FAQs

Absolutely not. I don't have an agenda for your relationship—my role is to help you see your situation clearly, understand your patterns, and make decisions that align with your values, needs, and safety. Some clients choose to leave their relationships, some choose to stay and work on themselves, and some need time to figure out what's right for them. All of these paths are valid, and I'm here to support you wherever you are in that process.

I use an integrative approach, drawing from evidence-based methods including Person-Centered Therapy (PCT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Informed Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy. This means we'll look at how your thoughts, feelings, and past experiences influence your current patterns and relationships. My approach is collaborative—you're the expert on your life, and I'm here to provide guidance, support, and tools to help you reach your goals.

Therapy for emotional abuse addresses the unique dynamics of manipulative and controlling relationships—things like gaslighting, trauma bonding, and coercive control. It also focuses on rebuilding your sense of self, learning to trust your own perceptions again, and understanding why certain patterns developed. I understand the confusion, shame, and complexity that come with these relationships, and I won't minimize your experience or rush you toward any particular outcome.

That's completely okay. The label isn't what matters—what matters is that you're experiencing something that doesn't feel right and you need support. We can talk about what's happening in your relationship using whatever language feels comfortable for you. Some clients never use the word "abuse," and that's fine. The goal is clarity and healing, not labeling.

No, I only offer individual and group therapy. If you're in a relationship where there's emotional abuse, manipulation, or coercive control, couples therapy is typically not recommended and can actually be harmful. In these situations, individual therapy is the safest and most effective approach. If you're interested in couples therapy for other relationship concerns, I'm happy to provide referrals.

Currently I accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna and United Healthcare/Optum. However, in 2026 I will gradually phase out accepting insurance. This is due to concerns about increased demands by insurance companies to dictate your care and access your private health information. I will give you plenty of notice before this happens.

Once I am an out-of-network provider, I won't bill insurance directly. However, many of my clients are able to get reimbursement from their insurance company for out-of-network mental health services. I can provide you with a superbill (receipt) to submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement. I also partner with Mentaya, a service that helps clients navigate out-of-network benefits and file claims. You can check your out-of-network benefits using the link in my website footer.

You can find current rates on my Insurance & Rates page.

Yes! I offer secure, HIPAA-compliant online therapy for clients throughout Louisiana, Florida, and Virginia. I also see clients in person at my Baton Rouge office. Online therapy is a great option if you prefer the privacy and convenience of meeting from home, or if you're not local to Baton Rouge.

Sessions are typically 50-55 minutes and are held weekly or bi-weekly, depending on your needs and goals.

Most clients start with weekly sessions, especially in the beginning when we're building momentum and you're working through immediate challenges. As you make progress, we may move to bi-weekly sessions. Ultimately, the frequency is based on what works best for you and your goals.

This varies for each person depending on your goals and circumstances. Some clients find relief and clarity within a few months, while others benefit from longer-term support as they navigate leaving a relationship, rebuilding their lives, or working through deeper patterns. We'll check in regularly about your progress and adjust as needed. There's no predetermined timeline—therapy is as long or short as you need it to be.

I require at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling. If you cancel with less than 24 hours' notice, you'll be charged the full session fee. I understand that emergencies happen, and I'm willing to be flexible in those situations.

Yes. Everything you share in therapy is confidential and protected by law. I cannot share any information about you or our sessions without your written permission. The only exceptions are if you're in immediate danger of harming yourself or someone else, if there's suspected abuse of a child or vulnerable adult, or if I'm legally required to release information by court order (which is extremely rare).

Your privacy is important, and I take it seriously. Here are some steps you can take to protect your privacy:

• Use a private email address that your partner doesn't have access to

• Save my contact information under a different name in your phone

• Schedule sessions when your partner isn't around, or use online therapy from a private location

• Let me know if you have specific safety concerns, and we can discuss a safety plan together

All of my billing and communication is discreet. If you're concerned about your partner discovering you're in therapy, we can talk about strategies to keep your sessions confidential during our first call.

No. Your therapy records are protected by law and are confidential. Your partner cannot access your records, even if you're married, unless you provide written authorization. The only exception would be if there's a court order, which is rare and would require a legal process.

If you're concerned about your physical safety, please let me know immediately. We can work together on a safety plan, and I can connect you with local resources like domestic violence shelters and legal advocacy. Your safety is the top priority. If you're in immediate danger, please call 911 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

Yes. Emotional abuse happens to people of all backgrounds, education levels, and careers. Being intelligent, capable, and accomplished doesn't make you immune—in fact, abusers often target people with these traits. Many of my clients are professionals, high-achievers, and strong individuals who simply didn't recognize the patterns until they were deeply entrenched. You're not alone, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Many people struggle with this question, especially those who've been made to doubt themselves or feel like they're "not doing enough." The truth is, patterns in emotionally abusive relationships are designed to be confusing, isolating, and hard to break. You don't have to do this alone. Therapy provides perspective, validation, and tools that are difficult to access on your own. Seeking support isn't a sign of weakness—it's an act of self-care and courage.

That's completely normal and incredibly common. Love and abuse can coexist, which is one of the reasons these relationships are so confusing and painful. You can love someone and still recognize that the relationship is hurting you. We'll explore these conflicting feelings together without judgment. You don't have to stop loving someone to prioritize your own wellbeing.

One of the hallmarks of emotional abuse is that it makes you question your own reality. Many of my clients worry they're being "too sensitive" or "making a big deal out of nothing." If you feel the need to search for answers, if something doesn't feel right, if you're reading this FAQ—those are signs that your concerns are valid. In therapy, we'll work on rebuilding trust in your own perceptions and experiences.

Never. I'm not here to tell you what to do with your relationship. My job is to help you see your situation clearly, understand your options, explore your patterns, and make decisions that are right for you—not to push you in any direction. You're in control of your own choices, and I respect whatever path you choose.

No. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I'm not able to prescribe medication. However, if medication might be helpful for your symptoms (such as anxiety or depression), I can coordinate with your primary care doctor or refer you to a psychiatrist or nurse practitioner who can evaluate whether medication is appropriate.

I use a secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform to ensure your privacy and confidentiality. You'll receive a link before each session—just click it at your appointment time, and we'll connect. No special software or downloads are required.

I only offer sessions during the day on weekdays. For current availability, you can view my schedule here or call me at (225) 244-6163.

While I'm not available for crisis support between sessions, you can send me a brief email if something urgent comes up, and I'll respond within 24-48 business hours. Keep in mind that email is not HIPAA-secure, so I recommend using the client portal to send a secure message. If you're in crisis and need immediate support, please call 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.