The process of therapy starts much earlier than your first appointment. You've likely been considering therapy but may have some reservations or questions. Therapy is a unique opportunity to set aside time to honor yourself and your family. 

Who should attend therapy?
If your work, hobbies or relationships are impacted by your mood (or your child's mood) then it's a safe bet that therapy may be helpful. If you are adjusting to a new life event (career change, relationship change, death, new baby) therapy can help to make the road less bumpy. 

What will happen in therapy?
In our first session, I will gather information about your mood, your relationships, and what goals you have in mind. We will develop a treatment plan focused on meeting these goals using evidenced-based practices such as cognitive behavioral therapy. Therapy will be a time for you to explore feelings, their possible origin, and practice new ways to react and cope.

What types of problems can you help me with?
I work with many women and couples experiencing infertility. This includes any part of the journey for initial diagnosis, ART, 3rd party reproduction, adoption or child-free living. I have both personal experience with infertility as well as clinical expertise. I am a member of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine and work closely with many of the infertility clinics locally.  I've written several articles about this subject for KSL and other publications. To see if my approach may be a fit for you, there are several of the articles listed on my blog!

What types of problems can you help my child with?
I enjoy working with children and their families. Most of the children I work with struggle with emotional regulation, meaning their responses to events in their lives are often intensified by a lack of control. They may be aggressive, anxious. scream and kick when they don't get their way. I work with many children whose parents have recently divorced, or are in newly formed step-families; some children need assistance with social skills or resiliency building. It's also common for children to have some anxiety about attending school. I work with children who have a history of trauma, whether that means witnessing domestic violence, or being a victim of abuse. Lastly, at times parents require some new parenting techniques to address behavior in their children such as aggression, defiance or conflict. 

I have a particular interest and training in working with children who have been adopted or are struggling with attachment. I've written about this topic on my blog. 

What kinds of approaches to you use?
I am trained in trauma-focused CBT as well as mindfulness approaches. I tend to use goal setting as our structure then explore themes such as black or white thinking, or re-occurring relationship issues as a way to identify barriers. The approach used will depend on the diagnosis. For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy has been proven to be effective for depression and anxiety.  

I am trained in level one Theraplay (attachment based intervention for children). I also use serval other modalities of play therapy with children, such as child centered play therapy, and sand tray therapy.  

How long will I be in therapy?
Typically 6-8 sessions, this is dependent upon the treatment plan that we develop together.

I'm not sure if my child needs therapy or not?
Has your child's teacher or day care provider expressed concern about your child? Have their moods or behaviors changed? Has there been a life event that they are reacting to? These may be signs that something is bothering your child. I've written an article based on exactly this question that you can read here. 

Is my child old enough for therapy? What will occur in his/her therapy sessions?
I have worked with children as young as two. In child sessions the work is really more with the family. You are the expert on your child and we work together to address issues that they may be having. In child sessions I will often begin with an update from the parent about how the child is doing, then meet with the child alone using interventions focused on the treatment plan, for example, decreasing anxiety, processing past trauma. We may also hold some family sessions in order to teach parents techniques to use at home.

How does confidentiality work?
What we discuss in our sessions is confidential; I am not allowed to speak with anyone without your permission. Although, there are some exceptions, if a child, elderly person or another adult is in danger I am required to contact appropriate agencies.

How much will it cost?
My session fee is $125. I am an in-network provider for EMI (Educators Mutual), PEHP, Select Health and the University of Utah Plans. The out of pocket depends on your plan and deductible, it's best to confirm this with your insurance provider before our first session. I am also happy to offer a sliding fee scale upon request.

What about medications?
I do not prescribe medications; although, it is useful for me to work as a team with your prescriber to address your needs more fully. If you need assistance locating a prescriber I can help.

When do you have appointments available?
Afternoons and evenings on Mondays, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays, other times available by request.

Are you on my insurance panel?
I am on the following insurance panels:
EMI Health
PEHP
University of Utah Plans
​Select Health
I am also an out of network provider for other panels. I suggest you contact your insurance before our first session to confirm that I am a provider on your specific plan as well as inquiring about your co-pays and deductibles. 

I read your article in the paper.
Yes, I've written several articles focused on areas of expertise of mine. Find article about infertility here, and article on play therapy here. And an article about when children may benefit from therapy here. Lastly, my favorite one, about discussing adoption through the lifespan here. If you'd like, read them all, you can find them listed under the blog tab. 

What makes you a different therapist from the rest?
I genuinely enjoy my work and the clients I meet with. I have a sensible approach to change and an empathy and understanding of others. I don't believe therapy is the only way to solve problems, but I do believe having someone help integrate difficult experiences and then reflect on our "new" self is useful.