Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy in Chicago North Shore, Online Therapy, & Virtual EMDR Therapy Online

Who knew when you started Googling “Find a therapist near me” or “therapy online” that you would find so many options, and be left with so many questions about therapy?

The answers to the most frequently asked questions about therapy are here, but if you have a question that you don’t see, schedule a phone consultation to get the answers that you need.

Do you offer free consultations?

Yes. Therapy is very relationship-based and personal to each individual’s needs. It is important that there be a good fit between the client and therapist, as well as between the client’s therapy needs and the therapist’s training and expertise. I want to take time to learn about you; why you are seeking therapy; what you hope to gain from therapy; and answer questions that you may have when trying to assess fit with a potential provider. I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to allow for these discussions before scheduling a session. If you aren’t sure what questions to ask during your free consultation call, this article might provide some ideas.

How do I know if I need therapy? 

A good rule of thumb is that if you are having challenges that are significantly affecting you at work; at school; in your relationships with yourself or with others; or in other areas of functioning, you would probably benefit from therapy. In addition to determining if you need therapy, it is also important to consider if you want therapy.  Sometimes friends, partners, parents, or others suggest that therapy might be useful for you, but if you are not personally motivated to engage with therapy, it is probably better to wait until you are.

How long are therapy sessions?

Standard sessions are approximately 53 minutes long.

Intensive therapy sessions are approximately 85 minutes long and may also be available if clinically indicated.

How often are therapy sessions? 

Sessions are typically scheduled weekly. Research indicates that clients who participate in weekly therapy sessions experience less deterioration; make improvements faster; and have more significant improvements than those who attend sessions less frequently(1). Sessions may be scheduled more frequently than once per week based upon treatment goals and clinical needs.

How to prepare for therapy sessions? 

Typically, the first 1-3 sessions are used to gather more detailed information about why you are seeking therapy, and to take a thorough history. There are opportunities for you to ask additional questions that you may have. We will work together to clarify your goals for therapy, and to develop a plan for your treatment. Moving forward, sessions will be individualized to work toward your goals. Therapy sessions are designated for individuals to explore and process their thoughts, feelings, and experiences; and to build and practice skills in a safe and comfortable environment. For more information about how to prepare for your first therapy session and answers to many first therapy session questions, read this.

What to expect from therapy?

Your individual therapy goals will inform the results that you can expect to see. Clients are often working on goals such as healing from traumas, reducing stress and anxiety; building skills to help better regulate their emotions and behaviors; developing and improving important relationships, and being more effective at work, school, in their relationships, and in life. 

Who do you work with? 

I provide individual therapy with adults and young adults. My specialty areas include special needs parent burnout and caregiver burnout; affirming therapy for LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, and other marginalized individuals; stress and anxiety; trauma and PTSD therapy; Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR therapy); and providing quality online therapy in Chicago; along the North Shore; and in most states throughout the U.S.

Are you a certified EMDR therapist?

Yes. In addition to completing the EMDR basic training required for all EMDR therapists, I also completed additional advanced EMDR training and consultation to become an EMDR certified therapist through the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA), one of the most highly regarded centers for EMDR training. Distinct from the EMDR trained therapist designation, maintaining my status as a certified EMDR therapist requires participating in ongoing, advanced EMDR training for the duration of my career as a certified EMDR therapist, continuing to develop and enhance my skills in EMDR therapy. The choice to pursue and maintain EMDR certification reflects my commitment to a specialization in EMDR and trauma therapy.

Where do therapy sessions take place? 

With flexible services to meet your needs, sessions are available across the Chicago area and throughout the U.S. via telehealth therapy online, allowing you to connect to a HIPPA-secure video platform from your home, office, or other private location with one click.

In-person therapy services are also available at the Shore Therapy Evanston office. Bordering Wilmette and Skokie, close to I-94, Northwestern University, and just minutes from the Old Orchard Shopping Center, the Shore Therapy office is conveniently positioned to serve the Chicago area and the North Shore. With two generous parking lots offering ample, free, onsite, parking; accessible parking; all-gender bathrooms; and an office designed with your comfort in mind, the Shore Therapy Evanston office is an ideal setting for your therapy.

Do you provide online therapy as a PSYPACT therapist?

Yes. I am credentialed by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards with the Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology through PSYPACT. As a PSYPACT psychologist, I am licensed to provide therapy services as an online psychologist to clients living, working, or traveling in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Can you do virtual EMDR therapy online?

Yes. Even prior to the Covid pandemic, EMDR therapists around the world were successfully doing EMDR therapy online. I have trained extensively in online EMDR therapy and have supported clients online with great EMDR therapy results since 2020. You can read more about EMDR therapy online and how it works and consider if online therapy is the right choice for you and your situation. I provide EMDR therapy online for people in Chicago, along the North Shore, throughout Illinois, and across the U.S. in all participating PSYPACT states.

How much do therapy sessions cost? 

Standard sessions (approximately 53 minutes) are $275.

Intensive therapy sessions (approximately 85 minutes) are $415.

Does insurance cover therapy?

I am not in-network for any insurance plans, however, insurance providers typically reimburse a significant portion of session costs through out-of-network benefits. My focus is on delivering excellent, evidence-based care and meaningful outcomes while allowing you the freedom to choose the therapist who is best for you and your needs. You are encouraged to contact your insurance provider directly to learn about the specific coverage benefits of your insurance plan.

How do I seek reimbursement from my insurance company? 

I am happy to give you a superbill (detailed receipt) for you to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement through your out-of-network benefits.

What if I need to cancel our appointment or I get sick?

Your appointment reserves my time exclusively for you, and our work together on your treatment goals. I understand that on occasion you may need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. It is helpful to receive notification of a need to cancel or reschedule an appointment as soon as possible so that other clients who need to meet can be seen during that time. I understand that sometimes things come up with less notice. My cancellation policy is designed to provide you with some flexibility while also protecting my professional time, the sustainability of my practice, and your progress toward your treatment goals. If you cancel an appointment with at least 24 hours notice, you will not be charged. If you cancel within 24 hours of the scheduled time, you will be responsible for the fee for that session. If sessions are frequently canceled, therapy may be suspended until a time when regular session attendance can be maintained.

I’m ready to connect. What should I do next?

I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to see if I am the right fit for you based on your needs. Contact me to schedule a consultation so we can answer additional questions that you may have and discuss how to help you move forward with therapy.

1. Erekson, David McConkie. Scheduled Healing: The Relationship between Session Frequency and Psychotherapy Outcome in a Naturalistic Setting. ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 2013.