Frequently Asked Questions

  • Anxiety doesn't always look like panic attacks. Sometimes it sounds like constant overthinking, endless "what if" questions, trouble sleeping, or feeling like your mind never fully relaxes. You may find yourself replaying conversations, worrying about things that haven't happened yet, or feeling physically tense even when there's no obvious reason.

    Many people wait until their anxiety feels "bad enough" before reaching out, but you don't have to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. If anxiety is making it harder to enjoy your relationships, focus at work, trust yourself, or feel present in your everyday life, it may be time to seek support.

    Therapy for anxiety isn't about getting rid of every anxious thought. Anxiety is a normal human emotion. Instead, therapy helps you better understand what's driving your anxiety, develop healthier ways of responding to it, and gradually build a life where anxiety no longer gets to make all the decisions.

    I provide virtual anxiety therapy for adults throughout Illinois and Virginia, creating a space where you can slow down, feel understood, and begin building confidence in yourself again.

  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is often misunderstood. It's much more than liking things neat or being organized. OCD involves unwanted intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that create intense anxiety, followed by compulsions or mental rituals intended to reduce that distress.

    Research consistently shows that evidence-based approaches- particularly Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), often combined with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)- are among the most effective treatments for OCD. Depending on your needs, therapy may also incorporate mindfulness, self-compassion, and values-based approaches to help you change your relationship with intrusive thoughts.

    Every person's experience with OCD is different. Some people struggle with contamination fears, while others experience relationship OCD (ROCD), harm OCD, health anxiety, perfectionism, religious scrupulosity, or intrusive sexual thoughts. Therapy is tailored to the specific patterns you're experiencing.

    My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and evidence-based. Together, we'll work toward helping you spend less time trapped in obsessive cycles and more time living according to your values.

  • Yes. Intrusive thoughts are far more common than many people realize, and having them does not mean they reflect who you are or what you want.

    Intrusive thoughts can involve fears of harming someone, inappropriate sexual thoughts, worries about illness, doubts about relationships, or countless other distressing themes. What often keeps these thoughts going isn't the thought itself, but the cycle of trying to eliminate, analyze, or seek reassurance about it.

    Therapy helps you understand how intrusive thoughts work, why they feel so convincing, and how to respond to them in healthier ways. Rather than trying to "get rid" of every intrusive thought, the goal is to reduce the fear and power those thoughts have over your life.

    If intrusive thoughts are interfering with your daily life, relationships, or sense of safety, you don't have to manage them alone.

  • An LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist is someone who intentionally creates a therapeutic space where people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and relationship structures are respected, supported, and celebrated.

    Affirming therapy goes beyond simply being accepting. It means recognizing the impact that discrimination, minority stress, family dynamics, identity exploration, and societal expectations can have on mental health. It also means understanding that your identity isn't something that needs to be explained, defended, or changed in therapy.

    Whether you're exploring your identity, navigating coming out, managing anxiety or depression, strengthening relationships, or simply looking for a therapist who understands your lived experience, affirming therapy offers a space where every part of you is welcome.

    My practice is proudly LGBTQIA+ affirming, and I strive to create a relationship where you can show up fully as yourself.

  • Finding the right therapist is about more than credentials- it's about finding someone who understands and respects your identity from the very beginning.

    When looking for an LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist, consider asking questions such as:

    • Do they explicitly describe their practice as affirming?

    • Do they use inclusive language throughout their website?

    • Do they mention working with LGBTQIA+ clients?

    • Do they have experience supporting identity exploration, relationships, or minority stress?

    • Do you feel safe and understood during your initial consultation?

    You deserve therapy where your identity isn't treated as a problem to solve or something that requires education. A strong therapeutic relationship should allow you to spend your energy focusing on your goals, rather than explaining who you are.

    I provide affirming virtual therapy for LGBTQIA+ adults throughout Illinois and Virginia.

  • Polyamory-affirming therapy is therapy that recognizes consensual non-monogamous relationships- including polyamory, open relationships, and ethical non-monogamy (ENM)- as valid relationship structures.

    Rather than assuming monogamy is the goal, affirming therapy explores your relationships through the lens of your own values and goals. Whether you're navigating jealousy, communication, boundaries, relationship transitions, or simply wanting support from someone who understands ENM, therapy should meet you where you are.

    Many people in non-monogamous relationships hesitate to seek therapy because they're worried they'll have to defend or justify their relationships. My goal is to create a space where you don't have to educate your therapist before meaningful work can begin.

  • Absolutely. Like any relationship structure, ethical non-monogamy comes with unique strengths and unique challenges.

    Therapy can support individuals and partners as they navigate communication, trust, attachment, boundaries, conflict, identity, life transitions, and relationship agreements. It can also provide space to process difficult emotions such as jealousy, insecurity, or fear without judgment.

    Importantly, therapy isn't about deciding whether ENM is "right" or "wrong." It's about helping you build relationships that align with your values while supporting your emotional well-being.

    Whether you're new to ethical non-monogamy or have practiced it for years, therapy can offer space for thoughtful exploration and growth.

  • Yes. Research has consistently shown that virtual therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for many concerns, including anxiety, depression, OCD, and stress-related conditions.

    Many clients appreciate the convenience of attending sessions from the comfort of home, eliminating travel time and making it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules. Online therapy also allows you to access specialized care even if there aren't therapists in your immediate area who meet your needs.

    All sessions take place through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform designed to protect your privacy and confidentiality.

    I provide virtual therapy for adults throughout Illinois and Virginia.

  • Finding the right anxiety therapist involves more than searching for someone nearby. It's important to find a therapist whose approach, personality, and areas of expertise align with what you're looking for.

    As you explore your options, consider asking:

    • Do they specialize in anxiety?

    • Do they offer virtual therapy if that's important to me?

    • Does their approach feel collaborative and affirming?

    • Do they work with concerns that often overlap with anxiety, such as OCD, self-esteem, or relationship concerns?

    • Do I feel comfortable after our consultation?

    If you're looking for virtual anxiety therapy in Illinois or Virginia, my practice offers compassionate, evidence-based care designed to help you better understand anxiety while building lasting confidence and resilience.

  • The first therapy session is simply a conversation. You don't need to have everything figured out before you arrive.

    We'll spend time talking about what's bringing you to therapy, what's been feeling difficult lately, your goals for our work together, and any questions you have about the therapy process. We'll also review important information about confidentiality, scheduling, and what you can expect moving forward.

    There's no pressure to tell your whole story during the first session. Therapy is a relationship that develops over time, and we'll move at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

    My goal is for you to leave your first session feeling heard, understood, and with a clearer sense of how we can work together toward meaningful change.