01 — Does therapy always work?

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Therapist, I am a part of a collective of healing arts practitioners. Healing arts include a number of disciplines that address concerns in the mind, body, and spirit entities; they are “creative practices that promote healing, wellness, coping and personal change”. This means that psychotherapy (one of my chosen healing arts to provide) is one approach of many when it comes to wellness. The success of the therapeutic journey is measured by many markers, and only you and your supports can determine those.

If we chose to enter into a therapeutic relationship, it is important to share your concerns in a serious, sincere, and open manner. Only if you are completely honest and open can you expect to receive the best support and guidance.

02 — Is therapy affordable? Do you accept insurance?

Investing in your wellness and wholeness is invaluable: there’s no price-tag for peace. Everyone deserves access to therapy. Sessions with me range from $125/hour - $150/hour. However, most therapists offer “sliding scales”, meaning we work with individual’s budgets on a case-by-case basis (contact OpenPath Collective or a therapist you are interested in working with directly as sliding-scale slots fill quickly).

I currently only accept private-pay — I will collect payment in full from you at the time of service via the online client portal where you can securely enter your debit/credit/HSA/FSA card information. There is an additional $10 Special Processing/Handling fee for any returned payments due to insufficient funds — please ensure you have the correct card on file before your sessions as I cannot verify this ahead of time.

You also have the option of working with me as an OON (out-of-network) provider; you can submit a Super Bill to your insurance company for reimbursement of services. You are responsible for contacting your insurance to verify this benefit before inquiring services with me. A Super Bill will include a diagnosis/clinical impression and the number of paid sessions completed for the each month. Here is an Out-Of-Network Reference Guide and Worksheet to help with that process.

03 — Can’t I just talk to my friends or pray about it?

You're quite right. If you have a wise and understanding friend who is willing to listen to your problems, you may not need professional help at all. And faith or a spiritual practice can be a great tool that helps empower and encourage your wellness. But often that's not enough. You may need a professionally trained person to help you uncover what's really bothering you. Your friend probably does not have the skills to do this and sometimes a therapist can be the answer to your prayer …

04 — How do I know I’ll like my therapist?

It’s so important that there is a “fit” between you and your therapist — they journey to wellness with you through discussions about vulnerable and important moments in your life. That is why I offer a free 15-minute consultation via video chat to explore your needs, my services, and if we can form a helpful therapeutic relationship. Do I seem like someone you can trust? We are establishing a relationship that will become the foundation for working together. You will begin to figure out some goals; I will begin to figure out how to help you get there. But don’t worry — if we’re not a good fit, that’s ok! There are plenty of directories (like my growing list of DMV Therapist Referrals, Psychology Today, Therapy for Black Girls, and Clinicians of Color) with other therapist available to you.

05 — What can I expect from therapy?

Once you have made a decision to see a therapist, you still might be apprehensive about the process. Many people feel nervous before their first appointment. Therapy is a shared journey; a shared process. And, although you and I will travel together, it is ultimately your journey and you will make your own decisions. I do not have answers to all your concerns, but I do have the ability to listen carefully and will ask thoughtful questions. Your answers to these questions will help shape the direction of our work. You can expect to be respected and supported. You can expect that I will offer insight, tools, resources, and suggestions from time to time but I will not tell you what to do.

06 — How long does therapy last?

Appointments are 45-60 minutes. This is the standard length of a counseling session. In regards to the frequency of sessions, to begin, we will meet once a week or biweekly. Once some or all of your goals are met, meeting less often will make sense.

07 — Can we meet virtually?

Yes! Soul Empowered Wellness is currently a 100% virtual practice — I am conducting all sessions online using a secure video system.

08 — What’s your cancellation policy?

I require 48 hours notice of cancellation or you will be charged a cancellation fee (the fee of your session; this is not covered by/billed to insurance). An occasional exception may be made in the case of an emergency — feel free to call or email me ASAP if this is the case. It’s important that we meet consistently in order to make progress.

09 — What theoretical approach do you use?

My approach is eclectic, including mindfulness, psychoanalytic, and  techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Motivational Interviewing. I strive to provide a warm, compassionate, and authentic space to assist you in your healing.

10 — Do you prescribe medication or conduct evaluations? Is there anyone you don’t work with?

No, I am not a medical doctor. Many individuals find that medication is helpful, but many of them also progress well in therapy without medication. If you want to be evaluated for psychiatric medication, either contact your primary care physician or a psychiatrist. If you are already taking medication, I can coordinate care with your doctor.

I do not conduct educational or psychological testing. I do not conduct child custody evaluations nor do I  provide custody recommendations. I also don’t provide treatment for eating disorders, psychotic disorders (schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, etc), or personality disorders.

Due to state licensing laws, I can only provide therapy and counseling to individuals residing in Virginia.