Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Where is your office located?
Whom do you serve?
Are you LGBTQIA-friendly?
Do you work with people from diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, and religions?
How do I set an initial appointment?
Give me a call: (410) 216-1702.
What are your hours?
Monday through Friday, 12:30 PM to 6:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM
How long are sessions?
Sessions are 60 minutes.
Do you take insurance?
How much do you charge?
Call and book your complimentary clarity call today to find out more information: (443) 808-1577.
What is your cancellation or no-show policy?
Clients in my practice can book and cancel appointments independently.
However, appointments canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice or “no-shows” are charged a $50 fee.
How often do we meet?
You’ll determine and book your appointments as needed, but for new clients, I highly recommend at least biweekly sessions.
Meeting consistently at the beginning of therapy is important for establishing the healthy professional rapport crucial for a successful therapy experience. Weekly appointments are available as well.
Will I have a set day and time?
At Thrive, there is no guaranteed day or time for anyone. You will have access to my calendar and can book available appointments.
If you have a preferred time slot, you can book up to two months in advance to secure it. You can also contact me directly for additional assistance if needed.
Do you offer video and phone sessions?
Yes. Thrive is a completely virtual therapy practice. All sessions are either by video or phone, based on your preference. There is no option to meet in person.
Questions About Me
How many years of experience do you have providing psychotherapy services?
What is your professional training?
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Eastern University, 2004
Master of Social Work – Howard University, 2012
Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP) – Evergreen Certifications, 2022
Licenses
DC – LC50080196
MD – 25855
VA – 0904011637
What modalities do you use in your client work?
My clinical approach is very spicy if variety is the spice of life. I use a combination of various strategies that resonate with my personal and professional values. Your needs will determine the method I use at any given time.
Some of my preferred approaches include client-centered therapy, psychodynamic therapy, cognitive and cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and a strengths-based approach. I also provide some psychoeducation from neuroscience psychology.
Do you prescribe medications?
What are your strengths as a therapist?
I understand that therapy is both a science and an art.
In school, I learned the clinical concepts and skills necessary for therapy, aka the science. Though I am no longer in school, I am very intentional about continuing my education to bring the most current evidence-based treatments to my clients.
However, I feel my true strength is my understanding of the art behind counseling. My down-to-earth way of connecting with you will enable me to establish a level of safety that is crucial for your therapy to work. I will lean on my intuition to guide my work with you, sometimes leaning into uncomfortable areas, other times knowing to stay away. Having over ten years of experience has strengthened this delicate wisdom.
Have you been to therapy yourself?
Therapy Questions
I have things to do. How fast can you fix me?
Let’s be clear: I’m not a mechanic, so I can’t “fix” you.
We just need to know how your system operates and then take that knowledge to develop a self-care plan that addresses your needs. That’s how you’ll operate most effectively in your life.
When you prioritize your needs, you can manage your system yourself. How much time this will take can’t be predetermined. It may be faster or slower than your expectations.
Do I have to tell you everything?
Feelings suck. Do I have to feel them??
As much as I’m a non-conformist, I must admit that acknowledging and experiencing feelings is a significant part of therapy. There is no way to get around it.
However, in our work together, you will learn that feelings aren’t to be feared. They’re simply inner indications of your needs. I will support you in learning how to experience them fully and realize they won’t kill you. No matter how challenging they might be, we will find a way to leverage them to get you to where you want to go.
Will I receive homework assignments to work on between sessions?
Am I allowed to ask personal questions?
After working with you, will I be perfectly healed??
If you’re asking whether you’ll never make a mistake and have a pain-free life after that…
Well, as much as I would want that for you and all of us, I cannot promise that. (If I could, I would be famous.)
But I can offer the opportunity to improve your relationship with yourself, equipping you with the tools you’ll need to navigate life’s challenges in a way that’s healthy and aligned with your goals.
You’ll have fluctuations as you grow, but I will be there with you, providing guidance and encouragement for the journey.
Because, Why Not?
Should I wear waterproof mascara?
What apps make your life better?
All entertainment/TV apps – I can occasionally indulge in my guilty pleasure reality shows from anywhere.
Fitbit – I like checking my heart rate during workouts to ensure I’m putting that work in.
Google app – where would I be without Google? I do not know. Too scary to think about.
Cats or Dogs?
“Questions are creative acts of intelligence.”
– Francis Kingdon Ward