FAQ
I know starting therapy can come with a lot of questions. Here are some of the most common ones I hear. If you don’t see your question here, feel free to reach out—I’m happy to help.
Do you take insurance?
I do not accept insurance. I provide out-of-network services, and after our session I can provide you with a superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. Coverage varies by plan, please check with your insurance provider for details regarding your coverage.
Why don't you take insurance?
The short answer is working outside of insurance creates more flexibility, freedom, and privacy. This also allows our work to unfold without pressure or urgency and the work to be shaped by who you are, rather than what needs to be fixed.
- Open Path Collective is a nonprofit network that connects clients to therapists offering sessions at significantly reduced rates ($40-$70).
- Mosaic Counseling serves the mental health needs of Kent and Ottawa Counties through accessible and affordable professional counseling by connecting individuals to personalized support in their time of need.
Do you offer consultations?
I offer a free 20 minute phone consultation/ connection call for anyone inquiring about services I offer. During this phone call we discuss what you are looking for, determine if we are a good fit, and potentially set up an appointment. My main goal is to support you, so if it turns out I’m not the right fit, I’ll help you find someone who is.
What is the first step in starting work with you and what populations do you work with?
The first step is to set up an initial consultation call with me. This 20-minute call is free of charge and gives us the chance to notice if it feels like a good fit. Click here to schedule. At this time I work with adults (18+).
How do I book an appointment?
To schedule a free consultation or any other appointment, please click any of the Schedule buttons on my website or right here. Select either “I’m a new client” to schedule a call, or “I’m an existing client” to log in. If you have any issues, please call me at 616-284-1604.
Do you offer in person or virtual appointments?
Both! I can meet with you in office, for a walk and talk session (once we’ve established therapeutic rapport) or via a telehealth platform.
Do you provide psychotherapy services to people outside of Michigan?
Currently, I only provide psychotherapy services for residents of Michigan.
How often should I come to therapy?
How often, and for how long you might come to therapy depends on many factors. Together, this is something we can discuss further. Typically, I recommend starting with weekly sessions to help establish a strong therapeutic relationship. Then we can determine if biweekly or intensive sessions are an appropriate option. Ultimately, we will work to find a rhythm that supports your growth.
Where is the office located?
The office is located at 2424 Burton St SE, Suite #202. There is parking around the building. You will enter the building through the main entrance and take the stairs down to the lower level. The office is located at the end of the hallway on your right. Entrance to the building is NOT handicap accessible. If needed, please contact me so we can make arrangements.
What is your cancellation policy?
When you book a session with me, this time is set aside for you. I kindly ask that if needed, you cancel your appointment as soon as you need to. Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice will be charged a cancellation fee.
Do you provide immediate or crisis support?
I am not available for immediate or crisis support. In the event of an emergency, please call/text 988, call 911, or visit your local emergency room, hospital, or Pine Rest Psychiatric Urgent Care. If you feel you need support right away, please contact Network 180 at 616-336-3909.
Do you offer LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy?
Yes, Rising Resilient is an inclusive and affirming practice committed to providing a space that is safe and supportive of all identities.
How is integrative somatic therapy different from talk therapy?
Integrative somatic therapy works with thoughts and memories, along with the nervous system and body. Many trauma responses are held in the nervous system and somatic approaches help to process these experiences, that words often can’t, more fully.
What does an integrative somatic session look like?
It is a departure from traditional “neck-up” talk therapy, and a collaborative process of “listening” to the story your nervous system is telling, prioritizing the wisdom of the body alongside the insights of the mind. While every session is uniquely attuned to your needs, a typical experience follows a rhythmic flow of grounding, noticing, and integrating.
Supported
Nearly Empty Bottle
Standard
Half Full Bottle
Stabilizer
Almost Full Bottle
A self-pay sliding scale is an economic justice tool that makes services, in this case, therapy, more accessible while also ensuring sustainability for the practitioner/therapist. We each carry different responsibilities, expenses, and privileges that shape our financial reality. When choosing your fee, it is important to consider both your current circumstances and the resources available to you. This adaptable method thrives on agency, honesty, trust, and collective care, ensuring that people get the support they need without draining their already limited reserves. (I trust you to be honest about your economic reality and recognize the difference between a sacrifice and a financial strain).
Self-Pay Sliding Scale
An economic justice approach aimed to make services more accessible, while also ensuring sustainability for the practitioner.
Supported
- I frequently stress about meeting basic* needs & don’t always achieve them
- I have debt and it sometimes prohibits me from meeting my basic needs
- I rent lower-end properties or have unstsable housing
- I do not have a car and/or have limited access to a car, but am not always able to afford gas
- I am unemployed or underemployed
- I qualify for government assistance including food stamps & health care
- I have no access to savings
- I have no or very limited expendable** income
- I rarely buy new items because I am unable to afford them
- I cannot afford a vacation or have the ability to take time off without financial burden
Standard
- I may stress about meeting my basic* needs but still regularly achieve them
- I may have some debt but it does not prohibit attainment of basic needs
- I own or lease a car
- I am employed
- I have access to health care
- I might have access to financial savings
- I have some expendable** income
- I am able to buy some new items & I thrift others
- I can take a vacation annually or every few years without financial burden
Stabilizer
- I am comfortably able to meet all of my basic* needs
- I may have some debt but it does not prohibit attainment of basic needs
- I own my home or property or I rent a higher-end property
- I own or lease a car
- I am employed or do not need to work to meet my needs
- I have regular access to health care
- I have access to financial savings
- I have an expendable** income
- I can buy new items
- I can afford an annual vacation or take time off
*Basic needs include: food, housing, healthcare, and transportation
**Expendable Income: You are able to buy coffee, go to events, dine out, buy new items, etc. each month
Based on and adapted from The Sliding Scale: A tool of Economic Justice by Alexis J. Cunningfolk and Fiddlehead Therapy’s adaptation of the Green Bottle Method.