Your Questions, Answered

If something in your life feels difficult to manage on your own — anxiety that won't quiet down, trauma you can't shake, a transition that has you stuck — therapy can help. You don't need to be in crisis. If you're wondering whether therapy could help, that's usually a good sign it can.
Your first session is an intake assessment where I learn about your background, what's bringing you in, and what you're hoping to get out of this. We'll talk about how I work, what to expect, and start putting together a treatment plan. It's also a chance for you to see if this feels like a good fit.
Yes. I offer a free 15-minute phone or video call so we can talk about what's going on and whether working together makes sense. No commitment, no pressure — just a conversation to see if it's the right match.
The length of therapy depends on your goals and what you’re working through. Some concerns are more focused, while others—like complex trauma or chronic anxiety—may take longer. We’ll check in regularly about your progress and adjust as needed.

PTSD typically develops after a single traumatic event — an accident, assault, or disaster. Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) results from prolonged or repeated trauma, especially in childhood — things like ongoing abuse, neglect, or growing up in an unstable environment. C-PTSD often shows up as difficulty regulating emotions, negative self-perception, and trouble maintaining relationships. Both respond well to specialized treatment.
Absolutely. Trauma doesn't expire. Your brain and nervous system can still be responding to events from decades ago as if they're happening now. In fact, many people don't seek treatment until years later, when they finally have the space or stability to process what happened. It's never too late.
No. With approaches like EMDR and Somatic Experiencing, you don't need to narrate what happened in detail. The focus is on helping your brain and body process the memory, not analyzing the story. You're always in control of what you share and how fast we move.

Research consistently shows telehealth therapy is equally effective as in-person therapy for most concerns, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and trauma. Many clients actually find they're more open and comfortable in their own space.
I'm licensed in Florida, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. You need to be physically located in one of these states during our sessions. Beyond that, you can be anywhere — your living room, your car on lunch break, wherever you have privacy and a stable connection.
A private space where you won't be interrupted, a device with a camera and microphone, and a stable internet connection. Sessions are conducted through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform — I'll send you the link before our first appointment.

Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBI), like IBS and functional dyspepsia, respond well to psychological approaches because the gut and brain are closely connected. Gut-directed Somatic Experiencing, CBT and Parts work can help reduce symptoms and improve overall well-being.
Yes. I work with police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and other first responders dealing with occupational trauma, cumulative stress, and the unique pressures of the job. I understand the culture, the stigma around asking for help, and the specific challenges you face. Everything is confidential.
Yes. I use Somatic Experiencing, CBT, exposure-based techniques, and mindfulness to help you break free from the cycle of persistent worry, panic, and obsessive thought patterns. We work on understanding what's driving the anxiety rather than just managing symptoms.
Yes. I provide specialized support for perinatal and postpartum mood disorders, as well as menopause-related mental health symptoms like anxiety, depression, mood changes, and sleep disruption. These are real, physiological experiences that respond well to treatment.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) helps your brain reprocess traumatic memories so they lose their emotional charge. Using bilateral stimulation — usually eye movements — your nervous system finishes processing what it couldn't at the time of the event. You don't need to describe trauma in detail, and many people find it faster and less overwhelming than traditional talk therapy.
A single traumatic incident can often be addressed in a few sessions, while complex trauma or multiple experiences usually involve a longer process. We start with careful preparation, and the pace is always guided by what your nervous system is ready for.
Yes. EMDR has been effectively adapted for telehealth and research supports its use in virtual settings. I use bilateral stimulation techniques that work well on screen, and many clients report feeling more grounded doing this work from the comfort of their own home.

Appointments can be canceled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours’ notice. Cancellations with less notice will incur a fee. This helps keep scheduling fair and allows time for others to access care.
Most clients start with weekly sessions. As you make progress and build momentum, we might shift to biweekly or monthly. The frequency is something we decide together based on what you're working on and what feels sustainable.
Yes, and I often integrate multiple approaches in a single course of treatment. We might start with stabilization using Somatic Experiencing, CBT and mindfulness, then move into EMDR for trauma processing, and use IFS to work with protective parts along the way. Treatment is tailored to what you need at each stage.

Alliance Counseling Inc.