FAQ's
What Is My Role as Your Therapist?
As your therapist, my role is to create and hold a safe, confidential, and nurturing space where you can express your thoughts, emotions, and experiences freely—without fear of judgment. My approach is compassionate yet intentional. I'm here to encourage, inspire, guide, and challenge you in ways that support growth, healing, and clarity.
In our work together, I may:
• Ask thought-provoking questions
• Offer supportive feedback and reflections
• Use scaling tools to track your growth
• Assign practical homework or exercises to deepen insight
• Provide affirming validation and accountability
Above all, I’m here to be a consistent, empathetic presence—someone who truly listens and walks beside you as you navigate your mental wellness journey.
What Is the Client’s Role in Therapy?
Your role is essential in the therapeutic process. While I provide guidance, you set the direction and pace. Therapy is a collaborative space where you have the freedom to determine what feels safe to share, what goals you want to pursue, and when you're ready to take the next step.
As a client, your responsibilities include:
• Being open and honest in sessions
• Attending sessions consistently
• Letting me know what is or isn’t working
• Participating in your growth process—in and outside of sessions
Unless therapy is court-mandated, you are in control of what we explore. You’ll never be pressured to speak about something before you’re ready. This is your time, your space, and your journey.
What Is My Goal as a Therapist?
While I provide care for clients of all backgrounds, my deepest passion is to support and uplift the African American community. Representation in mental health matters. I aim to break the stigma around therapy and make healing more accessible, relatable, and culturally relevant.
My goal is to help you:
• Heal from emotional pain and past trauma
• Discover your strengths and build emotional resilience
• Experience lasting personal growth and freedom
• Feel affirmed in your identity and safe in your story
Therapy is a sacred space, and I approach it as both a profession and a calling. I see this work as a God-given gift—one I steward with integrity, skill, and heartfelt care.
What Does a Systemic Perspective Mean in Therapy?
I practice therapy through a systemic lens, meaning I don’t just focus on your symptoms—I look at how all areas of your life impact your mental health. We are shaped by so much more than our internal experiences alone.
A systemic approach considers:
• Family background and relationship patterns
• Cultural and racial identity
• Work, school, and financial pressures
• Physical health and stress
• Spirituality and life purpose
• Past trauma and community environment
This holistic view helps us understand not only what you're feeling, but why—and how to build solutions that are sustainable and meaningful in your real life.
What Makes My Services Unique?
I bring over 12 years of clinical experience paired with a lifetime of lived experience to this work. Currently offering telehealth sessions, I make therapy convenient, confidential, and accessible—especially for those who may have difficulty accessing in-person services.
What truly sets me apart:
I am African American, and I understand the emotional, cultural, and generational challenges our community faces when it comes to mental health.
My thesis research explored why African Americans and Hispanic Americans access therapy less often than White Americans and how culturally responsive care can change that.
I bring clinical expertise, cultural humility, and spiritual discernment to the therapy space—combining professional tools with intuitive care.
I show up with passion, warmth, and authenticity. This is more than a job for me—it’s a purpose. I put my heart into helping you feel seen, heard, and whole.
Why Pay Out of Pocket Instead of Using Insurance?
There are many benefits to paying out of pocket for therapy, and many clients choose this route for greater privacy, flexibility, and control. Here are a few reasons why self-pay may be the right choice for you:
1. Full Confidentiality
When you pay out of pocket, your mental health information stays private between you and your therapist. Insurance companies often require a mental health diagnosis and access to treatment notes to approve sessions—which can feel invasive. Self-pay protects your privacy and dignity.
2. No Diagnosis Required
Many insurance plans require a mental health diagnosis to cover therapy. However, you don’t have to be “mentally ill” to benefit from therapy. Paying privately allows you to seek help for everyday stress, life transitions, or personal growth without needing a label.
3. Greater Freedom in Treatment
Insurance companies may limit how many sessions you can have or dictate what type of therapy is “allowed.” With self-pay, you and your therapist decide together what’s best for your needs—no restrictions or delays.
4. Better Fit with Your Therapist
When you're not restricted by insurance networks, you have more freedom to choose a therapist who truly aligns with your values, identity, and goals. This can lead to a stronger therapeutic connection and more effective outcomes.
5. No Surprise Billing or Rejected Claims
Insurance companies can deny claims unexpectedly, leaving clients with surprise bills. With self-pay, you always know exactly what you're paying—with no hidden costs or insurance red tape.
Final Thoughts
Investing in therapy is an investment in your healing, your peace, and your future. Whether you're navigating trauma, managing anxiety, seeking clarity, or simply wanting to feel better, therapy can be the space where change begins—safely and authentically.
I would be honored to support you in that journey.
Let’s get your mind right—together.