Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a counselor, psychologist, and psychiatrist?
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication and may also provide therapy.
Psychologists typically have doctoral-level training and may provide therapy and psychological testing.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I provide talk therapy focused on helping people better understand themselves, navigate life's challenges, and create meaningful change. I do not prescribe medication.
How does therapy work?
Therapy is a collaborative process and looks a little different for each person.
Together, we explore the challenges you're facing, the patterns that may be contributing to them, and the changes you'd like to make. My goal is to help you better understand yourself while developing practical ways to move forward.
How long will therapy take?
There isn't one answer to this question. Everyone's goals, circumstances, and pace are different.
Some people seek support around a specific challenge, while others are interested in deeper, ongoing personal growth. We'll discuss your goals and adjust as needed along the way.
Do you offer in-person or virtual sessions?
I offer both in-person and virtual therapy sessions.
My office is located in Brentwood, Tennessee, and I also provide secure telehealth sessions for clients throughout Tennessee.
Many clients appreciate the convenience and flexibility of virtual therapy, while others prefer the experience of meeting in person. Both options provide a supportive and confidential space for therapy, and together we can determine which approach best fits your needs and preferences.
How can I get the most out of therapy?
Therapy works best when you actively engage with the process.
Being open, curious, and willing to reflect between sessions can help you gain deeper insight and make meaningful changes in your daily life.
Why not just take medication?
Medication can be helpful and, in some situations, an important part of treatment.
Therapy offers something different. It provides an opportunity to understand the experiences, beliefs, and patterns that may be contributing to your struggles while developing new ways of responding. For many people, therapy and medication work well together.
What's the difference between talking to a therapist and talking to a friend?
Supportive friends and family are incredibly valuable, but therapy offers a different kind of relationship.
Therapy provides a confidential, nonjudgmental space focused entirely on you. Together, we can explore patterns, challenges, and experiences in a way that is often difficult to do within everyday relationships.
I'm used to handling things on my own. Does going to therapy mean I'm weak?
Not at all.
Many of the people I work with are thoughtful, capable, and highly independent. Often, they've spent years trying to understand and work through things on their own before reaching out for support.
Seeking help is not a sign of weakness. It is often a sign that you're ready to approach things differently.
Do I need to have a specific problem to start therapy?
No.
Some people come to therapy because of anxiety, relationship concerns, parenting challenges, or life transitions. Others simply feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure why certain patterns keep repeating.
You don't need to have everything figured out before starting.
I've already tried therapy before. How is this different?
Many of the people I work with have participated in therapy before.
They often arrive with insight into their struggles but still find themselves repeating familiar patterns or feeling stuck in the same reactions. Our work focuses on connecting understanding with meaningful change, helping you move beyond awareness and into new ways of responding.
What if I tend to overthink or already understand myself well?
You're not alone.
Many of my clients are reflective, insightful, and highly self-aware. Yet they still find themselves struggling with familiar worries, reactions, relationship dynamics, or life patterns.
Insight is important, but it doesn't always create change on its own. Therapy can help bridge the gap between understanding and action.
How do I know if this approach is a good fit for me?
My approach tends to be a good fit for people who are interested in understanding themselves more deeply and creating meaningful, lasting change.
If you're curious about why certain patterns keep repeating, feel stuck despite your efforts, or want a space to explore life's challenges with greater depth and clarity, we may be a good fit.