Questions

 

Pre-Meet & Greet Client Checklist

​

Why This Matters

​

Many therapists are available, and finding one whose style, values, and approach truly resonate with you is essential. I want to be open and transparent from the start so you don’t waste your time, energy, or money on a relationship that isn’t the right fit.

Therapy is most effective when we have a strong connection, which begins with honesty, clarity, and mutual alignment.

​

To describe myself, I am somewhat quirky, intuitive, grounded, open-minded, and deeply compassionate. I put my heart, humor, and creativity into our work. I quickly identify emotional patterns, and I listen not just with my ears but with my whole being. I blend deep emotional insight with body awareness, soulful exploration, and mind-body-spirit practices. 

​

These questions can help you see if my approach fits your needs before we meet:​

​​

​​​​​

Is This the Right Space for You?

Here’s how this work is structured and what it asks of you. If these resonate, we may be a good fit:

⬜ Learn grounding practices and supportive tools to help you feel steady enough to explore what’s underneath patterns and habits
⬜ Emphasizes insight that unfolds between sessions; small shifts, emotions, and emerging patterns are part of the process
⬜ Invites curiosity about the different parts of you that show up in relationships, stress, or decision-making
⬜ Rooted in a holistic, mind-body-spirit approach
⬜ Often includes creative and symbolic tools like SoulCollage®, visual journaling, therapeutic writing, or guided meditation
⬜ Makes space for deeper inner work, such as Heart-Centered Hypnotherapy, brainspotting, inner child healing, or guided inner journeys, while honoring your personal pacing and readiness
⬜ Built as a collaborative space where honesty and feedback are welcomed and encouraged
⬜ Designed for regular weekly or biweekly sessions (typically over 6 months) to create rhythm and forward momentum
⬜ Best suited for those in a relatively stable place emotionally, ready to explore and reflect
⬜ Geared toward those seeking meaningful insight and growth over quick answers, as this process dives deeper, and therapy is usually 6 months to 1 year. 

​

Notes:​

• Traveling is part of my lifestyle, so I may occasionally miss a week. I will always communicate clearly and do my best to maintain a rhythm and continuity.

• This work is intended for those in a relatively stable place, as its educational and reflective nature may feel overwhelming during acute crises.

​​

Do You See Couples?

You might see LMFT after my name and assume I work with couples. While it’s true that I was trained as a Marriage and Family Therapist, which means I approach people through a systemic lens, I don’t currently offer couples therapy.

​

What does "systemic lens" mean? Simply put, I see individuals as deeply impacted by their relationships and environments. None of us exists in a vacuum; how we feel and behave makes sense when considering the systems we're part of. I love exploring the interconnection between our inner world and our relationships.

​

And yes, I did offer couples therapy for many years. But over time, I’ve realized something important: I believe meaningful relationship work starts within. Too often, couples enter therapy hoping the other person will change. However, fundamental transformation occurs when each person is ready to take personal accountability, examine their own patterns, and reflect on how they show up in the relationship.

​

I now focus on individual shadow work and inner exploration first. In fact, I’ll soon be offering a program called Shadow Work for Relationships in 2026, designed to help you understand your role in the dynamic, rather than focusing on your partner’s behavior.

Couples therapy can be a beautiful and effective next step when both individuals have done this kind of deep, personal work. Until then, I believe that the most powerful personal growth occurs internally.

 

​Themed & Educational Sessions (as an option)

These sessions are a bit more structured. I introduce concepts like the nervous system, internal parts work, the mind-body connection, or a pattern we’re working with, and we explore how it applies to your life.  I will often teach for a significant portion of the session, and then you will have the opportunity to reflect, answer questions, and engage with the teaching.

Think of these as inner-work classes or personal growth lessons woven into therapy.

 

These sessions may include:

• Visuals or metaphors to help you understand your internal world

  • This begins with "mapping your system" in IFS language 

• Creative tools like journaling, SoulCollage®, or guided imagery

• New ways to relate to your emotions, body, or beliefs

• Weekly themes or practices to try in your everyday life

• Education on nervous system regulation, triggers, or relationship dynamics

​

We typically start our work with a few sessions, during which I can share the language I use in therapy and help you build a strong inner foundation.

​

My themed sessions are ideal for those who have already done years of therapy and are looking for a deeper, more focused exploration of a particular area. They are also suitable for those who don’t necessarily have anything in particular to process but are interested in focusing on personal growth, insight, reflection, and self-growth to support overall mental health.

​

​

Do you take insurance?

​

Yes, if you are planning to use insurance to cover your counseling sessions, it is important to note that a DSM-5 mental health diagnosis is required, and the treatment plan must address the DSM-5 diagnosis.  Therefore, in order to use insurance, a mental health diagnosis must be present in one person. In the absence of a mental health diagnosis for either person, private pay will be used for the sessions. I recognize that my fees are lower than most therapists', but I can give resources to more affordable state-funded or nonprofit agencies. 

​

Differences in private pay and insurance

One individual is designated as the identified patient and must meet the medically necessary criteria for treatment to reduce the identified symptom.   

​​

​

Information on insurance costs

​

Change is Not a Passive Process

 

One common misconception about therapy is that simply attending sessions creates change. It’s easy to fall into the pattern of discussing the issue of the week and leaving it at that. While processing emotions and gaining insights in sessions is valuable, real transformation happens in what you do between sessions.

 

Therapy is much like having a personal trainer. A trainer can guide you, offer suggestions, and tailor exercises to help you reach your goals. But the trainer isn’t doing the workouts for you—they’re not there every day to ensure you’re eating well or sticking to your exercise plan. Progress happens when you, the client, show up for yourself. Therapy works the same way. It’s about consistently and effortfully applying the insights, tools, and strategies learned in session to your daily life.

 

That said, consistency in therapy is essential too. Showing up regularly—especially in the beginning—helps build momentum and reinforces new patterns. However, therapy doesn’t need to last forever or require weekly sessions for years. It’s about equipping you with the skills to navigate life independently while knowing you have support when needed.

 

Therapy can be flexible. Some clients work intensively for a few months and then return occasionally for tune-ups, much like checking in with a trainer to ensure they stay on track. Others return during significant life transitions or when they require additional support. Therapy is not a permanent fixture, but it’s also not something you outgrow. It can be a resource when needed, but the goal is always to empower you to handle challenges with the tools and resilience you’ve built.

 

​​​​​​

What types of issues do you address in your sessions?

My sessions and classes focus on areas such as anxiety, inner child work (self-attachment aids in core healing), self-esteem, managing life transitions, family of origin issues, yourself in relationships, existential issues (searching for meaning), spiritual crisis, grief, postpartum period and high functioning anxiety and depression, trauma and self-discovery. I also guide deeper personal exploration, including themes around identity, purpose, and navigating difficult emotions. Every class or session is designed to cultivate self-compassion, inner calm, and a deeper connection to your authentic self.

​

 ​

Do I need any experience with art therapy or meditation to join?

No prior experience is needed. Each session or class is designed to meet you where you are, guiding you step-by-step. The goal is to explore and express yourself in a supportive, non-judgmental space. The art therapy exercises are straightforward and focus on helping you connect with your inner self, not on artistic skills.

​

​​​​

How can I get started?

Please email me for a meet and greet: info@inwardwellbing.com

We can discuss your goals and the format that best supports you, whether that’s a group class, individual sessions, or both. I look forward to helping you begin this journey!

​

What populations do you work with?

​​​

If you feel I am a good fit for your needs, that is all that is required. I also specialize in high-functioning anxiety, depression, and highly sensitive people. Also, I love working with helping professionals, therapists, coaches, healthcare providers, spiritual support, and educators, who hold space for others in their profession and need space to process, grow, and reconnect with themselves. I specialize in understanding this demand. Through these sessions, helping professionals are provided with a safe and supportive space where they can freely address their concerns and attend to their personal needs. Provide individual counseling services aimed at addressing a range of concerns, including but not limited to reducing stress and anxiety, postpartum, attachment parenting,  managing feelings of being overwhelmed, reducing critical thoughts, improving self-esteem, addressing body image concerns, and managing emotions that contribute to disordered eating patterns. 

​

I do not offer traditional couples counseling, but I am happy to provide preparatory work as a form of shadow work to help you prepare for more meaningful couples therapy.

​

 My practice is founded on inclusivity and affirmation. I am strongly committed to serving as an ally for the LGBTQ+ community.

​

​

If you are seeking traditional couples counseling www.psychologytoday.com is an excellent resource as is https://zencare.co

 

​

​​How do you ensure a productive and safe counseling space?

​

I am committed to creating a professional and empathic counseling space as a therapist. To achieve this, I continually pursue training in diverse therapeutic techniques, focusing on empathy and curiosity. I prioritize self-awareness and reflection to maintain a genuine, non-judgmental presence. Creating a safe, supportive environment is paramount, where active listening and sensitivity to individual needs and boundaries are practiced. I employ an integrative approach, combining various methods tailored to each client's unique circumstances, including emotional regulation and mindfulness exercises. Committed to ongoing professional development and supervision, I stay informed about the latest research and ethical standards, ensuring my practice evolves and maintains the highest quality. Regular client feedback is crucial, enabling me to adapt and refine my approach, ensuring it remains aligned with their healing journey.  I understand therapy can be a very emotional and vulnerable, so regular communication about how you are doing is an important part of the process. Communicating with me about your feelings about our process is encouraged and vital.