Session information
In Person Therapy
In person sessions are available at the following location:
7001 North Locust St.
Gladstone, Missouri 64118
My office is in the IWerx building located at the above address. Please Park on the East side of the building in between IWerx and Stone Canyon Pizza. Enter the building through the double doors and have a seat in the waiting area. I will get you at the time of your appointment.
* Cancel your appointment if you are sick, a member of your household is sick, or you have been exposed to a coworker, girlfriend, boyfriend, etc. who is sick. Sick means sneezing, coughing, or within the last 48 hours you or any of the aforementioned people experienced a fever, stomach ache, diarrhea, vomiting or were exposed to an infectious disease. I maintain the right to refuse treatment if this guideline is not followed. If you are well enough, your appointment can always be held via Teletherapy.
If you are uncertain about pursuing mental health services or want to learn more about me and my approach to treatment prior to scheduling an appointment, I also offer a one time, FREE, 15-minute phone consultation. This gives me an opportunity to learn more about you and your situation and it also provides you the opportunity to ask questions about the therapy process. Phone consultations are based on availability.
NEW Clients - Due to the high demand for services, if your electronic intake forms and required information are not completed within 48 hours of receiving the link to your patient portal, your session will be cancelled.
Teletherapy
Teletherapy is available for Kansas and Missouri Residents only
Teletherapy is a way of utilizing on-line chat technology for face-to-face counseling sessions. Teletherapy consists of using Doxy.me which is a HIPPA compliant online platform instead of a physical location to maintain regular mental health appointments. For clients with busy schedules, those who travel with their job but want to continue individual counseling, individuals who are unable to leave their home due to medical or mental health issues, stay at home mothers, and those who are in rural areas and want to have more choice regarding their mental health provider then Teletherapy may be a good fit for you.
Some things to consider regarding Teletherapy. First, technical glitches can interrupt sessions. Technology isn’t full proof and sessions can be interrupted by poor connectivity, a server may go down, or computer problems may occur. As with other online communication and activity, Teletherapy is not secure, meaning that I cannot guarantee privacy from hackers. Also, learning how to engage in an online format can be difficult for some clients as body cues can be misunderstood and communication can be difficult at times. It’s important to clarify if you have any questions or concerns about how we are communicating during the session.
Finally, I do not record nor do I allow sessions to be recorded. As always, if you have any questions about Teletherapy please do not hesitate to ask. Teletherapy has many benefits to the client, you can literally schedule an appointment at almost any time due to the convenience of technology. For those clients who travel, have children at home, lead a very busy life, have medical issues, or simply lack transportation, Teletherapy allows for the continued treatment of your mental health needs.
Walk and Talk Therapy
Walk and Talk Therapy is now available as an added form of bilateral stimulation during sessions.
WHEN: Fridays
WHERE: Happy Rock Park (Weather Permitting)
INDIVIDUAL APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE AT: 9:00 am, 10:00 am, 11:00 am
* Walk and Talk is only available for established clients. A signed, separate liability release is required prior to your session. Appointments can be made via telephone or through messaging in the Patient Portal.
Schedule Yourself
Established clients now have the ability to schedule their own appointments. Through the Patient Portal you can request an appointment date and time. Your request will either be confirmed or denied, and an alternative session offered. This eliminates the potential for lost dates and times trying to connect via phone or email. The self-scheduler is a fast and secure way to maintain your appointments. Be advised that excessive cancellations/rescheduling (3 or more appointments within a 6 month period) may result in termination of treatment. Please do not make an appointment request if there is a high probability you will have to cancel that appointment.
FAQ's
"How long will it take before I feel better?"
Everyone is different and experiences change at their own pace and in their own time. However, most clients report improvement or diminished symptoms within one month of starting treatment and a large majority report significant improvement within three months.
"I've never been to a therapist before and I'm nervous about going. What can I expect?"
The first session is usually a little difficult and sometimes even uncomfortable for new clients. After all, how often does someone sit down with a complete stranger and tell them the most intimate details of their life? It is very important to understand that my job is not to tell clients how to live or judge them for how they are living. My job is to help you achieve whatever mental health and life goals you have established for yourself.
"How long is each session?"
Each session is between 45 to 50 minutes in length. Session times are strictly maintained so that clients are not kept waiting for their appointment.
"Do you see clients weekly?"
Typically I see new clients every other week and then progressively extend the time in-between sessions. I provide homework for clients to utilize after each session. Implementing those new behaviors or skills takes time, therefore clients are not seen weekly unless they are in crisis.
"How do I get the most out of my sessions?"
The way to get the most out of your sessions is to actively engage in the therapeutic process. Change doesn't just happen it requires effort, time, and commitment. Sessions are your opportunity to examine, discuss, and learn how and why you feel or experience the world the way you do.
"My partner won't talk during session. Can't you make them say something?"
Some clients come to session because their partner wants/forces them to. Some clients come to session and have nothing to talk about that particular day. I do not force clients to talk. I will ask questions to promote discussion, but ultimately it is the client's responsibility to verbalize the issues for which they seek help. If a client is not willing or ready to discuss those issues, then the session is usually ended early and the client asked to reschedule when they are ready to pursue treatment.