Getting Started with Counseling

Frequently Asked Questions

  • I recommend getting started by taking the time to set up a phone consultation with me and a few other therapists to see who is the best fit for you at this time. All counselors/therapists have varied experience, educational backgrounds, and approaches. The most important thing that leads to successful therapy is the relationship you have with your therapist. Let’s set up a free 30-minute consultation to get to know each other and discover if we’re a good fit!

  • The process begins by setting up a phone consultation, then completing some paperwork and general assessments, followed by our first appointment. The first 4-5 sessions are focused on laying the groundwork for our time together. You’ll learn important skills to support the therapy process while I also gather more information about you and what you hope to accomplish in therapy, and ultimately we determine the best plan to support your goals. Once we have the “lay of the land,” we can go deeper into the issues that you’re in therapy to address such as relationship problems, past traumas, deepening self-awareness, anxiety, depression, etc. Most clients like to meet weekly or every-other week for best results, and gradually reduce frequency over time. We will discuss a customized plan just for you.

  • Yes, I offer appointments both over telehealth and in-person at my office. We will discuss what is the best fit for you based on your location, goals, and mental health needs. I utilize a telehealth platform that is secure and HIPAA compliant.

  • Yes! We can meet at a beautiful office space located inside Root Center for Yoga. The address is 617 N 17th St #200, Colorado Springs, CO 80904

  • Monday-Friday, with hours ranging from 11am-7pm.

  • Yes! I have availability for 2 new clients at this time and would love to chat with you to see if we’d be a good fit to work together.

  • The American Dance Therapy Association defines Dance/Movement therapy as the psychotherapeutic use of movement to promote emotional, social, cognitive, and physical integration of the individual. What the heck does that mean?! To me, it means that we’ll use movement and your connection to your body to support the overall process of therapy. The reality is that we all live in a body, and we experience the world through our physical senses and nervous system responding to our environment. Therapy in general is about healing the past, engaging the present, and looking toward the future. Your body was with you through all of your past experiences; your body is the primary portal to experiencing the present moment; and your body will come with you into your future. If we don’t address patterns held in the body, it will be difficult to make changes and move forward (literally). Movement therapy doesn’t always look like “dancing.” In fact, it’s rare that we’ll actually get up and dance around, and my goal is not to teach you how to move. My goal is to support you in understanding how you move and discovering new ways of moving through the world that align with your authentic self. For example, movement therapy can look like just sitting on the couch, noticing sensations in your body and then talking about it together.

  • I mainly work with adults (18+) and who are on a path of self-growth and self-understanding. My passion is supporting those who have experienced some sort of trauma or challenge in past relationships and are searching for both healing of the past and new skills to utilize as they move forward. I also work with individuals who are experiencing a general sense of anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges that they’d like support with. I see both individuals and couples.

  • Master of Arts (MA): I hold a Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. That means I completed a 4-year bachelors degree followed by a 2-year masters degree that included rigorous coursework in mental health, individual therapy, marriage/family therapy, group therapy, trauma, cultural competencies, treatment of addictions, etc., as well as a practicum at Pikes Peak Suicide Prevention and internship with AspenPointe/Diversus Health.

    Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC): This means that I am considered nationally certified in the United States by the National Board for Certified Counselors. I received this certification by completing my Masters degree at an accredited university and completing the National Counselor Examination.

    Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC): This means that I hold a license in Colorado and I am registered with the Department of Regulatory Agencies. Counseling is a highly regulated profession (with good reason!), and I have completed all the necessary hours, exams, courseowrk and supervision required to become a fully licensed professional counselor.

    Yoga Teacher (200): I completed a 200-hour yoga teacher training through Cambio Yoga here in Colorado Springs. I enjoy providing clients with skills that are based in yoga such as breath, meditation, and simple postures to support mental health and wellbeing.

    Dance Movement Therapist: I am studying to become a Registered Dance Movement Therapist through Embodied Neurobiology in Austin, TX. This credential requires 3 years of additional schooling and supervised hours in practice. I am currently permitted to practice Dance Movement Therapy under supervision.

  • Therapy or counseling are recommended when there is a diagnosable clinical concern present, such as generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, etc. Coaching is recommended when there is NOT a diagnosable clinical concern present. Many people find themselves experiencing mental health symptoms such as mild anxiety, depression, or relationship challenges that don't fit a medical diagnosis. In this case, coaching may be a better fit.

  • My masters degree training was based in a Person-Centered approach. That means I’ve been trained in holding a stance of non-judgment, compassionate and empathic understanding, and seeing my own personal development and presence as a key factor in our work together. If you want a therapist who feels like a real person (not just a robot who nods and says '“mmhmm, say more”), then I might be your therapist! My person-centered approach is only a foundation (a very important foundation) for the work we do to get you into deep personal reflection in session and big, bold action in your life outside of therapy. I bring my whole self to therapy, and I welcome your whole self in therapy - the good and the “not so good”. I believe we all need a place to be fully ourselves and that the process of growth begins with an honest look at where we’re starting from.

    I am deeply committed to continuing education. In fact, learning is one of my core values! I have additional training in:

    Somatic/Dance Movement Therapy

    Trauma-Informed Practices (Polyvagal-Informed Dance Movement Therapy)

    Internal Family Systems Coaching

    Motivational Interviewing

    Emotionally Focused Therapy

    Jungian Life Coaching

  • Yes! There is a law called the No Surprises Act which now requires all mental health providers to provide a Good Faith Estimate when a new client requests services. This law is very important because it insures that you will not receive a surprise bill from any health provider you work with. The good faith estimate will include the anticipated investment you’ll make in therapy services over the course of one year.

  • I do not take insurance. However, I am happy to provide a “superbill” for you to submit to your insurance company.

  • My rate is $175 per therapy hour. Each session is approximately 50 minutes to allow me 10 minutes for taking notes and completing paperwork that is required of me by law and ethics. I offer a sliding scale for a select number of clients each week based on financial need.