FAQs

Getting Started with Therapy

  • You don’t need to have everything figured out to start therapy. I work best with clients who are willing to show up honestly and engage in the process, even if you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck in patterns that are hard to change. In our work together, we’ll partner to explore your challenges, build on your strengths, and develop practical tools to navigate life’s ups and downs.

    Many clients come for support with anxiety, past trauma, relationship struggles, boundary-setting, or just the feeling that something is “off” underneath the surface. If any of this resonates, a free 15-minute consultation can help you get a sense of whether my approach feels like a good fit before scheduling your first session.

  • Absolutely. Therapy isn’t only for moments of urgent need- it’s also an opportunity to invest in yourself and your personal growth. Even if life feels manageable on the surface, therapy can help you understand yourself better, notice patterns that hold you back, and develop practical tools to navigate challenges more effectively. Healing and transformation are real and attainable, and I’m here to walk that journey with you.

  • The first session is mostly about getting to know you. I’ll ask about your background, current stressors, and what’s weighing on you the most. We’ll also talk about what you’d like to focus on in therapy and set some realistic goals. Most clients leave the first session feeling heard, understood, and clear on the next steps. Read more about the first session here.

  • It’s completely normal to feel nervous before your first session. Therapy is designed to be a safe, judgment-free space where you can share at your own pace. Many clients find that once they start, the anxiety eases and the process becomes easier over time. Feeling nervous doesn’t mean therapy won’t help- it’s just the first step toward feeling better.

  • Most clients are able to start within a week or two, depending on availability. The process begins when you reach out- first, we’ll do a quick 15 minute phone consultation to answer your questions and see if we’re a good fit. After that, we can schedule your intake/first therapy session.

  • The number of sessions depends on your goals and the challenges you’re facing. Some clients notice meaningful changes in a few weeks, while others work together for several months. We’ll regularly check in to ensure the pace and focus are right for you, adjusting as needed to best support your growth.

Faith-Based and Christian Counseling

  • Christian counseling weaves biblical principles into professional mental health care, creating a space to address both emotional and spiritual growth. We believe God deeply values our emotions and mental well-being, and counseling can be a meaningful way to nurture this part of our lives. It’s an opportunity to grow as a believer by exploring areas like your thought life (renewing our minds- Romans 12:2), emotions, and behaviors that may feel confusing or overwhelming. Through this process, we can gain valuable insights into ourselves while grounding our journey in faith and personal values.

  • Faith integration is always optional and guided by your comfort level. We use your beliefs, values, and spiritual practices as tools when helpful, but you are in control of how much faith is included. Many clients find this approach strengthens both their emotional and spiritual growth.

  • That is completely okay. My approach is tailored to your unique needs and goals. I am here to provide professional, evidence-based counseling to address mental health and behavioral concerns regardless of religious affiliation. Spirituality and faith are included in sessions only if and to the extent that you wish them to be part of the process.

  • Therapy is a safe place to explore doubts, questions, or spiritual struggles. Many of my clients have experienced uncertainty or disappointment in their faith, and we work together to process those feelings without judgment. You can bring your authentic self, including your questions about God, belief, and meaning.

  • Absolutely. Many people experience spiritual exhaustion or feel disconnected from God at times. These are valid experiences, and therapy can help you explore them in a safe, reflective space. We can work on ways to reconnect with your values and sense of purpose while processing difficult emotions.

  • “Take Heart” comes from the Bible (John 16:33, Matthew 9:22, 14:27, Psalm 31:24) and means to gain confidence, courage and hope in the midst of life’s troubles. It reflects our approach: offering a place of support, strength, and encouragement as you face life’s challenges. Therapy here is about helping you build resilience, hope, and clarity.

What I Can Help With

  • Yes! Therapy provides strategies to manage worry, reduce stress, and respond to anxious thoughts in much healthier ways. Many clients notice they feel more present, grounded, and capable of handling uncertainty after consistent sessions. My clients have benefited greatly from CBT interventions when it comes to “what if” thoughts specifically.

  • Trauma-informed therapy is an approach that recognizes how past experiences affect your current emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. It prioritizes safety, trust, and collaboration, so you can heal at your own pace. The focus is always on your strengths and resilience.

  • Yes! Therapy provides strategies to help you slow down, notice your thoughts and emotions, and respond rather than react. Many clients learn tools to manage stress, reduce overthinking, and stay more grounded in the moment. Over time, this can help you feel calmer, more focused, and better able to enjoy everyday life. Get a taste of what this looks like here.

  • Feeling stuck is common and normal. Therapy helps explore underlying thoughts, beliefs, and emotional patterns that may be keeping you from making changes. Together, we find realistic, actionable steps that align with your goals and values.

  • Absolutely. Therapy can help you understand patterns in your relationships, communicate more clearly, and set healthier boundaries. It provides a safe space to explore difficult dynamics and develop skills that strengthen your connections with others. Many clients notice they feel more confident, present, and connected in their relationships after practicing these tools.

What Therapy Is Like

  • Sessions are conversational and collaborative. We’ll check in about your week, explore current challenges, and practice strategies that support your growth. Some sessions may include skill-building exercises or guided reflection, depending on what is most helpful for you.

  • Most clients begin with weekly sessions, as this helps build momentum and work toward goals more efficiently. Some choose biweekly sessions depending on their schedule and needs. The frequency is flexible, and we can adjust it at any time to best support your progress.

  • You’ll notice progress in small, meaningful ways- better coping skills, improved self-awareness, and more confidence in handling challenges. We also regularly check in to evaluate your goals and celebrate growth.

  • It’s common for therapy experiences to vary. Each therapist has a unique style, and your needs may change over time. We focus on building a safe, personalized approach that meets you where you are now.

  • That’s okay. You don’t need to have all the answers. Many clients often start sessions unsure of what to share, and conversation naturally unfolds with guidance, reflection, and gentle prompts.

  • Oh, absolutely. Therapy is a safe space for emotions. Expressing feelings is part of the healing process, and you can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable.

Logistics & Practical Details

  • Yes. I offer in-person sessions at my office in West Bradenton, providing a private and comfortable space for counseling. I also offer secure online sessions for clients who prefer telehealth or need more flexibility.

  • Take Heart is a self-pay practice and does not accept insurance directly. This allows us to focus on individualized care without paperwork delays. I can provide a Superbill for each session, which you can submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement. If you’re new to out-of-network counseling, I’m happy to guide you through the process and answer any questions about using a Superbill with your insurance company.

  • Take Heart is a private-pay practice. The initial intake appointment is $210, and 55-minute sessions are $178. Payment is due at the time of each session. Sliding scale is an option if there is availability, and we also accept HSA and FSA payments.

  • No. Take Heart provides counseling and therapy only. If medication could support your goals, we can discuss coordination with your physician or psychiatrist.

  • Your privacy is important to me, and all sessions are conducted in a secure, confidential setting. For telehealth services, I use a HIPAA-compliant platform to ensure your information is fully protected. Your therapy records and details will not be shared without your written permission, which you can revoke at any time. During our first session, we will also discuss the rare exceptions to confidentiality, such as safety concerns or legal obligations.

  • We understand that life can be unpredictable. If you need to reschedule or cancel, please give at least 24 hours’ notice. Cancellations or changes made with less than 24 hours’ notice will incur a charge of 50% of the session fee.

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