FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where are you located?
My office is at 135 W. Main Street, Suite G, Aspen, CO 81611
I am on the corner of Main and 1st Street. Please park on 1st Street and come in the side entrance of the light gray Victorian building. I am downstairs in Suite G.
What are your hours?
My office hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m; Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
How long is a typical session?
A session generally lasts one hour unless you have a special request for a longer visit.
How do we get started?
Call me at (970) 376-4163 or e-mail me, and I will personally contact you to schedule a date/time for our visit.
What is the cost of a session?
My hourly rate is $185.
How do I pay?
You can pay by cash, MasterCard, Visa, PayPal, HSA, or check.
Do you accept insurance?
I am an out-of-network provider. I will gladly give you a form to file with your insurance company. It is a good idea to check with your insurance and find out your out-of-network coverage.
Do you have a cancellation policy?
I have a 24-hour cancellation policy. A no-show or cancellation less than 24 hours will be charged and will go to charity.
Who can be your clients?
I work with children ages 10 and up, adolescents, adults and couples. I am not gender- or culturally
specific.
What can I expect in the first session?
The initial consultation consists of gathering background information regarding family and your development. I like to get history which helps me gain a better understanding of you, so we can develop a solid therapeutic relationship and set goals.
How long will I be in therapy?
Your length of therapy consists of what you want to accomplish and specific changes you would like to make. Therapy can last from a few sessions to months.
How do you work with clients?
The therapeutic relationship is one where strict confidence is maintained, and you may encounter some grieving and healing. There is no judgment or criticism, only unconditional positive caring and acceptance.
It is most helpful to share as much as you can with me, as I can better gain an understanding of you and facilitate your growth to optimal health and wellness.
When you are willing to do the work, often done outside of the office with my assistance, you will benefit from the shifts that take place within you.
I take a very eclectic approach in working with you, depending what your needs are, and we review various modalities and options for you. I offer a variety of tools and adjunct treatments, and thoroughly explain them prior to our work together.
I take notes, especially in the initial session. I follow up with notes after our subsequent sessions.
Is there anyone you won’t see?
There are very few situations where I may not feel I am the best fit for the client.
When this occurs, I discuss other options. I am comfortable referring to therapists who specialize in the area that may be more beneficial for the client.
What can a therapist do?
A therapist is professionally trained in various modalities to assist the client in making positive changes with him/herself to be the best he/she can be and to achieve a greater self-love and acceptance.
While one may be apprehensive of going into therapy and feels it is a risk, it’s important to know that one cannot grow without taking risks. I encourage a potential client to try it at least once and find out how you and your therapist can work together for positive change to occur.
Do you offer video or phone sessions?
I offer telephonic and face-time sessions.
What kind of groups do you have in your practice?
I generally have a six-week closed women’s group called Women in Transition, where we discuss the challenges and positives of changes we go through in our lives. It is full of support and wisdom as the group members participate in sharing and learning.
What else can I try to help myself?
Once I begin the therapeutic process with a client, I do recommend some in-between reading and often some writing exercises. This is an ongoing process, as I mentioned. The work is also done outside of the office.
How do I know if you are the right therapist for me?
Reading my information on my Website will give you an overall indication of the types of therapy I practice. You will most likely get a feel if this would be a good fit. If you decide to come in for an initial visit, we can discuss if you feel it is a right fit for you. In the event it is not, I can refer you to other therapists to read about and contact.
What is coaching?
My Life Enhancement Coaching is described on my Website. I use the BrainStyles System to help you understand your core strengths and gifts to excel in your personal and professional life.
Are you a Christian counselor?
I am more of a spiritual counselor as I tend to work with the client in mind, body, spirit and emotions to discover the whole and balanced you.
How is couples’ counseling different?
There is confidentiality in couples counseling.
Couples fight fairly in sessions with objectivity on the counselor’s behalf. I will interject and engage with each individual to make sure they are being heard and understood.
How long have you been in practice?
I have been in private practice since 1990.
What are your strengths as a therapist?
I consider my strengths to be a good listener, objective, yet results-driven and solution-oriented. I focus on personal and professional growth, transformation and healing. We often are afraid to embrace change, and change is inevitable. My strength is to assist you with embracing change for a better tomorrow.
What do you enjoy about being a therapist?
I am passionate about facilitating change and growth in individuals. I see so much of this. It is extremely gratifying to see where one begins and how they begin to shift from the inside out, something many have never done.
What is your educational background?
I studied education in college and became a teacher, then entered the field of counseling psychology for my master’s degree. After I completed my supervision hours, I continued to post-graduate school to become licensed as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. After completing my Doctorate degree in Educational Administration, I directed a counseling center and realized the clinical work was my passion. I then opened a private practice.
I am licensed in Florida and Colorado.
What is the best way to get in touch with you?
The best way to connect with me is by calling me and leaving a message with your contact information. You can also e-mail.
Do you prescribe medications?
I am not licensed to prescribe medications and refer to a medical doctor for this.
Is your office comfortable?
My office is equipped with a comfortable love seat and chairs. I also have a massage table for hypnotherapy and guided imagery sessions. I use a lavender eye pillow and spa music for enhanced relaxation.
Am I allowed to ask personal questions?
I am happy to use self-disclosure when appropriate. I am told I am easy to talk with and am kind and compassionate. I can be tough and do confront when necessary to facilitate growth and change.