It’s such a weird feeling, talking about myself. After all, my clients are the ones who should do the talking- not me.
What might be helpful is for you to know a few things: I believe that a warm, non-judgmental and empathetic relationship with a skilled therapist is the most important part of therapy. I also believe in the power of connection and taking care of the simple things (eating good food, sleep, moving your body) for good mental health. Values are important.
I believe that you are the expert in you. You are in the driver’s seat. To borrow from psychologist Russ Harris, I think of therapy as two people climbing a mountain. I’m on my mountain over here, and you’re on your own mountain. I’m not any higher than you, but maybe I can see things on your mountain (obstacles, ice, yetis) that you can’t see. So maybe I point those out to you and help you climb a little higher. But you’re the one climbing and you have the control.
My approach is person-centric, warm and led by your unique values. My way of counseling is informed by ACT therapy, which emphasizes acceptance, attention to the present moment and opening up.
Where are You?
I use a combination of teletherapy and in-person counseling. My office is in downtown Rutland, VT. Teletherapy means that I can work with any Vermont resident from the comfort of their own home/ office/ car. The software I use is HIPPA compliant. Caveat: when using online therapy, it’s important for you to have a place that’s private. I also have in-person sessions each week in Rutland, Vermont.
Rates & Insurance
My current private-pay rate for therapy is $130 per individual and $210 for couples. I currently accept Blue Cross/ Blue Shield, MVP, and Medicaid for insurance.
Cancellations
Cancellations are appreciated within 24 hours. Everyone forgets now and again, and I understand that, which is why one “Oops, I forgot” or “Yikes, something happened five minutes ago” cancellation is complementary. After that, I will charge $50 for cancellations made within 24 hours.
More than 2 cancellations or no-shows without 24 hours notice may result in a charge for services. If it’s a pattern, we should look into why it’s happening 🙂
What is Therapy Like?
During our first session, I’ll get a sense of your history and what I can do for you. We might spend some time talking about what you’d like to get out of our time together. In the next few sessions, we might talk about a plan and some goals. You set the pace, though. Then, we’ll see each other weekly. Sometimes that weekly session will turn into a bi-weekly or once monthly session, depending on your preferences. I like to check in around session 5 or 6 and see how you’re doing, just to make sure we’re still working well together. Then based on how things are going, we can continue with therapy or take another path.
What Therapy (with me) Is Not
Telling you what to do. I generally try my best to not give advice or tell you what to do. After all, no one likes to be told what to do, right?
Showing you inkblots and asking what you see in them. I love inkblots as decorations, but there’s no scientific evidence around them being good for diagnosing anything.
Lying on a couch and talking while I take notes. I do take notes, but lying on my couch is optional. There are some therapies where the therapist just listens and nods, but I really like an engaged, active session and I hope you do, too.
Medication prescription. I am not licensed to prescribe medication, but we can talk about options for medication if that is a good option for treatment.
My Story
As for me, I originated from the land of red clay, peaches, preachers and peanuts: Georgia. Raised in a solidly middle class family, I ran towards a life of instability in the theater. I was fortunate to get a Master’s degree in acting, which I like to refer to as my “degree in make-believe.” What this degree gave me was a strong work ethic, a capacity for deep empathy and keen listening skills. I eventually moved to Vermont, which has been my home for well over a decade. Gosh, it’s cold here.
I graduated with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from NVU (now VTSU) in 2024 after interning with Castleton University (now VTSU) and Rutland Mental Health. I am currently pursuing training in couples counseling through the Gottman Institute because relationships can be tricky and I’d like to help.
I love people. I spent over 20 years digging into acting roles and finding ways to understand and relate to the characters I played. I believe that people are wonderful and complex and fascinating and it’s this feeling that propelled me to pursue counseling. What better way to spend my time than to help people find their light, become inspired, heal, and navigate the stressors- the slings and arrows- of life. Did I mention my acting program was Shakespeare-centric?
How Can I Help?
If you’d like to see if we’re a good team, give me a call. We’ll set up a 15 minute call and see how we can work together.
Bright Spark Counseling LLC 