Your Questions, Answered

Therapy Basics

What is psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a supportive, confidential space where you can process life’s challenges with the help of a trained mental health professional. In my practice, therapy is a collaborative relationship. We work together to help you heal, build resilience, and reconnect with your sense of self, especially after prolonged exposure to high-stress or traumatic environments.

How do I know if I need therapy?
If you’ve been feeling emotionally numb, overwhelmed, disconnected from your purpose, or like you’re carrying more than you can manage, therapy can help. Many of my clients are helpers who’ve been so focused on others that they’ve lost sight of their own needs. If that sounds like you, it’s time to put yourself on the list.

What issues do you specialize in?
I work primarily with trauma-exposed helping professionals: nurses, first responders, educators, therapists, and others in high-stress roles. I specialize in trauma recovery, burnout, compassion fatigue, anxiety, and identity work.

What’s the difference between therapy, counseling, and coaching?
Therapy and counseling are often used interchangeably and focus on healing emotional wounds, managing mental health symptoms, and exploring past and present experiences. Coaching is more goal-oriented and typically doesn't address trauma or mental health diagnoses. As a licensed psychotherapist, I provide clinical support that’s trauma-informed and personalized to your unique history and goals.

What if I’m nervous or unsure about starting therapy?

That’s completely normal. Starting therapy—especially when you’re used to being the one others depend on—can feel unfamiliar or even uncomfortable. You might be asking yourself, “Do I really need this?” or “What if I don’t know what to say?” Those are valid concerns.

Therapy isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about creating space to explore your thoughts and experiences at your own pace. We’ll go slowly, and I’ll meet you with curiosity, not judgment. You don’t have to “perform” or explain everything perfectly. Just showing up is a powerful first step toward healing.

Appointments & Scheduling

How do I schedule an appointment?
You can schedule a free 15-minute consultation via my online scheduler/contact form. We’ll talk briefly about your needs and make sure we’re a good fit.

Do you offer evening or weekend sessions?
Yes, I offer limited evening appointments to accommodate those with demanding schedules. Please inquire for current availability.

How long are sessions?
Sessions are typically 45-60 minutes long.

How often will we meet?
Most clients begin with weekly sessions, especially in the early stages of healing. We’ll regularly assess your needs and adjust frequency as appropriate.

Fees & Insurance

What are your rates?
My standard rate is $180 per 53-minute session if not using insurance (see below for the insurances I accept). A limited number of sliding scale spots are available for those experiencing financial hardship.

Do you accept insurance?
I accept BlueCross and BlueShield, Harvard Pilgrim, Mass General Brigham Health Plan, Optum, United Healthcare, and Wellpoint insurance. I’m otherwise an out-of-network provider. I’m happy to guide you through this process.

Can I use out-of-network benefits?
Yes, many clients successfully use their out-of-network mental health benefits. I recommend checking with your insurer to confirm your coverage.

Do you offer a sliding scale?
Yes, I reserve a portion of my caseload for reduced-fee sessions. Please reach out to discuss availability.

Virtual vs. In-Person Therapy

Do you offer telehealth (online therapy)?
Yes. I offer secure video sessions for clients throughout Massachusetts. Telehealth provides flexibility and accessibility, especially for those in unpredictable or high-demand jobs.

How does online therapy work?
You’ll receive a secure link to our virtual session, which you can join from a private, quiet space. All you need is a reliable internet connection and a device with a camera and mic.

Is virtual therapy as effective as in-person sessions?
Yes, research shows that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person care. Many clients appreciate the ease of access, especially when juggling work and life demands.

Confidentiality & Privacy

Is what I say in therapy confidential?
Yes. Everything we discuss is confidential and protected by law. The only exceptions are rare situations where safety is at risk (e.g., harm to self or others, child or elder abuse).

Are there any limits to confidentiality?
Yes. I’m legally obligated to break confidentiality if there is a risk of serious harm to you or someone else, or if there is a report of abuse involving a minor or vulnerable adult.

Working Together

What should I expect in the first session?
Our first session is about connection. We’ll talk about what brings you here, what you hope to get out of therapy, and begin to explore your story. It’s also a chance for you to see how it feels to work with me.

How long will therapy take?
There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline. Some clients come for a few months to work through specific issues, while others stay longer for deeper healing. We’ll discuss your goals and adjust the path as needed.

What is your approach or therapeutic style?
I use a trauma-informed, integrative approach grounded in EMDR, somatic awareness, and parts work (like Internal Family Systems). My style is warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental. You’ve likely spent a long time holding it together for others. Here, you don’t have to.

What if I don’t feel like we’re a good fit?
That’s okay. A strong therapeutic relationship is key to healing, and I’m always open to feedback. If we determine we’re not the right match, I’ll help you find someone who is.

Where are you located?
My practice is based in Norwell, MA. I see clients via telehealth across MA, and in person by appointment at 376 Washington Street, Suite 6, Norwell, MA 02061.

Is your office accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, the office is ADA-compliant. If you have specific access needs, please let me know. I’m committed to making therapy a welcoming space for everyone.

Therapy Approaches & Modalities

What does it mean to be “trauma-informed”?
A trauma-informed approach recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and prioritizes safety, trust, and empowerment in the healing process. In our work together, I won’t push you to disclose more than you’re ready to share. Instead, we’ll move at a pace that respects your boundaries and nervous system, always centering your voice and agency.

What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a research-supported therapy that helps people process and heal from trauma and distressing experiences. It uses bilateral stimulation (like eye movements or tapping) to help the brain “unstick” painful memories so they can be integrated rather than relived.

How does EMDR work for helpers who’ve seen a lot of trauma?
Many helping professionals carry “quiet trauma”—memories they don’t always realize are still affecting them. EMDR helps process these experiences without needing to retell every detail. It can be especially helpful for cumulative trauma, moral injury, and emotional exhaustion from being exposed to others’ suffering over time.

Will EMDR make me relive painful experiences?
EMDR can bring up strong emotions, but it’s not about reliving trauma; it’s about reprocessing it in a way that feels safe and contained. I’ll guide you every step of the way, and we’ll always have grounding tools in place. You’re in control of the pace.

What other approaches do you use?
I draw from a range of evidence-based, trauma-informed therapies to meet each client where they are. My approach is integrative, meaning I tailor our work to your needs, goals, and nervous system, not a one-size-fits-all model. Here’s what that looks like in practice:

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): This is a powerful method for helping the brain and body reprocess traumatic memories so they no longer feel stuck or overwhelming. EMDR is especially effective for helpers who’ve experienced cumulative stress, burnout, or moral injury.

• Somatic Therapy: Trauma often lives in the body. I incorporate somatic approaches to help you become more aware of physical cues, regulate your nervous system, and feel safer in your own skin.

• Attachment-Based Therapy: Attachment-based work focuses on the relational patterns you developed early in life, often shaped by caregiving roles, and helps you build more secure, authentic connections.

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT helps you move through painful thoughts and emotions by increasing psychological flexibility, so you can live in alignment with your values, even when things feel hard. It’s especially helpful when you feel “stuck” or disconnected from your purpose.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT explores how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. For clients managing anxiety, intrusive thoughts, or patterns of over-responsibility, CBT offers practical tools to shift unhelpful thinking and regain a sense of control.

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills: I often integrate DBT skills, such as emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and boundary-setting, to support clients in managing overwhelming emotions, especially when living in high-stress environments or relationships.

• Internal Family Systems (Parts Work): Many helpers carry internal conflicts… one part wants to rest, another says “keep pushing.” IFS helps you understand and care for all the parts of yourself with compassion, rather than judgment or shame.

• Christian Counseling (upon request): For clients who desire it, I offer faith-integrated therapy rooted in Christian principles. This can include prayer, scripture, or exploring how your spiritual beliefs intersect with your emotional healing. I welcome clients from all backgrounds, and spiritual integration is always optional and guided by you.

• Flash (Four Blinks): Flash is a gentle, rapid method for reducing the emotional intensity of traumatic memories, often without needing to talk about the memory in detail. It uses brief shifts in attention and bilateral stimulation to help the brain process distressing material safely and efficiently, making it especially useful for clients who feel overwhelmed by traditional trauma work.

Above all, my work is grounded in a trauma-informed, strengths-based lens. Whether you’re dealing with compassion fatigue, identity loss, unresolved trauma, or just feeling tired of always being the one to hold it all together. I’ll hold space for all of it, and walk with you at a pace that feels right.

Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail to heal?
Not at all. Trauma-informed therapy doesn’t require you to relive or explain everything. We’ll focus on how your experiences are showing up in your life now, whether that’s anxiety, burnout, disconnection, or physical symptoms, and work from there.