Common Questions About Therapy

Services are offered online or in-person at the Sap and Spruce Building, located at 155 N Wynne St #3 Colville, WA 99114-2311

No, I can only serve clients residing in states where I’m licensed. Currently, I’m licensed in Washington, Montana, and Idaho.

To begin, you can contact me through your preferred method (phone or email). After that, we’ll set up a free 15-minute consultation to make sure we’re a good fit. The consultation gives you the chance to share your goals and what you'd like to address. I’ll introduce myself and my approach, and together, we can decide if moving forward feels right for you. If you choose to continue, we’ll go over scheduling, billing, and other logistics. If not, I’ll do my best to connect you with a therapist that suits your needs.

Everyone’s experience in therapy is unique. Our sessions will revolve around your specific goals, and conversations can range from current events to past experiences. The length of therapy varies based on your needs, but sessions are typically held weekly at the beginning to maintain progress.

People come to therapy for many reasons, including:

• Making sense of past experiences.

• Managing stress or life transitions (like a new job, divorce, or loss).

• Coping with physical symptoms linked to stress.

If you’re looking to learn new skills, solve problems, or get support during tough times, therapy could be a good fit for you.

Deciding if therapy is right for you may take time. You might know after our consultation, or it could take a few sessions to reflect on how it feels. Always know that your opinion is valuable, and if you have any concerns, we’ll discuss them openly.

I do not prescribe medication. However, we can discuss your thoughts and feelings about it, and if medication becomes something you'd like to consider, I can refer you to a doctor or psychiatrist who can help you make an informed decision.

Therapy provides support, guidance, and a space to reflect on your challenges. Here are some common benefits:

• Gain a better understanding of yourself, goals, and values.

• Improve your ability to manage emotions like anger, sadness, and stress.

• Develop healthier communication and relationship skills.

• Enhance stress management and self-worth.

• Learn ways to cope with grief, depression, and anxiety.

We all experience challenges in life, and reaching out for support doesn’t mean something is wrong. Therapy is for anyone who’s self-aware enough to know when they need a bit of extra help. It’s okay to ask for assistance when needed, and it’s your choice to decide if therapy is right for you.

Therapy is an excellent first step for addressing mental health concerns, as it helps explore underlying issues. If you're considering medication, it's important to speak with a licensed medical professional, such as a psychiatrist or primary care doctor, who can determine whether medication is appropriate. I do not give medical advice or prescribe medications, and any decisions about medication should be made with your healthcare provider.

Confidentiality is essential in therapy. Everything we discuss remains private, with a few exceptions:

• If you give written permission to release information.

• If there is an immediate threat to your safety or someone else’s.

• If there is abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult.

Legal issues can complicate the therapeutic relationship, and I do not participate in court proceedings or write official letters for legal purposes. These situations can harm confidentiality and the therapeutic alliance.

However, if a letter is absolutely necessary and beneficial, we will approach it with caution and in agreement with everyone involved. Be sure to consult your lawyer to ensure the letter will help your case.