EMDR & Trauma Therapy FAQs

What's the difference between EMDR, IFS and Somatic Experiencing?

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All three are trauma therapies, and each works with a different layer:

  • EMDR helps your brain reprocess painful memories so they stop feeling like they're happening now.

  • IFS (Internal Family Systems) helps you understand and heal the "parts" of you, like the inner critic or the people-pleaser, that formed to protect you.

  • Somatic Experiencing works with your body and nervous system to release stored stress and help you feel safe again.

I often combine all three, based on what you need, so healing reaches your memories, your parts and your body.


What happens during the consultation call?

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This is a no-pressure, no-obligation conversation. I’ll ask a few questions about what you’re hoping to work on and the kind of change you’re seeking. You’re also welcome to ask me anything — this is your time to get a feel for whether my approach resonates with you.

I’ll also use this time to assess whether I have the expertise and experience to support your specific needs. On occasion, I may determine that I’m not the best fit for your goals — not because your concerns aren't important, but because I want to ensure you receive the most effective care possible. If that’s the case, I’ll do my best to refer you to a provider who may be better suited.

My priority is to respect your time and help you get the support you truly need.


What kind of clients do you work with?

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I support adults in their 30s to 60s — often high-achievers who feel stuck inside, deep feelers who’ve become disconnected from themselves, and caretakers who are running on empty. Many come to me with anxiety, depression, PTSD, family-of-origin pain, relationship struggles, job transitions, or sudden life changes that feel overwhelming.


What is your experience?

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I earned my Master’s degree in Counseling from West Virginia University in 2009. I began my career as a crisis counselor, answering suicide hotline calls and providing individual and group therapy for people in crisis or going through detox. Later, I worked at a Youth Center, offering therapy to young children, adolescents, and their families. I did this for two years—it was heartbreaking to witness the abuse many children were experiencing, especially knowing I didn’t have the power to change their environments or the system around them. Eventually, I transitioned to working with adults, this time as a chemical dependency counselor. I provided outpatient individual therapy as well as therapy for individuals in a 28-day treatment program and a follow-up 3-month program.

From 2016 to 2020, I worked with adults and older adults experiencing anxiety, depression, agoraphobia, PTSD, complex PTSD, and chronic medical conditions. I also gained extensive experience supporting people navigating dementia, end-of-life concerns, death with dignity, and the emotional challenges of hiring caregivers or transitioning into adult family homes or assisted living facilities.

In 2020, I started my private practice, focusing on working with adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, CPTSD, and issues with their original family.  Since then, I noticed my clients doing better by being able to heal their inner child, increase their capacity to cope with difficult emotions, be able to view their trauma from the distance, and able to cope and communicate their needs better.  I use EMDR therapy, Brainspotting, Parts work and IFS therapy, and Somatic Experiencing as my main modalities to help my clients.  I am now also using the Gottman methods and IFIO in couples intensives.


How much do therapy and EMDR intensives cost? Do you take insurance?

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SESSION & EMDR INTENSIVE FEES
Regular Sessions
$200 — 60 minutes
$300 — 90-minute extended EMDR session

EMDR Intensives
3-Hour Session: $810
6-Hour Intensive: $1,620
9-Hour Intensive: $2,430
12-Hour Intensive: $3,240

IFIO Couples Therapy
$250 — 75 minutes

Couple Intensive: $2,500
Includes a full-day intensive session (9:00 AM–4:00 PM) and one 60-minute follow-up session after the intensive.

Good Faith Estimate
In accordance with the No Surprises Act, you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate outlining the expected cost of therapy services. This will be provided at the start of treatment.

I'm not in-network with insurance companies, but I'm happy to provide a superbill.
For weekly therapy sessions, I’m happy to provide a superbill (a detailed receipt) that you may submit to your insurance company for possible out-of-network reimbursement.

Because coverage varies by plan, I recommend contacting your insurance provider and asking:
*Do I have out-of-network mental health benefits?
*What is my deductible, and has it been met?
*What is the reimbursement amount per session with a licensed therapist?


Do you have an in person office?

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Yes. I have an office in Lynnwood WA. You can choose to meet in person in Lynnwood, WA or online anywhere in Washington and California. This includes weekly therapy, EMDR intensives and couples intensives.


How do you work with clients from diverse backgrounds and LGBTQ+ community?

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I deeply value each person’s unique lived experience and cultural identity. I strive to approach every client with curiosity, humility, and respect. Rather than relying on generalizations, I listen closely and honor the specific ways culture, identity, and community shape a client’s story.

I’ve taken courses in cultural competence and LGBTQ+ mental health, and I continue to read, reflect, and learn so that I can provide affirming, responsive care. For me, this is lifelong work—staying present, open, and committed to creating a safe space where all parts of you are welcome.


Does online therapy work, even EMDR?

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Yes. I've been providing online EMDR therapy since 2020, and it is highly effective for many clients. I use a secure online platform that offers visual and auditory bilateral stimulation, and some clients also use self-tapping or their own handheld tappers during sessions. Many people find that doing EMDR from the comfort of their home actually helps them feel safer and more regulated, which supports the healing process.


How Do I Know If Weekly Therapy or an Intensive Is a Better Fit for Me?

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Both weekly therapy and EMDR intensives can be incredibly effective. The best choice depends on your goals, your nervous system's capacity, and where you are in your healing journey.

Weekly therapy may be a better fit if:

  • You prefer a slower, more gradual pace.

  • Building a long-term therapeutic relationship feels important to you.

  • Your nervous system feels easily overwhelmed, and you need more time to develop safety, trust, and stabilization.

  • You are navigating ongoing life stressors and benefit from consistent support over time.

An intensive may be a better fit if:

  • You have already done significant personal growth or therapy work.

  • You have a clear understanding of what you'd like to focus on.

  • You feel ready to engage more deeply with a specific issue, memory, or pattern.

  • You want to make meaningful progress in a shorter period of time.

  • You feel comfortable trusting and working closely with your therapist.

There is no "right" or "better" option. Healing isn't one-size-fits-all. What works best often depends on your current needs, goals, capacity, and season of life.

If you're unsure which approach would be most supportive, we can discuss your situation during a consultation and determine together whether weekly therapy, an intensive, or a combination of both would be the best fit for you.


Yes. I'm licensed in both Washington (LMHC) and California (LPCC), and I offer online therapy, including EMDR, IFS and Somatic Experiencing, to adults anywhere in both states. You'll just need to be located in Washington or California during our sessions.

Do you offer online therapy and EMDR in California?

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If you have any other questions, please feel free to email me. I would love to hear from you and learn how I can best support you.

Serving Washington & California

Providing EMDR, IFS, and Somatic Experiencing for attuned trauma therapy services to clients throughout Washington State, including Seattle, Lynnwood, Everett, Bothell, Redmond, Bellevue, Renton, Kent, Tacoma, and Olympia. Online therapy throughout California.