Frequently Asked Questions

Counseling is a supportive, confidential space where you can talk openly about what’s on your mind, explore what feels stuck, and work through life’s challenges at your own pace. It is not about being “fixed” or being told what to do; it is about feeling understood, supported, and empowered to create meaningful change.

My approach is grounded in compassion, mindfulness, and honest, practical conversation. I believe healing happens when we can slow down, notice what is happening within us, and respond with greater self-awareness instead of self-judgment. I often use relatable examples and gentle humor to make deeper emotional work feel more approachable and easier to understand.

In our work together, I listen with care and curiosity, helping you make sense of your experiences, emotions, and patterns. We may explore what is happening in your present life, how past experiences or relationships may still be shaping you, and what you want to feel or do differently moving forward. My goal is to help you feel more connected to yourself, more confident in your choices, and better equipped to build a life that feels aligned and meaningful.

I enjoy working with people from all walks of life! I primarily work with teens and young adults who feel like their emotions sometimes run the show — whether that shows up as anxiety, depression, overwhelm, relationship struggles, identity or gender-related distress, self-doubt, or difficulty coping with change. Many of the people I work with feel stuck in patterns they don’t fully understand, or unsure how to move forward in a way that feels true to them.

I also work with individuals who have been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) or who recognize BPD traits in themselves, such as intense emotions, fear of abandonment, or rapidly shifting relationships. In this work, we focus on building emotional regulation, strengthening a sense of self, and creating more stable, meaningful connections.

If you’ve ever thought you’re “too much” you’re probably in the right place. My hope is to create a space where you can feel respected, understood, and supported as you grow.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is often a central part of my work because I find it to be both practical and profound. It offers concrete tools for navigating emotions, relationships, and stress, while also making space for meaning, values, and personal growth. I often describe DBT as the life skills we all should have learned a long time ago. Clients who appreciate structure, guidance, and clear, usable skills often find DBT especially helpful.

Mindfulness is woven throughout my work—not just as a technique, but as a way of learning how to slow down, become more aware, and respond with intention instead of reacting from overwhelm. I also place a strong emphasis on self-compassion, helping clients move away from harsh self-criticism and toward a kinder, more grounded relationship with themselves.

At the same time, I draw from psychodynamic and humanistic traditions. This means we may explore how past experiences, relationships, and unconscious patterns continue to shape the way you feel and respond today, while also honoring your own inner wisdom and capacity for growth. I often use simple metaphors, straightforward language, and a touch of humor to make deeper emotional work feel more accessible and less intimidating.

Most sessions naturally ebb and flow between skill-building and deeper exploration, creating a balance of practical support and meaningful insight.

When someone is experiencing gender-related concerns, distress, or uncertainty, I approach the work with care, curiosity, and respect. Questions around gender can arise at any age and in many contexts — during adolescence, adulthood, or times of major life transition — and they often exist alongside other emotional, relational, or identity-related challenges.

I work with teens, adults, and families across a wide range of gender experiences, including those who feel uncertain, questioning, conflicted, or distressed. Some clients are exploring identity for the first time, some are re-evaluating earlier choices, and others are simply trying to understand what their feelings mean for them. There is no single path or “type” of person who comes to this work.

I begin by getting to know the whole person — their history, values, relationships, strengths, and struggles, as well as the broader context of their life. When anxiety, depression, trauma, neurodiversity, chronic stress, family dynamics, or other life stressors are part of the picture, we gently address those as part of supporting overall well-being.

I believe thoughtful reflection and self-compassion are especially important in this process. Rather than rushing toward answers, therapy creates space to slow down, notice what is true, and make decisions from a place of clarity rather than urgency or fear.

There is no pressure toward a particular label, identity, pace, or outcome. My role is not to direct you toward a specific conclusion, but to walk alongside you as you make sense of your experience in a way that feels honest and grounded in your values.

In sessions, you can expect a supportive, unhurried space where you can slow down, reflect, and talk openly about what has been on your mind. We will focus on what feels most important to you, while creating room for both practical problem-solving and deeper emotional understanding.

I offer reflection, gentle guidance, and concrete skills when helpful, always with compassion and curiosity rather than judgment. Some sessions are more conversational, while others may include mindfulness practices, body awareness, or skill-building to help you feel more grounded and connected to yourself. I often use simple metaphors, straightforward feedback, and a little humor to make difficult topics feel more approachable.

Most importantly, therapy is collaborative. We will keep the lines of communication open about what is and is not working for you, so the process feels supportive, honest, and tailored to your needs.

I accept private pay (my fee is $210 for a 60-minute intake session and $160 for ongoing sessions), with payment made directly at the time of service. I am also able to accept Aetna, Cigna, and Optum/United Healthcare plans through Alma’s Insurance Program.

A limited number of sliding scale spots are available for clients who may need to use insurance or pay a reduced fee. If cost is a concern, I welcome a conversation about options to help make therapy more accessible.

I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to see if we’re a good fit. Please use the CONTACT FORM to get in touch with any questions or to book a consult. I look forward to hearing from you!

An initial consultation is a brief (about 15-minute) first meeting over the phone where I take time to understand what’s bringing you in and what you’d like to focus on in counseling. I’ll share my clinical perspective on whether counseling may be helpful, and we’ll both get an initial sense of whether working together feels like a good fit. You will have a chance to ask me any questions so that you can get an understanding of my approach. If we do move forward, we’ll then discuss next steps and scheduling.

All sessions are held via secure telehealth for clients located in Pennsylvania. You can meet with me from the comfort of your home, office, or any private space where you feel safe, supported, and at ease.

Research consistently shows that telehealth therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy for many concerns. In some cases, it can even enhance the work—reducing travel stress, increasing consistency, and allowing you to engage in therapy within your real-life environment. For many clients, meeting from a familiar space supports greater openness and integration between sessions.

I understand that unexpected things happen. When possible, please provide at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling to avoid being charged for the session.

It really depends on your needs. Some people come for short-term support, while others find longer-term work helpful. We’ll check in along the way to make sure it’s still the right fit. I don’t think therapy should be forever! One of the reasons why I love DBT is that it helps you become your own therapist, and the goal is for you to graduate (yay!) when you’re ready.