*Questions & Answers
Thinking about Starting Therapy?
Client-Insurance-verification-form-.pdf
Welcome! Whether this is your first time in counseling or you're seeking a new approach, It's natural to have questions when you begin a new therapeutic journey.
To help you prepare, I've listed several Frequently Asked Questions below.
Just scroll through them and click to open the answer the question(s) you have. If your specific question isn't covered, please feel free to write it down and bring it up during our first session—we want to make sure every important detail is covered.
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Ready to connect? You can easily schedule an appointment or send me a quick question by clicking the "Contact Me" button below or by leaving a message at (816) 600-5580.
Are you Accepting New Clients?
Will Therapy Really Help Me?
While results may vary, therapy offers tools, insights, and support that can lead to lasting positive change.
What Is The First Session Like?
What to Expect in Your First Session
In our first session, we will start building our collaborative relationship and focus on the core issues that brought you to counseling.
We will discuss the questionnaire and other documents you completed before your appointment.
The initial sessions are crucial for establishing a solid foundation for your therapy.
As we progress, we’ll delve into your primary concerns and develop a personalized plan to help you achieve your individual and relational goals.
A Comfortable, Welcoming Space
My counseling room is designed to help you feel at ease. You can choose to sit in a comfortable chair or on the loveseat—whichever makes you feel most relaxed. Many items in my office have been thoughtfully selected for specific purposes, so if anything piques your curiosity, feel free to ask me about it.
What to Expect
It's normal to feel anxious, but rest assured, I can introduce techniques to help calm your nervous system and ensure your comfort. Forget the stereotypes you've seen in movies or on social media—therapy here is a private, safe, and personalized experience built entirely around your needs.
What Do I Have To Do In Sessions?
Every individual arrives at therapy with unique concerns and goals, so I customize my approach to meet your specific needs.
Together, we will cultivate a collaborative relationship focused on understanding the core issues that lead you to seek counseling. In our sessions, we will examine the behaviors and beliefs that may be hindering your progress and develop practical strategies to help you achieve your personal and relational objectives.
I Want To Get The Most Out Of Therapy. What Can I Do To Help?
I’m glad to see your dedication! Your active participation is a key factor in your success. Since we typically meet once a week, the work you do between sessions plays an important role in accelerating your personal growth and development.
What Can I Do If I Can’t Afford Therapy?
I understand that therapy requires a significant financial and personal commitment.
Please know that you are worth this investment. Therapy has the potential to be life-changing for you and your relationships. It’s also important to consider this question: "What is the cost of not working with a therapist?" Life's challenges typically do not improve without effort and support.
That said, I recognize that only you truly understand your financial situation. If you're ready to start but are concerned about costs, please reach out to me. We can discuss your options including:
Exploring reduced fees or connecting you with agencies or organizations that provide subsidies.
Considering group sessions,which can be a more affordable alternative to individual theapy.
How Long Can I Expect To Be in Therapy?
How Long Will Therapy Take?
Every person's journey in therapy is different. The length of your process is influenced by many factors, including your personal history, your goals, and the quality of your support system.
From our very first session, one of our shared objectives will be to work toward completing therapy and celebrating the benefits of the hard work you put in. While there is no fixed timeline, our focus will always be on achieving your goals and helping you sustain your progress.
How Often Will We Meet?
The Timeline
Because every person's journey in therapy is unique, The overall length of your process is influenced by many factors, including your history, your goals, and the quality of your support system.
From our very first session, one of our shared objectives will be to work toward completing therapy and celebrating the benefits of the hard work you put in. While there is no fixed timeline, our focus will always be on achieving your goals and helping you sustain your progress.
My response to this crucial question is a guideline rather than a strict rule. Therapy is an organic process, and we will adjust our schedule based on your progress.
Initially: Weekly Sessions
- I recommend starting with weekly sessions. These early meetings are vital for building rapport, trust, and a solid foundation for your mental health work. It's natural to feel vulnerable during this stage.
As You Progress: Bi-Weekly or Tri-Weekly
- As you become more confident and notice improvements in your ability to manage distress and challenges, we may consider shifting to bi-weekly (every two weeks) or tri-weekly (every three weeks) sessions. These signs of growth reflect your dedication and effort. (Note: If financial changes require a temporary reduction in frequency, please discuss it with me.)
Maintenance: Monthly and Quarterly Check-ins
- Many clients eventually shift to monthly sessions as they feel more stable and consistent in their progress. Toward the end of therapy, we may schedule quarterly "check-in" sessions before concluding with a final session to celebrate your success and the progress you've made.
How Long Are Sessions?
Typically a session is scheduled a clinical hour (50 minutes). Some may be more or less depending on the need. For instance, my Intake (Initial) Session is scheduled for 60-75 minutes.
My Partner And I Are Having Problems. Should We Be In Individual Counseling or Come Together?
Couples Therapy Approach
Policy on Confidentiality & Boundaries
Please keep in mind that maintaining a clear boundary is essential for trust. Switching between individual therapy and couples therapy with the same therapist is generally not recommended due to potential trust issues and ethical conflicts.
If I do meet individually with both partners (which is rare), a strict Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) will be required.
This NDA ensures confidentiality, meaning information shared in one partner’s individual session will never be disclosed to the other partner without explicit written consent.
Starting Couples Sessions
If you have concerns about your relationship and both partners are interested in working with me, we will begin by meeting together. After the initial sessions, we can evaluate whether to continue with couples sessions or explore other options.
What if only one partner wants to continue therapy?
If one partner decides not to continue, I can still work with the other partner individually. We will start with the couples sessions to fully assess the situation, and then determine together whether it’s best to transition to individual sessions for the remaining partner.
I’ve Never Talked to Anyone. I’m Used to Handling Things on My Own. Aren’t People Who Go To Therapy Weak?
Does seeking therapy mean I’m weak?
Absolutely not. Reaching out for therapy shows self-awareness and courage.
Your self-reliance has served you well, but everyone needs support from time to time. It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed when familiar strengths feel out of reach or less effective.
In our work together, I'll help you identify and reclaim those strengths and learn new ways to apply them to navigate your current challenges. Together, we will uncover the skills and resources you already possess and learn how to apply them effectively.
How is Therapy Different from Talking to a Friend or Family member?
Training and Experience
The key difference between talking to a friend or family member than talking with a Therapist lies in training and experience. A mental health professional can offer a new perspective, teach valuable, evidence-based skills, and guide you toward a better understanding of yourself—all while listening without judgment or personal expectations.
Confidentiality and Safety
Another important distinction is confidentiality and safety. In therapy, what you share remains completely private. When you confide in friends or family during a tough time, you might later feel awkward or even avoid them to escape the reminders of that challenging period. Therapy, on the other hand, provides a secure space to process your deepest emotions without the concern of damaging personal relationships.
How is Therapy Different than Using a Chatbot/AI Tool
Ultimately, the value of therapy is in the relationship.
Think of an AI tool as a sophisticated book on mental health; it can give you information and suggest coping mechanisms. Therapy with me, however, is like having a personal guide who not only knows the map but also understands your history, recognizes your current emotional state, and can adapt the journey in real-time. Therapy is a dynamic, collaborative human relationship—a necessary component that no algorithm can fully replicate.
Source Acknowledgement: The phrasing and structure of this text were generated with the assistance of Google Gemini (October 11, 2025)
What's the Difference Between Counseling & Coaching?
Counseling vs. Coaching
Shouldn’t I Just Take Medication?
Psychotropic Medications and Therapy
Psychotropic medications can be effective in treating certain mental health conditions. In some cases, a prescriber may recommend combining medication with therapy. While medication alone might not address all mental health concerns, it can be helpful for managing symptoms and enhancing daily functioning for some individuals.
These medications target specific areas of the brain, often leading to reduced symptoms. Many psychotropic medications are intended for short-term or temporary use rather than serving as a lifelong solution. If you are currently using prescribed psychotropic medication, I fully support your decision.
If you are considering starting medication, I also support the choice you and your prescriber make together.
If you are taking prescribed medication and wish to discontinue it, please consult your prescriber first to establish a safe plan for tapering off. I do not recommend stopping medication abruptly, as this may lead to withdrawal symptoms or other complications.
Do you Prescribe Medication?
Do you prescribe medication?
No, I do not have the authority to prescribe medication in either Missouri or Kansas, as my licensure category does not include prescribing privileges. Consequently, I am not eligible for registration with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
The following professional categories are authorized to prescribe controlled substances, including psychotropic medications (although not all practitioners in these categories choose to register as prescribers):
- Primary Care Physicians, Psychiatrists, Family Medicine Physicians (MD, DO)
- Licensed Psychologists (PhD)
- Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) – limited to certain states, not including Missouri or Kansas
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners (PMHNP)
- Physician Assistants (PA)
If you’re interested in exploring medication, I can coordinate care with your prescriber or help you find a qualified professional.
What Do The Letters After Your Name Mean?
These credentials reflect both my education and the professional standards I meet to provide counseling services in Missouri and Kansas.
- MA (Master of Arts): This is my highest educational degree, which I obtained in graduate school.
- LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor): This is my professional license title in the State of Missouri.
- LCPC (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor): This is my professional license title in the State of Kansas. Obtaining this license requires passing the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).