Frequently Asked Questions

I know that taking the first step towards therapy can be daunting. Please know that you’re not alone. Many people reach out when they feel stuck, disconnected, or simply want to strengthen their relationship. Here’s a list of my most frequently asked questions by those considering therapy:

Do you have openings for new therapy clients?

Yes, I am currently accepting new clients for individual and couples therapy, ages 20 and older.

What times are you available to meet?

My hours are generally Monday – Friday, 10am – 7:00pm, with occasional Saturdays. However, my schedule varies between the summer and winter seasons, and depending on whether I’m in my Oregon or Arizona office.

Are therapy sessions virtual or in-person?

I offer both in-person and virtual therapy sessions. For in-person sessions, my office is located at 2440 Willamette Street, Suite 101-C, in Eugene, Oregon. We can also meet virtually via Zoom.

How much does therapy cost?

Rates are detailed on my couples & relationship counseling and individual psychotherapy pages. Regardless of your situation, during our initial session we’re not going to waste your time. We’ll get crystal clear on your situation and talk about what our work together might look like. This will also give you a change to make sure we’re a good fit.

It’s worth noting that the majority of my clients prefer to use private pay for increased confidentiality. For those looking for just a few sessions here and there, I may not be the best fit. 

Do you take insurance for counseling sessions?

For individual psychotherapy, I can directly bill PacificSource Health Plans (depending on your situation and our focus, couples counseling may or may not be covered). For all other insurance companies, I can provide reimbursement documentation; here’s how that works: First, find out if your insurance provides “out-of-network mental health” coverage. Then…

1. If they do provide this coverage, you can pay out-of-pocket for each session and request reimbursement from your insurance. Let me know and I’ll set up your account with a specialized monthly statement. You can submit this to your insurance for reimbursement at their covered rate (each insurance plan varies).
2. If they don’t provide this coverage, then no reimbursement is possible. You’d simply pay out-of-pocket for your sessions.

How do I pay for my therapy sessions?

I can accept VISA, MasterCard, Discover, AMEX, and FSA/HSA cards.

Are virtual appointments as good as meeting in-person?

Surprisingly, many of my clients have found that virtual sessions give them an increased sense of comfort and openness. Even couples therapy via telehealth has been found to work just as effectively as in-person sessions, especially if both you and your partner aren’t able to be in the same place for your session.

How long will therapy take?

Every situation is different, so the time you’ll spend in therapy depends on what you’re dealing with. Some might find what they need in a few months, while others might benefit from a year or more of therapy. Working on deeper issues usually takes longer than just fixing surface problems. Sometimes, you might feel a bit uncomfortable as you work through things, but this can lead to real, lasting changes.

After our first meeting and a few sessions, I’ll have a better idea of how long your therapy might take. Don’t worry, though; we’ll keep checking in about your progress, so we’re always on the same page about how long you’ll need to come. The goal is to help you have a fuller, more genuine relationship, not just to get you in and out quickly.

What if my partner is reluctant to see a couples therapist?

It’s not uncommon for one partner to be more hesitant. Often, this concerns stems from apprehension about therapy itself or fears about being blamed. I recommend:

• Sharing what you’ve learned about my structured approach
• Taking the free Relationship Snapshot assessment together
• Proposing just an initial consultation without full commitment
• Focusing on the practical skills you’ll both gain rather than “fixing problems”

Many initially reluctant partners become fully engaged once they understand this isn’t about assigning blame but creating positive change.

What if we’ve tried couples therapy before without success?

Many couples come to me after unsuccessful therapy experiences. Often, this is a symptom of “let’s just talk and air things out,” which almost never works well (if anything, it tends to make things worse). Instead, having a structured approach with tangible goals in mind keeps us on focus. This way, you’re working on learning specific skills together rather than just doing endless talking without actual change.

What are your qualifications and experience?

I’m a Certified Gottman Therapist with extensive training in conflict management, improving communication and rebuilding trust using Gottman Method Couples Therapy. For individuals, I also use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS). This includes couples in marital or relationship distress, those dealing with recovery from emotional and verbal abuse, and those struggling with dysfunctional family dynamics. I’ve been a licensed mental health practitioner for over 20 years.