Frequently Asked Questions

​Are rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) the same thing?

REBT was used in part to create CBT, but they have some 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. 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 safely exploring painful memories.

​

I have a professional certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy from the Northwest Creative & Expressive Arts Institute in Seattle, Washington, and a Geek Therapy Certification focused on communicating through the interests and hobbies you care about.

​​​​

What does existential mean again?

This refers to the big stuff: deep thoughts, life purpose, fear of death, and so on. We might use an existential focus in session to examine harsh truths and realities or discover new meanings. What's really important then is just to decide what to do with the time that is given us.

​

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, needs, and challenges 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.

​

If you weren't in the military yourself, how can you help people who are or were?

BLUF:  I grew up on and around military installations, come from a military family, and have served as a federal civilian for the Department of Defense. I may not be active duty, but I can respect and am familiar with what servicemembers go through.

​​

This is a great question for any client seeking therapy. The concern underneath seems to be, "How much will this therapist understand and not judge me for?" Similarities between you and your therapist can provide an important sense of comfort and trust, but they are not necessarily required for growth.

​​

Consider whether you are looking more for therapy or to connect with someone similar to you (e.g., other active duty or veterans); these are different but equally valid needs. Also consider under what circumstances you would accept physical health care from a provider who doesn't share the same physical conditions as you. Examine your options and remember that whatever you decide, you can change your mind in the future.

​​​​​​​

​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. (Reach out by using my profile.) This will help confirm whether we can work together effectively. It is perfectly fine to decide we are not a match, and if I know someone who might be a better fit I can let you know.

​​

​​