Therapy Can Be Transformative—And It’s Not Rocket Science


Therapy is more accessible and effective than ever, with powerful methods for anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief. But the journey does involve deep change and facing inner and past challenges. It can seem confusing to figure out which of the many methods of therapy will help you make progress and truly heal on a deep level. Still, therapy doesn’t have to be such a mystery. See if this helps – this is my illustration of the Three Levels of Healing covered in therapy. It can be good to get those foundational levels (1&2) in place and then do the deep work. But we also go where it’s most needed in each session, based on the goals that are set up in the beginning. Clear goals create effective therapy.

Sessions with me can address immediate concerns, things that you’re struggling with, life challenges that arise. My original training is as a somatic (body-based) therapist so I believe talking isn’t enough. That means we’ll do what’s called experiential work, to look at things from additional angles. I support you with the foundational skill-building, while getting to the root of challenges in a way that addresses healing deeper patterns. Yes, we go deep, but at times it’s fun. Humor is very healing for some of the old stuckness that needs to be updated.

Take Time for Set up and a Good Fit with the Therapist

A good therapeutic fit matters between you and the therapist—you want someone whose philosophy and vibe aligns with you. Their sense of how healing works should make sense to you. Therapy requires commitment: time for sessions, openness to change, and willingness to examine old habits and perspectives. If you’ve tried therapy before and it didn’t quite work, don’t lose hope. The right approach can make all the difference. (Here is more info on making the most of therapy.)

When I worked in medical counseling with cancer patients, I remember Michael Lerner, Director of the Commonweal Center, saying that people often spend more time choosing a car than choosing a doctor. The same applies to therapy—choosing the right therapist is a crucial decision. I always recommend interviewing at least three therapists, asking questions, and discussing any concerns about the process. If I’m not the right fit for someone who’s consulting with me, I’m happy to suggest other useful methods or search strategies, or other therapists if that is relevant. We also check in again periodically to make sure therapy is working well for you.

Making the Most of Therapy:

  • It doesn’t have to last forever. Short-term, solution-focused methods exist.
  • Clear goals lead to better results. The more you define what you want, the more progress you’ll see.
  • You gain tools for life. Therapy ideally helps you learn skills to manage your mental health independently.
  • New methods help clear trauma and limiting beliefs. The last decade has seen progress here. This is my specialty. I use Trauma-Informed Hypnotherapy combined with the anti-derail Stress to Strength tools. You’ll be able to practice these yourself along the way.

Am I the Right Therapist for You?

Hey, I need this support myself, and in the last decade, shifted some long-held, and less than great, patterns. Wouldn’t it be great if everyone had the support they need to be their best self, and thrive in life? That’s my goals as your therapist. I want you to be able to function well and heal what limits you, and then do this on your own, once you master the tools and the learning of therapy.

I work best with clients who are ready to practice new coping tools, even when it feels uncomfortable. True growth requires confronting old patterns – for example, people-pleasing, which is often a trauma-based survival strategy. Therapy helps shift these patterns so you can grow into the life you want. It may be necessary to create more space in your life, stopping comfortable but time-wasting habits, ending draining activities or relationships, and leveling with yourself when you do need change and support.

If you recognize that certain habits or beliefs might keep you stuck, and you’re ready to make meaningful changes to your side of the equation that needs to shift, we’re likely a good fit.

Next Steps

I offer a free brief phone consultation to see if we’re a match. There is no pressure to work with me, and if we’re not a fit, I’ll have ideas for what might be helpful. Schedule your consult here—and thank you for committing to your growth. That kind of work makes the world a better place.

If your therapy needs are met but you’re seeking career clarity and work expansion, explore my coaching services.

Single sessions are available to experience therapy, or for a “tune-up”. The first step for any of my services is to schedule a free, no pressure, phone consult (10-15 minutes) to see if we would be a good fit. The fee for a single session is $195.

Therapy Packages

Stress to Strength: Healthy Coping Skills for Life – 12 SESSION PACKAGE
3 months of weekly therapy to get your Level 1 and Level 2 foundations in place.
60 minute sessions, with homework between sessions
The first 4-6 sessions are every week, and then sessions can be every other week.
Cost of the package when paid up front: $2160 $1980

Free and Clear: Deep Therapy Work to Clear Trauma Impact – 20 SESSION PACKAGE
In the deep work package, you also get your Level 1 and 2 foundations in place, but we use
Trauma Informed Hypnotherapy, Mindfulness, and Somatic Therapies to loosen the hold of old trauma.
These are weekly sessions, with the occasional week break for integration and self-care.
$3600 $3300 paid up front

Note you may not be fully complete at the end of these packages, but you will have learned a lot and shifted to more healthy functioning. We will check in on how things are going as needed. We only proceed with packages when we’re both sure we’re a good fit for the full therapy episode. Be sure you’re ready to commit to completing all of the sessions as there are no refunds once we start. Book a free consult to answer any questions you have.

Book a free consult to see if I can be the best therapist to support you.

Check out a recent blog about breakthroughs of clients, and myself, using healthy coping tools.