FAQ

A: At Walking On Sunshine, therapy sessions are designed to be supportive, educational, and adaptive to your evolving needs. The approach is dialectical, meaning it balances acceptance and change, creating a collaborative space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings deeply. Sessions may include moments of humor—because sometimes lightness helps—and periods of silence for reflection and processing. This flexible, compassionate style ensures therapy is personalized to foster growth, insight, and emotional well-being over time.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy is a treatment modality that was created by Marsha Linehan to help people who have been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. In my practice, I use DBT skills with everyone, as I have found the skills to be very helpful. It is broken into 4 different modalities: • Mindfulness: how can we present? • One of my favorite skills in this module is the "Effectively" skill-I use this by asking myself "Am I making an effective decision?" • Interpersonal Relationships: how can I work on my relationships, get my needs met and validate others? • I use DEAR MAN (DBT uses a lot of acronyms) a lot, but the skill within this that feels powerful, is M which stands for Be Mindful. It's a beautiful skill to use. • Emotional Regulation: how can I manage my emotions in an effective way? • My favorite here is "Check the Facts". I use it as nauseum and I think some of my clients roll their eyes when I use it now. • Distress Tolerance: how can I calm myself down in super intense moments? • I have two favorites here. The first is Progressive Muscle Relaxation, I first learned about it in graduate school and was so bummed that it wasn't a skill I learned earlier in life. • The second is Radical Acceptance, as learning how to accept life as it is versus what it should be, can bring a lot of calmness into our lives.

A: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach developed by Francine Shapiro. It helps individuals process and transform negative beliefs they hold about themselves into positive, empowering ones through guided eye movements. This technique facilitates the brain’s natural healing process by targeting distressing memories and emotions. A notable origin of EMDR occurred when Francine Shapiro noticed that tapping her hand on her legs while walking through a park helped alleviate her own distressing thoughts. I integrate EMDR into our treatment programs to support clients in overcoming emotional challenges, fostering mental well-being, and promoting lasting positive change. I tailor EMDR sessions to each client’s unique needs, ensuring a professional and compassionate environment for healing.

A: I utilize the Gottman Method developed by married psychologists John and Julie Gottman, renowned for their extensive work in helping couples improve connection and intimacy. Couples therapy begins with a joint session where both partners are present to establish a shared understanding of the relationship dynamics. The second and third sessions are conducted individually with each partner to explore personal perspectives and emotional experiences in a confidential setting. Following these individual sessions, the fourth session brings both partners back together to integrate insights and foster deeper communication. This structured approach ensures that couples receive tailored support aimed at strengthening their bond, resolving conflicts, and enhancing emotional intimacy.

A: I am excited to support your journey with personalized sessions designed to fit your needs. I offer a complimentary 15-minute consultation for all prospective clients, allowing you to get to know me and discuss how we can best assist you before committing to a full session. Our initial session lasts 80 minutes and is priced at $290.00, providing an in-depth experience tailored to you. For ongoing support, I offer 50-minute sessions at $185.00 each. To make payment convenient, we accept cash, credit cards, debit cards, and HSA cards.

A: To schedule an appointment with Walking On Sunshine, you can contact me directly through the contact form on our website, by email, or by phone. I understand that our clients have varying schedules, so I offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate your needs and ensure a convenient experience. Please reach out with your preferred dates and times, and I will work with you to find the best appointment slot.

A: I am considered an out-of-network provider and do not participate in in-network insurance plans. While I do not bill insurance companies directly, many clients are able to submit their receipts for out-of-network reimbursement.

A: Yes, I provide online therapy sessions for clients who prefer the convenience and comfort of receiving therapy from their own home. These sessions are conducted via a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform to ensure your privacy and confidentiality throughout the therapeutic process. This option allows clients to engage in professional mental health support without the need to visit our physical location, maintaining the same high standard of care as in-person appointments.