Therapy Doesn’t Have to Be a Mystery

If you’ve ever thought, “Do I need therapy?” or “What do I even say in a session?”—you’re not alone. This page breaks down exactly what therapy is, how it works, and what it’s like to work with me.

First Things First – What Therapy Is (and Isn't)

Let’s Clear a Few Things Up

  • Therapy is:

    • A space to be fully yourself without judgment

    • A process to explore what’s holding you back

    • A collaboration between you and your therapist

    • A way to build real tools to help you feel better

  • Therapy is not:

    • A place where someone “fixes” you

    • A clinical interrogation

    • Only for people with severe mental illness

    • Something you have to do perfectly

What Brings People to Therapy?

Most people come to therapy not because everything’s falling apart—but because they want to feel better, gain clarity, or stop repeating the same patterns. Some common reasons people start therapy include:

  • Anxiety, panic, or overthinking

  • Burnout, low motivation, or emotional exhaustion

  • Confusion about identity or life direction

  • Challenges in relationships or boundaries

  • Past trauma that still lingers

  • People-pleasing, perfectionism, or self-doubt

  • Just feeling “off” and wanting to feel like yourself again

You Don’t Need a Crisis to Start

What to Expect in Your First Session

  • We’ll go at your pace, whether you want to dive deep or keep it light. You don’t need a script.

  • We’ll define some goals together—whether that’s feeling more calm, getting unstuck, or learning to like yourself again.

  • You can ask questions and share concerns. A strong therapeutic connection is one of the best predictors of success.

Your First Session = No Pressure, Just Connection

Therapy with Me = Warmth, Humor, and Evidence-Based Tools

“But What If I Don’t Know What to Say?”

Totally normal. Therapy isn’t a test. Some days you’ll have a lot to say. Some days we’ll sit in silence for a bit—and that’s okay. You don’t need to perform. You just need to show up.

The Logistics – What You Need to Know

The Practical Stuff

Format:

  • Sessions are held via a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform

  • Available to residents of Missouri and Illinois

  • Evening appointments available

Fees & Insurance:

  • I accept select insurance plans and offer private pay options

  • Superbills available for out-of-network reimbursement

  • We’ll talk through everything in your consultation so there are no surprises.

You Deserve to Feel Better—and You Don’t Have to Do It Alone.

Starting therapy is a bold, brave step. Whether you're feeling stuck, sad, or simply curious—this is your space to get real, find relief, and move forward.

Just because you’ve dealt with the stressor, that doesn't mean you’ve dealt with the stress itself; you have to deal with the stress, or it will slowly kill you. -Emily Nagoski, Ph.D.