What to Expect
FAQ
Consult and first session:
During our initial consultation, I’ll invite you to share what brings you to therapy. As we talk, we’ll explore whether we’re a good fit to work together. If your concerns fall outside my areas of expertise, I’ll gladly help connect you with a trusted professional who can best support your needs. At the end of our first full counseling session, I will check in again to ensure that continuing our work together feels right for you.
Individual Counseling
Each counseling session lasts 50 minutes and begins with understanding your emotional, physical, and mental well-being. The path we take will be guided by your goals and the concerns that bring you to therapy. My approach is collaborative, focusing on utilizing your strengths to find meaningful solutions to the challenges you’re facing.
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What theories or types of therapy do you use?
As a strengths-based counselor, I believe in helping you recognize and harness the strengths you already possess to overcome challenges. My core approach is Motivational Interviewing, which focuses on identifying your personal motivation and guiding you toward meaningful change. Within this framework, I integrate techniques from CBT, DBT, and Reality Therapy to tailor our work to your unique needs. Together, we will find the approach that works best for you.
How long will I be in therapy?
The length of therapy will be guided by your goals and the concerns that bring you in. I believe therapy should last only as long as it is needed—whether that means a few sessions or several months. This, like every step of the process, will be a collaborative decision based on what feels right for you.
Will what we discuss be confidential?
Trust is the foundation of the counseling relationship, and I deeply respect the confidentiality of our work together. I adhere to the ethical guidelines of the American Counseling Association, ensuring that what you share remains private. Your information will never be disclosed without your written consent, except in cases where I am legally required to report: if there is a risk of harm to yourself or others, or if there is suspected abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult, as mandated by Idaho state law.
DBT
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a practical approach that helps people manage intense emotions, build healthier relationships, and develop better coping skills. Originally designed for borderline personality disorder, DBT is now widely used for challenges like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. It blends two key ideas—accepting where you are while also making positive changes. DBT focuses on four main skills: mindfulness (staying present), distress tolerance (handling tough situations without making them worse), emotion regulation (managing strong feelings), and interpersonal effectiveness (communicating clearly and setting boundaries). The goal is to help you find balance, feel more in control, and create a more fulfilling life.
CBT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a practical, goal-focused approach that helps people recognize and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. It’s based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and actions are all connected—so by shifting the way we think, we can improve how we feel and respond to challenges. CBT is often a short-term therapy that provides useful tools for managing anxiety, depression, PTSD, and stress. Some key techniques include challenging negative thoughts, engaging in positive activities, and gradually facing fears in a supportive way. The goal is to build self-awareness, develop coping skills, and create lasting, positive changes in your life.
Reality Therapy
Reality Therapy is a cognitive-behavioral approach focused on helping individuals take responsibility for their choices and develop more effective ways to fulfill their needs. Rooted in Choice Theory, it emphasizes that behavior is driven by five basic needs: survival, love and belonging, power, freedom, and fun. Instead of dwelling on past issues, Reality Therapy focuses on present actions and solutions, encouraging individuals to assess whether their behaviors are helping them achieve meaningful goals. Therapists use a nonjudgmental, supportive approach to help clients evaluate their choices and develop better ways to meet their needs while maintaining healthy relationships. The therapy promotes accountability, self-direction, and problem-solving to enhance overall well-being.
