(717) 739-9557
Gettysburg, PA
FAQs
Here you'll find answers to some of the most common questions about therapy, what to expect, and how to get started. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, feel free to reach out—I'm here to help.
Frequently asked questions
Holistic psychotherapy is an approach to therapy that considers the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—rather than just treating specific symptoms or mental health conditions. It integrates traditional psychological methods with alternative and complementary techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and energy work. The goal is to promote overall well-being and personal growth by addressing emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of a person’s life.
During your first therapy session, you can expect a mix of getting to know each other and laying the foundation for future work. Here's what typically happens:
Introductions: Your therapist will explain how therapy works, confidentiality, and what you can expect from the process.
Sharing Your Story: You’ll talk about what brought you to therapy—this might include current challenges, symptoms, or goals.
Questions: Your therapist may ask about your history (mental health, medical, family, relationships) to get a fuller picture.
Goal Setting: Together, you'll start to identify what you’d like to work on in therapy.
Next Steps: You’ll discuss a plan for moving forward—how often you’ll meet, and what approach the therapist might use.
I am an out-of-network provider, which means payment is due at the time of your session, and you may then seek reimbursement from your insurance. Some clients receive full reimbursement, while others have no out-of-network coverage—so it's essential to check with your insurance company to understand your benefits.
With high deductibles being common, many people end up paying out of pocket whether they see an in-network or out-of-network provider. The real question becomes: would you rather choose a counselor you feel comfortable with, or let your insurance company decide for you?
Therapy duration can vary depending on the individual and their goals, but typically:
Short-term therapy might last 8 to 12 sessions, focusing on specific issues or goals.
Longer-term therapy can last several months to years, especially if you're working through deeper emotional patterns, trauma, or ongoing personal growth.
Some people choose to attend therapy weekly, while others may go biweekly or monthly, depending on need and progress.
Ultimately, therapy lasts as long as it continues to feel helpful and supportive for you.
Yes, EMDR therapy can be effective when done virtually! I have successfully delivered EMDR via secure video platform. Instead of in-person eye movements, I use techniques like:
On-screen visual tracking (watching a moving dot or object on the screen)
Auditory tones using headphones (alternating left and right)
Tapping (you tap your shoulders, knees, or hands in rhythm, guided by me)
Studies and clinical experience show that virtual EMDR can be just as effective as in-person sessions, especially when the therapist is well-trained in adapting the process for online work. What matters most is the therapeutic relationship and how comfortable and safe you feel during sessions.