Blog

Are you nervous about opening up in therapy? One of the most common things I hear from new clients isn’t about anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationships. It’s this: “I don’t even know where to start.” Or, “I’m nervous about talking to someone I’ve never met.” If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone. As…

A Counselor’s Guide for Concerned Parents Wondering how to know if your teen needs therapy? As a parent, it can be difficult to know what’s considered “normal teenage behavior” and what’s a sign that your child may need additional support. Teenagers experience significant emotional, social, and physical changes as they grow. Mood swings, wanting more…

One of the biggest concerns people have before starting therapy is whether they can truly be honest with their therapist. Many people worry: The short answer is yes—almost everything you tell your therapist is confidential. As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) practicing in Virginia, I follow the American Counseling…

A Counselor’s Guide from Both Sides of the Therapy Room Wondering how to find the right therapist? Not sure where to start? Finding a therapist can feel overwhelming. With so many providers, specialties, and therapy approaches available, it’s easy to wonder, “How do I know who’s right for me?” You may even worry about opening…

If you’ve been researching therapy, you’ve probably come across the term Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). It’s one of the most widely used and well-researched approaches to mental health treatment, but many people still wonder exactly what it is and whether it actually works. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I frequently use CBT to help clients…

Starting therapy is often one of the most important steps a person can take toward improving their mental health. It can be empowering, hopeful, and even life-changing. At the same time, many people are surprised to discover that therapy can also feel uncomfortable, especially in the beginning. As a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia, I…

Understanding the Question: Online Therapy vs. In-Person Therapy As a licensed professional counselor in Virginia, one of the questions I am asked most frequently is: “Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?” It is an important question, especially as telehealth has become a routine part of mental health care. Many people considering therapy want…

A Realistic Timeline for Improvement One of the most common questions clients ask when beginning therapy is: “How long will this take before I feel better?” It is a fair and important question. When someone is struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, ADHD-related challenges, or longstanding emotional patterns, they are often looking for relief as…