FAQ’s
I don’t live near Gower, MO. Can I still get help?
If you live in the state of Missouri or Iowa online teletherapy can be an easy, convenient way to get help. Teletherapy is an option upon request and as appropriate for your needs.
What ages do you see?
I thoroughly enjoy working with teens, women, couples, and young adults. I have experience in all ages and family systems. I specialize in working with women and mom through life’s busy times.
What can I expect during my first appointment?
You’ll enter a relaxing atmosphere where we can get to know each other better. After your 20-30 tele-health consultation you’ll be sent the rest of your paperwork electronically so you don’t have to waste time signing forms during our 1st meeting. We’ll complete an intake where we discuss your history, what you would like to achieve in therapy and what the process will look like. It lasts an average of 45 minutes. Your initial intake appointment is an opportunity to get to know each other. We'll discuss what brings you to therapy, your goals, your history, and answer any questions you may have. There is no pressure to share everything at once. Once we feel established with the intake, we will get started with your first session.
Do you accept insurance?
I accept private pay. I am an out of network provider for most insurance companies. For more information on using your out of network benefits for therapy, click here. Often clients are able to use their Health Savings Account to pay for sessions and/or received out of network reimbursement from their insurance as long as you have a card to enter into the system. Upon request, I can supply you with a “super bill” so you can turn this into your insurance company quarterly for reimbursement. You will be responsible for payment upon completion of each therapy session.
How long am I going to be in therapy for?
Your therapy journey depends on your needs and progress. It can vary from person to person on how long therapy lasts. On average I tell clients to expect at least 6 months of therapy, and often a year or longer. My clients often have maintenance sessions every so often following this.
How do you accept payments?
I accept credits cards, checks and cash. All checks can be made out to Conversation Peace Wellness, LLC. Also, health savings accounts are frequently able to be used.
How do I know if therapy is right for me?
Therapy can be helpful for anyone experiencing stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, life transitions, grief, trauma, or simply wanting greater self-awareness and personal growth. You don't need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy.
What can therapy help with?
Therapy can support a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, stress, relationship difficulties, trauma, parenting challenges, life transitions, self-esteem, emotional regulation, and personal growth.
Do I need a mental health diagnosis to attend therapy?
No. Many people seek therapy for support, personal growth, life transitions, relationship concerns, stress management, or to gain tools for navigating life's challenges. Since I am a private pay clinic, I do not need to justify to the insurance company that you meet full criteria for a diagnosis and you don’t have to worry that a diagnosis was given without meeting the full criteria. Life is hard, this is where therapy can help.
What if I don't know what to talk about?
That's completely okay. Many clients start therapy knowing they aren't feeling like themselves but aren't sure why. We'll work together to explore what's contributing to your concerns.
Will therapy make me feel worse before I feel better?
Sometimes discussing difficult experiences can bring up uncomfortable emotions. This is often a normal part of the healing process, and your therapist will help you navigate these feelings safely and at a pace that feels manageable.
What if I've tried therapy before and it didn't help?
Every therapist and therapeutic relationship is different. A strong connection with your therapist is one of the most important factors in successful therapy. It might not have been the right timing for you either. Sometimes it takes us being fully ready and open to make changes in life.
Can therapy help if I'm not sure what's wrong?
Yes. Therapy can help you gain clarity, understand patterns, identify stressors, and develop insight into what may be contributing to your struggles.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes. What you discuss in therapy is confidential, with a few legal and ethical exceptions related to safety concerns, abuse reporting, or court orders. When we need to bring in family members or someone else into the discussion we can work together to see if that is the best decision. Otherwise, this is your safe place to unload.
What if I become emotional during a session?
Emotions are a normal part of therapy. Therapy is a safe space where you can express your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Emotions are the bodies way of telling us something and expressing them can help you make significant progress in therapy. I welcome your emotions.
What type of therapy do you provide?
Our approach is individualized and may incorporate evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-informed approaches, attachment-focused therapy, NeuroAffective Relational Model, Affective Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), and other modalities based on your needs. I will work within these modalities in therapy and you fully understand that we are using these approaches. They will be easy and unnoticeable most of the time but will help you to progress in your therapy.
Do you provide Trauma Therapy?
Yes. We work with individuals who have experienced trauma, difficult life experiences, attachment wounds, and other experiences that continue to impact their daily lives.
Do I have to talk about my trauma?
No. Therapy moves at your pace. You will never be forced to discuss anything before you are ready.
Do you offer in-person and telehealth appointments?
Yes. We offer both in-person sessions in Gower, Missouri. Gower is a small town that sits between St. Joseph and Smithville. We are 25 minutes from Cameron and 15 minutes from Faucett and Dearborn. I also do telehealth appointments for clients located in Missouri and Iowa.