FAQs

Yes, I am currently accepting new clients. Please schedule a free 15 minute video consultation with me here to get started!

I work with adult clients, ages 18 and up. I work with clients who are experiencing chronic insomnia, anxiety, and/or depression. Some clients meet with me strictly to address their insomnia, which is a short, structured treatment of about 6-8 sessions (see question below: “How are CBT-I sessions for Insomnia different?”). 

Chronic Insomnia can sometimes be accompanied by an anxiety disorder and/or depression. In these cases, I often recommend for clients to address the insomnia first and then we move into treating the anxiety and/or depression once the insomnia resolves. The course of treatment is determined on a case-by-case basis.

Whether you choose me as a therapist or not, I strongly encourage anyone who is seeking therapy to shop around before choosing their therapist. Therapy is a highly personal and intimate relationship, and it is vital that you feel comfortable and connected with your therapist. Take advantage of free phone/video consultations to get a feel for therapists and your rapport with them to ensure they are a good fit for you!

In our first session, also known as an “Intake Evaluation”, I will learn about your story and why you have chosen to come to therapy. Prior to this session, you will fill out a detailed intake form which asks many questions about you, your life, your goals, etc. This form is very helpful in getting us started, so the more information included, the better! I will reference that form in our first session and we will discuss some of those answers. The Intake Evaluation allows me to assess your goals and needs, and formulate a treatment plan for our sessions moving forward. The first session might feel a little like an interview because I will ask a lot of questions, but hopefully the friendliest and most laid-back interview you’ve ever had! 🙂

The remaining sessions usually start out with me asking about your week, and if there’s anything in particular you would like to process or discuss. Sessions typically involve back-and-forth discussion, psychoeducation, skill-building or guided exercises. I will usually leave you with some “homework” of concepts to consider, new habits to try, or exercises to incorporate to ensure you can remain active in your growth between each session. I have found that the clients who are proactive in their healing are the ones who have the best results.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is different from other therapy sessions in that it is a very structured, formulaic program. It is also short-term, typically lasting only about 6 weeks. Read more about CBT-I here.

Our sessions will last about 50 minutes, which is the “therapeutic hour”.

This varies based on a number of factors, however, I typically recommend for clients to meet with me weekly in the beginning, and then we can adjust from there as needed/indicated. Clients will sometimes “wean down” from therapy, and shift to every other week or once a month after progress is made. We can discuss this at any time and I will give my recommendations, but keep in mind that the decision is largely up to you on how often you will come to therapy. 

An ideal client is motivated to change and open-minded on how to achieve their goals. Ideal clients are interested in learning more about themselves and willing to invest time and energy into their growth.

In short, my ideal client is:

• Ready to ditch old/bad habits that aren’t serving them
• Open to new ideas and ways of doing/looking at things
• Able to recognize that therapy is not an overnight fix
• Motivated to do the work

I do accept insurance. I am currently in-network with Cigna and Aetna. I also can provide a superbill (essentially an invoice) for reimbursement if I am out-of-network with your insurance carrier. I recommend checking out this website for help with that process. 

It is important to note, however, that there are limits to your confidentiality when using insurance benefits. Insurance companies require a diagnosis to justify coverage, and this will permanently be a part of your health record. This may have unintended consequences in the future, and therefore feel that it is important that you are able to make an informed choice on how you wish to pay for therapy.

I cannot guarantee coverage or a specified amount for reimbursement. Your insurance benefits are an agreement between you and your carrier, and it is your responsibility to confirm coverage prior to starting therapy. A credit card is required to be kept on file to cover any co-pays, fees, or sessions not covered by insurance. 

Cancellations and rescheduled sessions should be received at least 24 hours in advance. This policy is in place because your appointment time is held exclusively for you and I am not able to fill that space once we are within 24 hours of the appointment time. I understand that life happens, though, and have put a policy in place with that in mind. There will be no fee for the first occasion of late cancel/late reschedule/no-show, a 50% of full session rate charged for the second occasion and 100% full session rate charged for the third occasion and beyond. I believe this policy to be fair and reasonable for both of us, and will therefore hold firm to it with no exceptions.

My rate is $130 per session. 

I do reserve a few slots in my practice for a sliding scale fee. If you believe you qualify for this, please reach out to check if I have any slots open at this time. 

No, and for two very important reasons. First, I believe in a healthy work-life balance, and am able to achieve that by limiting my caseload. Additionally, I believe that quality over quantity is key to providing the best therapy experience for my clients. This allows me to reflect on each session and provide deep conceptualizations. This provides time to fully understand each client’s unique needs and tailor my approach accordingly, leading to more effective therapy sessions. With a limited clientele, I can offer a more personalized, in-depth therapy experience.

I chose this name for several reasons! First, I wanted the name to evoke a feeling of hope, happiness, and warmth — something I strive to personify for you as your therapist. I also love the images that come to mind related to our time together in therapy: shining a light on things that perhaps were not clear before, and the concept that brighter days are ahead. 

More concretely, there are so many mental health benefits from sunlight. Have you ever noticed yourself feeling down after several days of gloomy skies, and then reinvigorated when the sun comes out? There have been many studies that have shown that sunlight exposure can improve mood, regulate sleep, reduce stress, and increase energy.

Finally, I was raised in sunny south Florida, so I feel it represents me well!

If you are experiencing an emergency, please dial 911 or visit the nearest emergency room. 

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline : dial or text 988

Domestic Violence Support: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

Substance Abuse Support: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)