Question 1

What is a typical therapy session like?

Accepted Answer

No two sessions will ever be exactly the same because no two people are exactly the same. My therapy services are tailored to each individual client based on your wants and needs. The structure of sessions will, however, be consistent: we will meet virtually through a video link for about an hour (give or take a few minutes), check in briefly at the beginning and spend a few minutes debriefing our session at the end. What happens during the bulk of sessions is really up to you. Some clients like to talk and process their thoughts and experiences, some clients prefer to focus on symptom reduction, goal setting, or skills building. I do offer two modalities of therapy called Brainspotting (BSP) and Internal Family Systems (IFS). Some clients enjoy using those targeted forms of therapy in conjunction with typical talk therapy sessions. We can use BSP and IFS together or separate and for as long or little you would like. Some sessions will be more lighthearted and full of laughter, some might bring up more challenging and complex emotional responses. Whatever comes up in your session, just know I will be here to support you in the way you desire.

Question 2

What is integrative psychology?

Accepted Answer

Integrative psychology is the study of individuals through a empirical research. Unlike Western medicine/traditional psychology which is largely rooted in research using the scientific method, integrative psychology is rooted in observational studies. Integrative psychology often incorporates individual's relationships with others, their environment, and how culture shapes how they perceive themselves, others, and the world around them.

So what does this all mean when it comes to my therapeutic style using Western medicine approaches and integrative psychology?
It means that I incorporate both theoretical concepts proven by scientific methods of research as well as observational methods of research. When working with clients, I take into account the following:
- Your cultural norms
- Social norms of your family of origin and chosen family
- Your relationship to religion or spirituality
- Your relationship to nature and other natural beings (animals/pets)
- Your intersecting identities (race, gender, class, ethnicity, etc.)

Why do I inquire about those factors with my clients?
Those parts of each individual make up who they are as a system. When I work with clients, I work with all of them, not just their set of symptoms. This is important because Western medicine, or traditional psychology approaches, does not always take into account integrative factors like the previously mentioned list. So what might appear abnormal or atypical for one individual might not be for another based on their culture, for example.

Finally, I use Western medicine and integrative psychology because of how complex and interconnected the brain is. There's about 86-100 billion neurons in the brain and about 100 trillion synaptic connections. That means there's more connections between all the parts of ourselves and our symptoms than we'll ever realize. Often, that means that by addressing one concern, you are likely to have a positive cascading effect on many other concerns or symptoms. I believe clients are more likely to experience accelerated progress through a combination of Western medicine/traditional psychology and integrative psychology instead of simply using Western medicine approaches and neglecting the complexities of each individual's identity, relationships, and lived experience.

Question 3

What is Internal Family Systems (IFS)?

Accepted Answer

Internal Family Systems is a psychodynamic approach to therapy that helps identify parts of you that had experiences that may have remained unresolved. If you've ever had a conflicting experience, such as ordering dinner, for example, and thought "A part of me wants to order the sirloin steak, and another part of me is afraid of eating undercooked meat," then you have identified two parts of yourself. One part might prefer to indulge in a meal you don't typically get, while another part is afraid you might get sick from consuming meat that is prepared rare. You might identify the former being an adventurous part and the latter being a skeptical part. Both parts are valid, and sometimes our parts, like a skeptical part, can prevent us from living a comfortable life. For example, skeptical parts can leave us feeling so conflicted we don't make choices that are aligned with what we actually want. You might relate to this if, like in this example, instead of choosing the sirloin steak, you pick a chicken sandwich even though you really wanted beef. Ultimately, leaving you feeling completely dissatisfied. This might seem trivial; however, feeling chronically conflicted, no matter how big or small the issue appears, can make navigating life quite difficult.

In therapy, I'll help support you to identify parts that have struggled with complex experiences such as grief, rejection, perfectionism, anxiety, people pleasing, etc. Once we identify those parts, I'll help you connect with them and unburden them so they don't take over your sense of Self and adversely impact your relationships, career, and identity. If you are interested in learning more about IFS (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/internal-family-systems-therapy)please know I offer complementary 15 minute demos via Zoom.

Question 4

Are your services welcoming for people with disabilities?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In many ways, my services are accessible for people with various disabilities. In some instances, I may not be the best fit for someone depending on their needs. Here's what you should know about my services:
1. Virtual sessions are supported by assistive technology.
2. Sessions can be more accessible if you have a physical disability. You can attend from home and don't have to worry about an office being ADA compliant (although all should be).
3. Virtual sessions can increase independence. For those that rely on others for transportation, you can attend therapy more on your own.
4. I practice soft start and end times. I leave roughly 7 minutes of buffer time between my sessions for folks that struggle with executive dysfunction, high demand careers, high demand lifestyles, and for days when you are simply running late or need a few extra minutes. For example, if a session is at 1pm, you have the entire 1pm hour, 1pm-2pm, to attend your session. We might start at 1pm on some days, and 1:05pm on other days if you are running late. Occasionally, we might start at 1pm and end at 2pm or 2:05pm if you need a few extra minutes.
5. Emotional support animals and service animals are welcome (and encouraged!). If you have an emotional support animal, you can attend therapy virtually with your pet by your side . Although protected by ADA laws which allows service animals public access, if you have a service animal you can attend from the comfort of your own space without having to travel. 
6. Show up to therapy as you wish. For my clients with chronic illness, disease, or pain (and those without), no need to get dressed up. Stay comfortable in your pajamas or loungewear. I want you to be comfortable. If that means lying down in a dark room or with a weighted blanket, stuffed animal, heating pad, eye mask, or while listening to music, that is just fine.
7. You are welcome to stim while in session. Bring your fidget items, snacks, drinks, feel free to move as much or little as you want. If you have tics or stutter, no need to hide that. Show up as your authentic self.
8. Eye contact is not required. I do ask that you leave your camera on during session; however, you do not need to look at me during our sessions. Many of my clients stare off or even close their eyes during sessions. If you are uncomfortable being seen, I offer accommodations to ensure your comfort and safety. Please email or call me to inquire about those accommodations.
9. I welcome clients with selective mutism and those that struggle with verbal communication. Virtual sessions can be conducted by video or phone. If conducted via video and you struggle with verbal communication, we can utilize the chat function for our sessions.
10. I might not be the best fit for you and that's ok. I might not be the best fit for someone that prefers an alternative approach to traditional talk therapy. Some alternatives are play therapy and incorporating art and movement like dance in psychotherapy sessions. I am also not fluent in ASL and would not be a good fit for someone that needs a fluent ASL therapist.

If you have any questions about anything that has not been covered or want clarification on anything mentioned, please reach out.

Question 5

Why don't you offer services in person?

Accepted Answer

I am licensed in three states: Michigan, Georgia, and Florida, so I do not have the ability to see my clients from all three states in person. While I currently reside in Michigan, I spend part of the year residing elsewhere while working remotely. This gives me the ability to prioritize work/life balance, my relationships, sense of Self, continued education through professional trainings and certifications, and as a result and most importantly, provide high quality and uniquely tailored therapeutic services to clients in all three states.

Question 6

What is the cost of therapy?

Accepted Answer

Please see the Fees tab in the FAQ dropdown menu to read about Natalie's fees for therapy.

Question 7

Why aren't you paneled with insurance providers?

Accepted Answer

While health insurance makes receiving therapy more affordable and accessible, it can be a barrier to receiving consistent and high quality therapy services per the needs of each individual.

1. Insurance providers are part of the reason therapy is stigmatized. Insurance providers require a mental health diagnosis/medical necessity to cover therapy services. This means that they view therapy as only necessary if something is "wrong" with you. I do not agree with all the requirements that our insurance/healthcare system puts in place for clients to qualify for coverage of services. The main requirement being how it can pathologize a perfectly normal response to challenging life circumstances. Feeling anxious, depressed, etc. as a result of stress, trauma, social/political issues, and life changes does not mean that anything is wrong with you; however, that's how insurance providers view these responses which is why they cover therapy services. And when you process, grow, heal, or develop skills to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, etc., you may not quality to receive coverage for therapy.

2. You deserve an attuned, attentive, and energized therapist. With advanced degrees and continued educational training, therapists are among the lowest paid medical providers in healthcare. This can result in therapists needing to see more clients to make a living which can drive down the attentiveness and quality of care clients receive. Trust me, you do not want to be a therapist's eighth-tenth client of the day. You are likelier to see a provider experiencing compassion fatigue and exhaustion.

3. I believe you should have full autonomy over your therapeutic journey. I don't want clients to feel stigmatized due to a diagnosis. You are more than a medical code and more than a set of symptoms. If I find a diagnosis is fitting based on your symptoms, history, and presenting concerns, and you would benefit from additional services, we can make that decision together, and I can formally give you a diagnosis to support your treatment goals. This, however, will never be mandated, unlike what insurance providers require. Please read more about additional reasons why clinicians choose not to get paneled with insurance providers. (https://www.huffpost.com/entry/therapy-expensive-insurance_n_5900048ee4b0af6d718992e7)

Question 8

Tell me more about out of network (OON) benefits and reimbursement.

Accepted Answer

If you have health insurance, you might have out of network benefits. This means your insurance provider has permitted you to seek healthcare services with providers that are not in network, or paneled, with your insurance provider. OON benefits allows you to see any provider, usually, without prior authorization and they will reimburse you after you have paid for those healthcare services. How does this work when it comes to mental health therapy?
1. You must qualify for a mental health diagnosis which can be given by a previous therapist or given by Natalie after your first session.
2. You'll then see Natalie for continued therapy sessions at her standard rate, $175.
3. Let's say you have BCBS and they will reimburse you after you paid for therapy. You would need to call the customer service line on the back of your insurance card and ask them the reimbursement rate for a one hour, behavioral health appointment. Or, a 53 minute session, billing code 90837.
**Their policy might be something similar to the following: The amount of your reimbursement check will be the approved amount net your applicable member cost share (deductible, copay or coinsurance). The approved amount could be less than the amount your out-of-network provider charges.
Please ask your insurance provider for specifics so that you have a clear understanding of the amount they will reimburse you for each session.
4. Once you determine your OON benefits, you'll receive a superbill at the beginning of each month for services rendered the month prior. On that superbill will be information required by your insurance provider to file for reimbursement including the billing code for your session, your legal name, address, and contact information, your diagnosis, dates of services rendered, payment for services, and Natalie's credentials as a licensed therapist.
5. You  will then take that superbill and submit a claim to your insurance provider. Claims can take up to 30 days to be processed, but please check with your insurance provider beforehand to determine the processing time.
6. Once your claim is processed, you'll be reimbursed for therapy services.
Please follow up with your insurance provider for clarification prior to scheduling sessions.

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