FAQ
Where is your office located?
It is near the Tampa Outlet Mall off Wesley Chapel Boulevard. The address is:
25200 Sawyer Francis Lane, #112
Lutz, FL 33559
The phone number is (813) 710-4307.
How long are sessions?
Standard therapy sessions are 50 minutes long. The remaining 10 minutes allow for completing notes, processing payment, and necessary bathroom/coffee breaks. MMM Coaching and RTT are priced in packages.
Do you take insurance?
Yes, I accept most Cigna plans.
Self-pay. A self-pay option is for those who choose to avoid insurance limitations and diagnoses. I can provide you with a superbill if needed for FSA or other similar accounts. Additional reasons for choosing self-pay. First, insurance companies are complicated and do not honor the therapist or the client. Second, they require the therapist to label the client, which can be unethical and harmful. Insurance companies tend to focus on spending and reimbursement, at the expense of quality care. If desired, I can provide you with a superbill for FSA or similar accounts.
My commitment. My obligation to every client is to provide engaging and transformative care, growth, and healing.
How do I set up an initial appointment?
First, call me so we can chat to see if we are a good fit. Second, we agree to work together and schedule your first appointment. (813) 710-4307
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations require a 24-hour notice, which permits other clients to fill your spot. Clients who cancel within 24 hours of your appointment time are responsible for the full session fee.
Where do I park?
Anywhere. There is parking on three sides of the building, and the fourth side is grass.
What is your professional training and experience?
My counseling style is strengths-based and person-centered. Interventions are 100% unique to individual needs to support long-term results. Each client receives a personalized plan. Key modalities include Person-Centered Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT), and Mind Movie Method Coaching (MMMC).
I have an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, an M.A. in Theology, and an M.Ed. in Parent and Family Education. I have also achieved certification as an ACPE-certified Educator/Supervisor, Spiritual Director/Supervisor, Rapid Transformational Therapy (RRT), and Mind Movie Method Coaching (MMMC).
I have additional training and experience with Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Sacred Art of Living & Dying, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Crisis Incident Stress Management (CISM), Mind-Body Skills, Grief & Loss Counseling, Psychological First Aid (PFA) Adjunct, and Spiritual Deepening.
What is anxiety?
Anxiety is that tight, restless feeling you get when your brain thinks something bad might happen – even if you’re not sure what or why. It can show up as racing thoughts, a pounding heart, trouble sleeping, or a constant sense that something’s off. Anxiety can show in procrastination or avoidance, feeling not good enough, or feeling different.
Everyone feels it sometimes. But when it sticks around or starts messing with your day, it’s a sign your mind’s on high alert, even when there’s no real danger. It’s your body’s way of protecting you, but sometimes it goes overboard.
What is trauma?
Trauma happens when something overwhelming or scary sticks with you, even long after it’s over. It’s like your brain and body hit the panic button and never fully turned it off. You might feel jumpy, shut down, sick to your stomach, triggered by things that remind you of what happened, or numb and disconnected. Despite real suffering, you push your struggles away and are always ready.
Trauma comes in small “t’s” and big “T’s.” It doesn’t have to be a significant, dramatic event; sometimes, it’s a buildup of more minor hurts that never heal. Trauma leaves a mark, but the good news is that healing is possible.
What is relationship stress?
Couples stress happens when your relationship starts feeling more draining than supportive. You might be walking on eggshells, having the same arguments on repeat, or feeling more like roommates than partners. Even small things can turn into big blowups or, worse, silence. You love each other, but things feel off, and you’re unsure how to fix it.
Underneath it all, there’s often hurt, frustration, and a deep desire to feel close again. The stress builds when you try to hold it all together without the tools to connect. Communication, connection, and parenting are key issues because of conflicting expectations. But the truth is: you can get back to each other with the right help.
What age ranges do you work with?
Adult women, men, and couples. I also work with youth on sport and academic performance through MMMC.
What’s your philosophy when it comes to healing and growth?
We all have an inner motivation toward connection and wholeness. We come to adulthood with patterns developed to protect us, but now they get in the way. And we are often unaware, struggle to see what’s really going on. Some issues require an effective therapist to help. Hurt happens in relationship, and therefore, it heals in relationship.
What do you do in sessions with clients?
We work to fix what needs fixing. With trust and honesty we look at what’s happening. Together, we take a long, loving look and notice what comes up.
With greater understanding and acceptance we begin the core of therapy. A typical session explores how you are applying your learning, shifts in mindset, and creating better patterns. Then, healing happens and life becomes brighter.
Are intense issues emotionally overwhelming?
They can be. I will teach you techniques to navigate intense emotions. Creating space for intense emotion permits healing and then integration of the hidden or hurt parts of ourselves. The goal is to be a whole person who experiences the full range of emotions with balance and grace.
What’s the difference between couples counseling and individual therapy?
With couples, the focus is on the relational space and dynamics between two people. Individual therapy explores your sense of yourself and your interactions with the world. Sometimes, couples also use individual therapy and then come together again as a couple.
How long does therapy take?
Traditional Therapy. It depends. Some clients hang around for only three to six months to address a particular issue. Some clients stay awhile. Clients who stay awhile often have either a single traumatic experience or repeated trauma, which can have a long reach.
RTT & MMMC. RTT uses the best of advanced hypnotherapy, neuroscience, and emotional rewiring to release subconscious blocks. RTT can help bad habits, results in sports, success in business, performing arts, motivation, focus, etc. RTT offers relief in just 2-3 sessions. MMMC supports personal success through a step by step coaching process that culminates in a personalized 3-minute movie that is aptly described as “a vision board on steroids”.
How do I get the most out of each session?
Be real and honest. Take a long, loving look at what is going on. Then, apply what you are learning about yourself to your life.
Is there homework?
Absolutely. Most often, your homework is to pay attention to how and who you are becoming. Focused reading or audiobooks can be invaluable. Developing a reflective practice that serves you helps create the life you want.
How do you remain neutral as the therapist?
I firmly believe that a good therapist has done and continues to do their work. I use regular reflection, journaling, meditation, retreats, and professional consultation. This is critical to sound therapy.
Do you work with LGBTQ+ couples?
Of course.
Do you laugh in session?
Absolutely. I bring my whole self to your therapy session. I share in sadness and joy.
What makes you an interesting person?
In my early 20s, I won a hula hoop contest. I love dog training and am a skilled seamstress. How about you?
What do you love most about being a therapist?
I am good at helping people see clearly and live better lives. I love watching my clients do the work and then experience freedom, happiness, transformation. Also, I have been fortunate to have had my own helpers and want to pay it forward.