FAQ
Where is your office located?
Currently, due to COVID19, I am “seeing” clients via telehealth, using a secure video platform. You will receive an email with a secure link to the video appointment. You can use your cellphone, your computer, or any device that allows you to access your email and that has video capabilities.
My actual office space is within The Soul Purpose at 1211 GAR Highway in Swansea, MA.
Can I call you anytime, day or night?
Like you, I take some space for myself. No, I do not answer my phone 24/7, but I will return your call within 24 hours during the week.
I monitor my phone closely during business hours (Monday-Friday 9-5) and do my absolute best to get back to you that same day. If you leave me a message over the weekend, I will return your call on the next business day.
You are always welcome to leave a message on my confidential voicemail. Still, you should either call 911 or go to your local emergency room for immediate help in the case of a true emergency or crisis.
How long are the sessions?
Your sessions will be 50 minutes long. Before your first meeting with me, I will email you (using a secure platform) some forms, such as consent, privacy protocols, symptom questionnaires, and that kind of stuff for you to fill out online and return to me before our first session.
That way, we can dive right in and get started, figuring out what your goals are, answering questions you have about me, and creating a treatment plan/roadmap for our time together.
I try to stay on track time-wise, as I put aside that time specifically for you. I am respectful of the fact that you put time aside in your schedule to work with me.
How do I make an appointment?
You can reach me by phone (508) 636-8776. We can talk about your needs, what I do, and the next steps should you decide to schedule an appointment.
How much does this cost?
What insurance do you take?
What if I cancel?
I get it that sometimes things happen… but I ask you to cancel AT LEAST 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE.
If you are sick or have a genuine emergency, family issue, etc., please let me know as soon as possible if you need to re-schedule.
When we schedule an appointment, that time is just for you. Part of committing to therapy is committing to regular attendance at appointments. Clients may be billed for missed sessions or late (less than 24-hour notice) cancellation.
With what kind of clients do you work?
I work with clients ages 18 and up. I do not bill Medicare.
I work with folks who are dealing with addiction and/or recovery, trauma, depression, anxiety, or those who just need to process life challenges.
I also specialize in working with people struggling with the challenges inherent in being a caregiver and the tough questions that come with caregiving, such as end-of-life issues, mortality, meaning, and purpose.
Why are you a therapist?
That’s easy… I’m fascinated by how people relate to each other and, most importantly, how we relate to ourselves.
I’ve had some crazy and challenging adventures in my life and realize that the only real thing that we can kind of manage in our lives is our response to situations and challenges. So, I love working with people to help them figure out how better to manage their responses to situations and challenges in their lives.
Tell me more about you…
I am a mother of four, two boys and two girls (boy, girl, boy, girl). Being Mom to these kids is the most fun, most challenging, and by far, the most rewarding thing I have ever done.
Was it hectic? Yes, crazy at times even… but I loved it. I am now honored to have a few more “kids,” as three of my four kids are married. I am thrilled to have two beautiful grandsons and two great-nieces who light up my life.
My life is never complete without a dog… or cat, and right now, I am “Mom” to Llewellyn “Louis,” who is a black standard poodle pup. We have many adventures together and enjoy our daily walks in the woods and games of frisbee. When the kids were little, each had their own dog and cat. So, please do the math; that’s a lot of dogs and cats, and kids… plus a couple of horses and a couple of parakeets thrown into the mix. Our crazy menagerie!
I am a big believer in the therapeutic value of having a pet, whether it be a turtle, a cat, or a dog. Having someone to take care of, who loves us unconditionally, does wonders for our own wellness.
Did you really drive big trucks?
Yes, we ran a large commercial beekeeping operation. We traveled the East Coast from Florida to Maine, providing crop pollination for growers (citrus and watermelons in Florida, blueberries in Down East Maine, cranberries in Massachusetts).
I worked in the field as a beekeeper, loaded trucks, and drove trucks as well. I had some crazy adventures along the way! And yes, honeybees are in peril… without bees, your grocery would be close to empty…
Were you really a ranger? Like a Power Ranger?
Yes, I spent years working in various national parks, national forests, and outdoor/environmental education centers… in jobs ranging from backcountry ranger to crew leader to environmental education specialist. I spent weeks alone, 20+ miles into the backcountry… patrolling the backcountry on my own.
Learned lots about myself. No cell phone, no TV, no Internet. Just me and the wilderness… and the bear and the elk.