Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Marriage and Family Therapist?
Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) are mental health professionals that are trained in psychotherapy and treat mental health issues within the context of relationship systems. Though I primarily work with individual clients, as an MFT, I focus on understanding your presenting problems through the lens of your relationships and the systems to which you belong, including your family, your friends, and your culture. MFTs are recognized as core mental health professionals alongside psychiatrists, licensed professional counselors, psychologists, and social workers. MFTs take a holistic approach to therapy and are concerned with the overall well-being of individuals and their families. I was trained in the field of marriage and family therapy at Lipscomb University and hold a license as a Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Tennessee.
What is “Internal Family Systems” or IFS?
IFS is a therapeutic approach that views each person as having an internal system of parts and a core Self that is characterized by curiosity, compassion, creativity, connectedness, calmness, clarity, courage, and confidence. As we go about our lives, these parts take on different roles and become blended with or overshadow our Self. These parts may show up as perfectionism, anxiety, depression, inner criticism, shame, addiction, etc. While on the surface these parts may seem bad or unhelpful, when we take the time to get to know them, we can see that they all have positive intentions for us. Many of our parts protect us from pain, and others have been carrying a wound and would benefit from releasing the pain they are carrying. IFS gives us a map for unburdening those parts and placing the Self back in a leadership role, similar to the role of a conductor leading an orchestra. For a great detailed explanation of IFS, click here.
What is EMDR?
EMDR is an acronym for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is an evidence-based “psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences (trauma). EMDR therapy shows that the mind can in fact heal from psychological trauma much as the body recovers from physical trauma… Using the detailed protocols and procedures learned in EMDR therapy training sessions, [therapists] help clients activate their natural healing processes.” To learn more, click here.
What can I expect from therapy?
I know taking that first step to find a therapist or counselor can be daunting. For that reason, I want you to have all the facts and feel confident in your decision to meet with me. Before your first session, I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation, where you can ask me any and all questions and we can collaboratively determine if my services are the right fit for you. In our work together, you can expect to be met with compassion, empathy, and curiosity. I offer a nonjudgmental space to freely process and explore yourself. You will likely recognize patterns in your current life and be introduced to new perspectives. I view therapy as a collaborative process and hope to meet you where you are with your questions and concerns from before our first session and throughout the process.
Will my sessions be confidential?
Short answer - YES! Confidentiality is of the utmost importance to me and ensures the safety of my clients. None of your information will be given out without a Release of Information signed by you. There are a few exceptions to this, in accordance with Tennessee state law as well as professional ethics and guidelines. These exceptions are:
Suspected abuse of a child, dependent adult, or elder
Threats of serious bodily harm to another person
Intentions to harm self
Subpoena by court
Do you offer teletherapy?
Teletherapy or telehealth sessions are therapy sessions conducted via video chat. Because some facets of the face-to-face relationship are lost over video, I hold the majority of my sessions in person; however, telehealth sessions are offered on a case-by-case basis. If both you and I agree to use telehealth, we will use a confidential, HIPAA-compliant online platform called Simple Practice.