Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is therapy online just as effective as therapy in person?
A: This tends to be a matter of personal preference, and I’ve found that some do better online whereas others have a better experience in-person. Some of the advantages of meeting online are that it is convenient and can offer some of the comforts of home without requiring any travel. It works well for those that have a strong internet connection, who are comfortable navigating technology and have reliable equipment (preferably a computer or laptop), as well as a private and secure space at home. One of my favorite parts of doing online therapy is that my clients can have their pets with them, which can be a huge support. Some situations where I may recommend in-person therapy are when someone is often actively suicidal, in an unsafe home environment, or experiencing severe eating disorder symptoms. I also suggest in person therapy if meeting online or being on camera is triggering.
Q: Can you really do EMDR on the computer?
A: Yes! Before the Covid pandemic, it was uncommon to do EMDR online. During that time, EMDR therapists got creative in order to continue providing therapy during quarantine, and a variety of tools have been developed as a result. I have a number of options for “bilateral stimulation” used for EMDR reprocessing during online sessions that we choose from based on your technology set up and preferences. This may include secondary apps, auditory tones, self-tapping, or personal tactile “tappers” that can be separately purchased. After practicing EMDR exclusively online since 2020, I have found that EMDR is just as effective online as it is in person.
Q: Is EMDR effective?
A: EMDR is an evidence based treatment for PTSD with a large base of research that supports its effectiveness. Though most of the research on EMDR has focused on the treatment of PTSD, there is a growing evidence base for its effectiveness for treating a wide range of mental health disorders and issues. For more details on the research base, click here.
Q: What does it mean if you are “Certified” in EMDR? What is an “Approved Consultant”?
A: Being EMDR Certified indicates that a therapist has a high level of proficiency with EMDR compared to therapists that may have only completed the basic training requirements. To become Certified in EMDR, a therapist has to complete the Basic EMDR training, 20 hours of consultation, provide EMDR therapy to at least 25 clients for at least 50 hours, and attend 12 hours of approved training, and have several letters of recommendation from other EMDR therapists. An EMDRIA Approved Consultant has become certified, and has been practicing EMDR for at least 3 years for a minimum of 300 sessions with at least 75 clients. Consultants have also completed 20 hours of consultation of the consultation they provide to other EMDR therapists and received recommendations from highly experienced EMDR therapists that can vouch for their skills and abilities.
Q: I’ve been in and out of therapy over the years. How is this different?
A: Most of my clients have come to me after having been in and out of therapy. Some feel that they reached the end of the road with what traditional talk therapy had to offer and want to try a new approach. Trauma therapy interventions like EMDR work by changing the way we store memories in our brains and nervous system so that we can create new ways of responding to the things that normally trigger anxiety, emotional dysregulation, or problematic behaviors. Rather than continuing to talk about the problem or learn different coping mechanisms, this intervention leads to a change in the way you experience memories and triggers so that they no longer bother you in the same way they used to.
Q: Which states are you licensed to practice in?
A: I’m currently licensed to practice in Arizona, Oregon and Massachusetts and I’m in the process of adding other states as well. When the National Social Work Compact goes into effect, I intend to apply for the multi-state license that will be available. At this time, I can only see clients physically located in either of these states at the time of service due to licensing restrictions.
Q: Do you accept my insurance?
A: I am out of network with most insurance plans, but am in network with some Aetna plans in Arizona through the Alma network. If I am out of network with your insurance, I can provide you with a “superbill” to submit to your insurance company for out of network coverage.
Q: How much does a session cost?
A: A standard session is $200 per hour, and sessions are typically scheduled on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. I accept FSA and HSA insurance cards for payment.
Q: Do I have to have my camera on during therapy sessions?
A: Yes, it is important that I can see you for a variety of reasons. However, in certain circumstances where I am very familiar with a client, I have conducted sessions without a camera or over the telephone. For those that are uncomfortable seeing themselves on camera, there is an option in Zoom to hide the view of yourself during the session.