What is somatic psychotherapy?
Somatic psychotherapy integrates body-based inquiry and mindfulness into traditional talk therapy. Much of our subconscious emotional experience manifests as physical tension and holding patterns. “Feelings” are literally physical manifestations of the brain and nervous system’s response to emotional stimuli. Through developing a cognitive understanding of the mind-body connection, we find manageable ways to face challenges and cultivate deeper compassion for ourselves and others in times of distress.
Do you offer in person therapy?
No, my practice is fully online. Telehealth isn’t for everyone, but I’ve found in some situations it can feel safer and more comfortable than an office environment. Telehealth allows clients to do therapy from the place of their choosing without being pressured to go anywhere before or after a session. Telehealth also offers greater flexibility in scheduling.
Do you accept insurance?
I am generally able to accept the following insurance plans:
Aetna
OHP HealthShare/CareOregon
Pacific Source
Regence/Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Oregon
I require all insurance clients to verify that their insurance coverage is compatible for the services they are seeking (behavioral health with a Licensed Professional Counselor in Oregon). Even within these networks, there can be workplace or out of state plans that are not compatible due to nuances of specific plan agreements. Please verify your insurance coverage is compatible.
Do you offer reimbursement statements for out-of-network clients?
Yes, I am willing to create superbills. A superbill is a reimbursement document accepted by some insurance providers. Please contact your insurance provider and ask if they “provide superbill reimbursement for psychotherapy” to see if you could be reimbursed for therapy. Verifying reimbursement is the responsibility of the client. If reimbursement is not possible, the client is responsible for all fees. With this in mind, I recommend verifying reimbursement policies before starting therapy.
Do you offer a sliding scale?
I offer a limited number scale opportunities to low-income clients. Priority is given to clients who are from underrepresented groups and/or clients who do social justice, social service, or non-profit work. I ask folks outside these parameters to truly consider what is accessible for them and would also allow me to provide more equitable services to need-based clients. If you believe you would benefit from a sliding scale and my services would otherwise be inaccessible, please do not hesitate to ask. Proof of income will is required for any clients requesting a sliding scale.
What are your credentials to do psychotherapy?
I have an MA in Counseling Psychology from California Institute of Integral Studies with an emphasis on somatics. I have been doing clinical work since 2018 and have worked in community mental health, hospital settings, and private practice environments. I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Oregon.
What are your credentials for using somatic interventions?
I graduated from one of few nationally accredited somatic counseling programs, so integrating somatic interventions into psychotherapy was a foundational aspect of my training and education. Additionally, I worked full time as a yoga instructor for nearly a decade. As a yoga teacher, I created trauma-informed yoga education for The Driven Yogi and was involved in numerous teacher training and continuing education programs. I also provided trauma-informed yoga for grief workshops with Transforming Grief Counseling.
Can you do therapy with yoga students?
Out of respect for the integrity and confidentiality that is central to the therapeutic relationship, I am not able to work with any of my yoga students as a therapist, but I am happy to provide referrals.
Can your therapy clients come to yoga classes?
Similarly, my therapy clients cannot attend my public yoga classes. I am happy to recommend clients to other instructors for public practice and can assess whether specific workshop or training attendance is appropriate on a case-by-case basis.
What is the difference between therapy and coaching?
As a therapist, I work with complex trauma, anxiety, grief, codependency, and burnout. As a coach, I help clients focus on specific goals and issues showing up in the present moment. Coaching does not include EMDR, trauma processing, and is not appropriate for anyone who is currently in crisis. Coaching is not in-depth psychotherapy or a substitution. Therapy tends to be a long-term process, while coaching can be brief or solutions-focused. Therapy is only available to Oregon residents. Coaching services are available to clients regardless of where they are located.
Do you offer late night, early morning, or weekend sessions?
Simply put, no. I encourage all my clients to create sustainable work/life balance. I hold myself to the same standards and only offer services between 9AM-4PM Monday-Thursday. I do not make exceptions.