards without sacrificing themselves in the process.
Will I lose my edge or be less productive if I’m less self-critical?
In a word: nope! Our inner critics are often trying to help us survive and thrive but in a way that increases emotional and psychological drag. Research shows that self-compassion improves performance more than self-criticism, which promotes insecurity, defensiveness, and a lack of resilience. Self-criticism might push you forward at first, but it isn’t “clean-burning fuel” and eventually leads to system-wide breakdowns and isolation. By using parts models like Internal Family Systems, we can help your inner critics adopt a less extreme role so they can be your advisors and supporters, not your punishers.
What’s the difference between codependency and high-functioning codependency?
Regular codependency and high-functioning codependency involve the same problematic features like porous boundaries, emotional enmeshment, controlling behaviors, and people-pleasing. High-functioning codependency is harder to recognize because it presents as less chaotic or the behaviors are more muted: emotional dysregulation is passive-aggressiveness; controlling behaviors are framed as “helping”; and being “the strong one” means quietly ignoring your own needs or physical health. Although codependency is a relational dynamic between people, you can use individual therapy to address your personal wounds at the root of this dynamic.
Why do therapy with a human instead of AI?
Right now, AI cannot replace how a human therapist navigates complex interpersonal dynamics in the therapeutic relationship and uses finely-tuned clinical skills to bring about successful mental health outcomes. While AI can safely provide general mental health information or basic tips, there are manifold issues with relying on AI for therapy—from the obvious (data privacy and confidentiality) to the less-obvious (24/7 access to AI can undermine authentic self-confidence), from the practical (diagnosis and treatment are based on observation, not just self-report) to the relational (no emotional regulation through mirror neuron resonance). For a deeper dive into the specifics of why AI should remain a supplement to therapy with a human, check out this excellent article from Laurel Therapy Collective.
Logistical
Does online therapy really work?
It does! Dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic showed us that virtual therapy is indeed an effective way to deliver mental health care for many people. My clients have experienced positive results doing therapy online, and many clients appreciate both its convenience and how the comfort of being at home allows them to dive into deeper work. However, if we begin work together and it becomes clear that in-person therapy would be a better fit for you, I can help you find another clinician who sees people in person.
How long does therapy take?
How long therapy lasts is unique to each person and is informed by the nature of what you’re dealing with and what your goals are. My work with clients is collaborative, so we’ll talk about where you want to get to and I’ll check in with you about your progress as we go along. We can make adjustments if we discover something new and want to pivot, and we can talk about what that means for your treatment.
What are your fees?
My fee is $250 per 50-minute session. I do offer some sliding scale slots, but right now my sliding scale slots are full. I accept payment via debit, credit, and HSA/FSA cards.
Do you take insurance?
I don’t take insurance, but if you have an insurance policy that provides out-of-network mental health benefits, I can provide a superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement if what you’re experiencing meets medical necessity (that is, if it meets criteria for a diagnosis in the DSM-5). It’s best to inquire about your benefits before coming to your first session so you know exactly what your coverage is and whether your policy requires pre-authorization before seeing me.
Notice to clients and prospective clients:
Under the federal No Surprises Act, health care providers need to give clients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services. You can ask your healthcare provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service, or at any time during treatment. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, or how to dispute a bill, see your Estimate, or visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.