Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect in my first session?
Your first session is really just a conversation so I can get to know you. We’ll talk about what’s been going on, what’s felt hard, a bit of your background, and what you’re hoping to get from therapy. You don’t need to prepare or share anything you’re not ready for. We’ll go at a pace that feels comfortable, and if you’re not sure where to start, I’ll ask questions to help.
How long are sessions?
Regular sessions are 53 minutes. If you’re coming as a couple and feel like you’d benefit from more time, extended sessions are available upon request. The rate is adjusted for longer sessions.
Do you offer virtual sessions?
Yes. I can provide telehealth sessions to clients in Utah through a secure video platform.
What are your hours?
I see clients primarily on weekday mornings and afternoons.
What is your cancellation policy?
I ask for 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Late cancellations and no-shows are charged a $100 fee.
How does payment work?
A credit card is kept on file to make payment simple and consistent. Your copay or cash-pay session fee is charged within 48 hours of your appointment. If you ever want to use a different card or payment method, you can update it at any time in your client portal.
I’m in-network with SelectHealth, Aetna, and BlueCross BlueShield. If you have a different insurance plan, I can provide a monthly superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Coverage varies by plan, so it’s a good idea to check directly with your insurance provider about what they offer.
Will you give me a diagnosis?
It depends. Insurance companies require a diagnosis in order to cover therapy, so if you’re using insurance, I do have to give one and we can discuss it together. If you’re paying out of pocket, you don’t need a diagnosis at all. Even when I use one for insurance you’re not defined by the diagnosis and it’s never the main focus of our work. Our work is always about understanding your experiences, not fitting you into a category.
Do you assign homework?
Sometimes I might suggest a journal prompt, something to pay attention to during the week, or a concept to try out in a real-life situation. But you decide what feels right. There’s no pressure or formal assignments unless you want them or it is part of your treatment goals. We make those choices together.
What exactly is sex therapy?
Sex therapy is therapy where we talk openly about intimacy, desire, and any sexual concerns you might have. A lot of people feel nervous to bring this up, especially if they grew up in a religious or conservative environment. That’s completely okay.
We talk about things like mismatched desire, pain during sex, performance anxiety, shame, trauma, communication, boundaries, and feeling disconnected. There’s absolutely no sexual activity in sessions. Ever. Sex therapy is conversation, emotional support, education, and learning new ways to understand yourself and your relationship.
What if my partner is hesitant about couples therapy?
It’s totally normal for one or both partners to feel unsure about therapy. We go slowly and make space for everyone’s perspective and comfort levels. Just showing up to ask questions and get a feel for the process is a significant first step.
My couples therapy process starts with a four-session assessment so we can get a full picture of what’s happening:
first, a session together
then one individual session with each partner
then a fourth session where we come back together to talk about what’s going on and what the path forward could look like
You’re not committing to long-term therapy on day one—you’re just giving yourselves a chance to see what’s possible. It’s a very collaborative process, and you’re both involved in shaping what comes next.
How do you handle religion or spirituality in therapy?
I’m familiar with how religion can shape family life, sexuality, relationships, and personal identity — especially in Utah. I work with clients who are active in their faith, questioning, deconstructing, or navigating religious trauma. Your beliefs and values are always respected, and you set the tone for how much religion plays into our work. My role isn’t to direct your spiritual path. It’s to help you feel grounded, supported, and free to explore what’s true for you.
Do you work with LGBTQ+ clients?
Yes. I welcome LGBTQ+ individuals and couples and create a space where identity, orientation, and relationship structure can be talked about openly and without judgment. I am a participating member of the LGBTQ Affirmative Therapists Guild of Utah.
Do I have to talk about childhood?
Not necessarily. We can focus entirely on what’s going on in your life today. But many of the ways we relate, protect ourselves, or react emotionally were learned early in life, often without us realizing it. Looking at childhood or family patterns can sometimes give us clarity about why certain things feel so hard or familiar now.
We only explore those areas if you choose to, and we go slowly. You get to decide what parts of your past feel important or safe to talk about.
Have more questions I didn’t answer?
Contact me for a free 10-minue phone call.