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Frequently Asked Questions
Maybe it is your first time coming to counseling, or maybe you've gone before, but you have some specific questions. Here I answer frequently asked questions about counseling, EMDR and what it is like to be a client with Seeds of Sage counseling.
Who do you work with?
I work with individuals over 18 experiencing recurrent patterns of hypervigilance, anxiety, relational challenges, difficulty processing and managing emotions, avoidance and feeling stuck, shame, emotional numbness, people pleasing, suicidal thought, and more.
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I frequently work with PTSD, anxiety, and complex trauma. I also regularly work with BPD (borderline personality disorder), OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), bipolar, and ADHD.
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I do not provide care for children, couples, or families.
What methods do you use?
My primary method for therapy is EMDR and it informs all stages and aspects of the care that I provide, while integrating other approaches to enhance our work together.
I support you in identifying goals using a solution-focused approach. I help you develop positive coping strategies using a strength-base approach, DBT skills training, compassion-focused therapy, nature-informed therapy, expressive arts, and more.
I integrate narrative therapy, Gestalt therapy, and an IFS-informed approach to support you in understanding and exploring yourself on a deeper level while engaging in reprocessing.
I also use role-play, psychodrama, and exposure strategies, including ERP, to support you in stepping outside of your comfort zone inside and outside of session.
What are your qualifications?
I am a LMHCA (licensed mental health counseling associate) in WA state under the supervision of Ronda Hain. I have a masters degree in clinician mental health counseling from Adams State University and a bachelors degree in interdisciplinary studies with a focus on psychology of health and healing, peace and conflict studies, and environmental studies.
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I have been practicing as a clinician for 4 years and am fully trained in EMDR with 70 hours of professional training on standard, advanced, and intensive protocols to treat complex trauma, OCD, and specific phobias using ERP. I have spent over 250 hours with clients engaging in EMDR and continue to receive consultation from experts certified in EMDR to support my clients and my practice.
What kind of goals do people achieve in therapy with Seeds of Sage Counseling?
​These are examples of goals that client's have achieved while working with us:
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Increased Confidence
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Increased Self-Compassion and Compassion for Others
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Increase in Positive Coping Strategies
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Increased Social Support and Sense of Connection to Community and Environment
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Reduced Frequency and Intensity of Panic and Anxiety
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Decrease in Mental Health Medications
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Reduced Frequency of Nightmares
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Decreased Avoidance of Triggers for Anxiety and PTSD
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Decreased Physical Response to Triggers for Anxiety and PTSD
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Decreased Emotional Reactivity to Triggers for PTSD, Anxiety, and BPD
How long does progress take?
Therapy is as effective as the effort you put into it, and even with intensive therapy, progress takes time. I see clients reach goals as quickly as 3-6 months, and others take longer. Your history, symptoms, and specific goals also impact the length of treatment. Call for a consultation to find out more about the process at Seeds of Sage Counseling. Intensives last 2-6 hours per day and standard sessions are around 1 hour.
What do the first few sessions look like?
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Consultation Call: We chat on the phone about who you are, your goals for therapy, and what you're seeking. I share more about myself and my approach and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you have about Seeds of Sage.
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Paperwork: I know, it sucks, and I send you a lot of it, but it is because I want to get a good idea of your baseline before we start working together, screening for anxiety, depression, PTSD, dissociation, and more.
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Session 1: Holistic Assessment, a two hour session spent learning all about you and all the areas of your life, your present and past struggles, and spending a lot of time getting clear about your goals for the future.
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Session 2: Finishing up anything we didn't get to for the assessment, and exploring in depth your existing and lacking coping strategies. From here, we start diving the ERP and EMDR processes of identifying exposures or targets. By this session you are leaving with tangible actions toward your goals.
What are your rates?
Free - Initial Consultation
$250 - Holistic Assessment (2 hours)
$150 - Standard Session (1 hour)​​​
$120 - Intensive Hourly Rate
$60 - Less the 24 hour notice for cancellations.
While EMDR is my primary focus, it can be done with space between sessions. Therapy should not contribute to an increase in your stress financially. When working with clients who are only able to meet every couple of weeks or once a month, I work with you to identify ways to support you in making the most progress you can, both inside and outside of session, so that you can get the most bang for your buck.
Do you take Insurance?
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No. I am not currently contracted with any insurance companies. There are several options for you to consider when paying out of pocket for therapy. Ultimately, if you want to work with me, I want to work with you and work together to figure out how to get you the care you want and need to achieve your goals and live your best life.
What if I can't afford it?
More questions? Contact us directly!