Frequently Asked Questions
Are rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) the same thing?
REBT and CBT have similarities but could also be described as having differences in philosophy and approach. We might use REBT to analyze your unconscious assumptions about how life works. It can also be helpful for identifying thought patterns that make difficult emotions even worse. You can read more about REBT here.
Does internal family systems (IFS) involve talking to imaginary friends (IFs)?
Not exactly. IFS is better described as imaginative rather than imaginary. Dialoguing with yourself or your emotions may seem peculiar at first, but learning to connect in this way on the inside can help you engage more effectively on the outside. The animated film Inside Out is a fun introduction to these concepts, but the tone and look of your inner system will be unique to you.
I don't believe in Expressive Arts Therapy, and I'm bad at drawing anyway.
Okay, this one is not a question but let's discuss! Expressive arts therapy is just another therapeutic approach rather than something to believe in, per se, and it's an option here, not a requirement. It involves multiple art forms beyond the visual arts and is not about your skill or the resulting work. Observing your artistic choices can bring unexpected insights, and trusting yourself to create artistically is a powerful parallel to creating what you want in life. Evidence-based applications also include making sense out of confusion and more safely exploring traumatic experiences.
I have a professional certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy from the Northwest Creative & Expressive Arts Institute in Seattle, Washington. I also have a Geek Therapy Certification focused on respecting and communicating through the interests and hobbies you care about most (book series, video games, tv shows, and so on).
Have you always been a counselor?
Actually, I am a career changer who transitioned from working in human resources to clinical mental health counseling. I see career as one way to express your values and needs out in the real world, and I've always found this process fascinating. I think my HR and counseling experience combine nicely to help clients with their career counseling concerns.
What if I'm not sure I can afford therapy and/or won't be using insurance?
I encourage you to ask me (or any other therapist) about sliding scale fees for clients paying out of pocket if this is a concern. Yes, it involves talking a little about money, but I will try to be as clear and upfront as possible about any options available so you can make a decision without added pressure, embarrassment, or stress (if applicable to you). This is a good topic to bring up during a consultation.
What should I do if I want to start therapy with you, or if I can't decide?
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with me in either case. (You can use the Contact form below if convenient.) This will help you determine whether we can work together effectively. It is perfectly fine to meet me and decide we are not a match, and if I know someone who might be a better fit I may be able to refer you.