Where is your office located?↓

My office is in Woodhaven Office Park off of Peters Creek Road:

5450 Peters Creek Road, Suite 213, Roanoke, VA, 24019,United States

You will use the main entrance of the building. Go up the stairs to second floor and Seek Anchor is the suite on the left, #213. You will see a sign on the door. Feel free to come in to the waiting area.

How do I start working with you?↓

Start with going to the CONNECT tab at the top of the page and filling out a NEW CLIENT WAITLIST FORM. I will email you directly after recieving this request.

Therapy is an investment of time, money and energy. It’s important that you find someone you work well with. During the first appointment, I will listen to the reasons you are seeking therapy and what you want to get out of it. And you will get a chance to know my style. If it’s a good fit, we will decide together how to continue working. If not, no worries! I will help connect you to someone who might be. Getting help with the right person is the most important thing.

What population do you work with?↓

I see Adults 18-65+. Any identifying gender.

If you are looking for therapy for a younger child or teenager, I’d be happy to refer you to someone who is well qualified.

How long are sessions?↓

I have two options: 45 min or 1 hour. Most feel the 45 min is the right amount for them but that 15 min can make all the difference for some. We can figure this out together.

What are your rates? And do you take insurance?↓

Private Pay:
45 min session is 125.00
60 min session is 150.00
75 min session is 185.00

I am considered an out-of-network provider. I am happy to provide a SuperBill each month if we have discussed an appropriate diagnosis for you to collect possible reimbursement benefits. Please contact your provider to verify how your plan compensates you for psychotherapy services by asking "what are my out of network mental health benefits".

Payments will be collected day of appointment. Credit card, Health Savings Account, or Flexible Spending card can be kept on file for ease.

What can I expect in the first session?↓

In your first session, you will have an opportunity to ask any questions you may have. Then, I will ask you some questions to get to know you better. Feeling a bit nervous is completely normal at your first session. Most clients tell me they find the time goes by very quickly. It’s normal for many clients to feel more comfortable after a few sessions.

What is the deal with the paperwork?↓

Paperwork is brief but neccissary. When we schedule your first appointment, you will be sent a link to your secure online client portal that allows you to fill out everything online.

Do you have evening appointments?↓

Yes, I do have some evening availability. I will do my best to accommodate your scheduling needs, but those slots are limited.

How long will I have to be in therapy?↓

You have great potential inside to heal and, if used effectively, you should see some changes happen quickly!

You may come in with specific goals and we will work together to achieve those goals at a pace you feel comfortable with. Or, you may feel more vague and want to achieve your goal of feeling better over time. I will give you feedback on where I think you are in the process. My hope for you is to be able to use all the skills you have learned and feel confident to live life on your terms.

Everyone is on their own journey. Some clients come to me for help on a specific problem and graduate after only a few sessions. Others stay with me longer as we work on deeper and deeper issues.Some people feel better in just a few sessions and others need several months to feel significant changes. This all depends on your personal circumstances, your goals and how you respond to therapy.

An average stay is usually around a year or so. And you are welcomed back with open arms anytime something new may arise in your life!

Like with most things, you get out with you put in. The more committed to the work, the quicker you will see results that are lasting and sustainable.

How do I know which type of therapy I need?↓

There are so many types of therapies and therapists; it might feel a little overwhelming to get started. Just remember that no one type of therapy is best, any more than any style of car is best. It all depends on your individual preferences and needs.

It is true that certain techniques are more useful than others in dealing with specific types of problems (phobias, for example). But in general, research about the "best" type of therapy always reaches the same conclusion: the philosophy behind the therapy is much less important than the relationship between you and your therapist.

How often do I need to come to therapy?↓

Typically, clients start out by coming to therapy once per week… then may gradually reduce the frequency of sessions after discussing progress, symptoms, and remaining goals with the therapist.

Many people enjoy coming to therapy and may wish to continue the process for months or years. Others come with a more specific issue and may feel that a shorter time is appropriate.

I always want my clients to feel comfortable talking about how therapy is progressing!

I do ask that new clients attend weekly for the first 4-6 weeks. This allows for our working relationship to grow and momentum to be built. Too long of a gap between sessions might feel like you’re at the beginning again. When the time is right, we will adjust your sessions to bi-weekly or an as-needed basis.

What will we do in session?↓

I will mainly listen and ask questions that spark thoughts to help you feel and understand your emotions. I take some notes to help me remember certain bits of information. We will talk, laugh sometimes, explore and practice moving through emotion rather than avoid it. I will support you, challenge you when you are ready, and celebrate with you when you feel better. Sessions are not always light and easy, but the relief you get will be worth the work you do.

Do I have to lie on a couch?↓

Sure, if you’d like! I have a couch, chair or floor that are all up for grabs during sessions. You can even take your shoes off. Adjust the pillows. Comfort is important.

Does therapy work even without a mental health diagnosis? ↓

You don’t have to be diagnosed with a mental health problem to benefit from therapy. Many people in therapy seek help for everyday concerns: relationship problems, job stress, or self-doubt, for example. Others turn to therapy during difficult times, such as a divorce or starting college.

There is no limit to things that can be discussed. Topics that are common include: anxiety, stress, academics, self esteem, confidence, time management, cultural or relationship challenges, depression, anger, grief, or simply distractions that affect daily life.

Can I just take medication?↓

The thought of being able to solve your problems with taking a pill each day can sound appealing. If only it was that easy! Mental and emotional problems have multiple causes, and medication is not a one-stop cure.

Medication may help ease certain symptoms, but it can not change life's side effects. Furthermore, it cannot solve the “big picture” problems. Medication won’t fix your relationships, help you figure out what to do with your life, or give you insight into why you continue to do things you know are bad for you.

Therapy can be time-consuming and challenging, as uncomfortable emotions and thoughts often arise as part of the treatment process. However, therapy provides long-lasting benefits that go beyond symptom relief. Therapy gives you the tools for transforming your life—for relating better to others, building the life you want for yourself, and coping with whatever curveballs come your way

What can I expect from therapy?↓

-Expect a good fit between you and your therapist. Don't settle for a bad fit. You may need to see one or more therapists until you experience feeling understood and accepted.

-Therapy is a partnership. Both you and your therapist contribute to the healing process. You're not expected to do the work of recovery all by yourself, but your therapist can’t do it for you either. Therapy should feel like a collaboration.

-Therapy will not always feel pleasant. Painful memories, frustrations or feelings might surface. This is a normal part of therapy and your therapist will guide you through this process. Be sure to communicate with your therapist about how you are feeling.

-Therapy should be a safe place. While there will be times when you’ll feel challenged or when you’re facing unpleasant feelings, you should always feel safe. If you’re starting to feel overwhelmed or you’re dreading your therapy sessions, talk to your therapist.

Myths about Therapy↓

I don't need a therapist. I'm smart enough to solve my own problems:
We all have our blind spots. Intelligence has nothing to do with it. A good therapist doesn’t tell you what to do or how to live your life. He or she will give you an experienced outside perspective and help you gain insight into yourself so you can make better choices.

Therapy is for crazy people:
Therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and want to learn tools and techniques to become more self-confident and emotionally balanced.

All therapists want to talk about is my parents:
While exploring family relationships can sometimes clarify thoughts and behaviors later in life, that is not the sole focus of therapy. The primary focus is what you need to change unhealthy patterns and symptoms in your life. Therapy is not about blaming your parents or dwelling on the past.

Therapy is self-indulgent. It’s for whiners and complainers:
Therapy is hard work. Complaining won’t get you very far. Improvement in therapy comes from taking a hard look at yourself and your life, and taking responsibility for your own actions. Your therapist will help you, but ultimately you’re the one who must do the work.

Why am I hesitant to make an appointment?↓

We are creatures of habit. That makes all changes and transitions difficult. Plus, we have an evolutionary fear of the unknown and unfamiliar. I hope my website can answer many of the “unknowns” for you. But if you still have concerns or fears, just use the contact page to write me, and we can keep exploring it together.

Therapy also has gotten a bad rap. Good ol’ Freud has everyone still thinking we lay on the couch talking about our mommy-issues. May I confidently reassure you that therapy has evolved!

It is for everyone and anyone wanting to understand themselves better and get relief from any overwhelming emotion. In my experience, it’s not “screwed up” people that come to see me. Just the opposite really: it is the brave ones who are willing to be human and seek help for the things they don’t know about.

Therapy offers a choice:
We can unconsciously keep playing out the same patterns, stuck in our own habits and prisoner to our upbringings. Or we can step back, use our higher brains, and gain insight and awareness into our actions. That is how we change.

And…yes, sometimes we do wind up talking about mommy issues 😉

Are you a Christian counselor?↓

My personal faith influences my inner work as a human, I am most interested in how your faith influences your healing work not in influencing you with my faith.

Are you uncomforatable with LGBTQ+ topics?↓

Nope. Not showing respect to others makes me uncomforatable.

What are you like?↓

My clients tell me I am laid back, very accepting, kind, and highly informative. I will hold space with heavy emotion but I also enjoy lighthearted fun.

Those that know my best tell me I can be bold, intellectual, and creative while colleagues share that I am articulate, passionate, and a good teacher.

I love sunshine and rain equally, good conversation, my dogs, and a long walk with a podcast. I’m sure that we can always find something in common!