Working together

Research keeps finding that the relationship between client and therapist is one of the strongest predictors of whether therapy helps. A good fit feels like somewhere you can be honest, where you feel understood rather than analyzed, and where you trust I’ll be straight with you. You don’t need to feel all of that in the first session. But if something feels off, tell me.

Adults living with anxiety, depression, and the lingering effects of trauma. That includes people who look fine from the outside but feel constantly on edge, and people who’ve carried something heavy for a long time without words for it. My background in intensive programs means I’m comfortable with intensity, including self-harm and suicidal thoughts.

I see adults 18 and older, so no children or teens. I’m also not the right fit if you need crisis-level or inpatient care, or primary treatment for an eating disorder. If that’s you, I’ll help you find someone who is.

You’re not alone, and it doesn’t mean therapy can’t work for you. I’d like to hear what felt wrong last time so we can do it differently. And if I’m still not the right fit, I’ll help point you somewhere better.

There’s rarely a perfect one. Many people wait until things feel unbearable, but therapy works just as well when you’re simply tired of carrying something alone. If you’re in an acute crisis, a higher level of care may be the right first step, and I’ll help you find it.

Sessions are $150. I also offer a sliding scale down to about $65, decided in a private conversation about what’s sustainable for you. I don’t bill insurance directly, but I provide a superbill you can submit for possible out-of-network reimbursement. The 15-minute consultation is always free.

Sessions run 53 to 60 minutes. There’s no set number. Some people come for a focused 8 to 12 sessions around one concern; others working through long-standing trauma stay for several months or more. We’ll keep checking that it’s actually helping.

Telehealth means you can meet from home, or from your parked car on a lunch break. Many people start weekly and move to every other week once things settle. Therapy should take stress off your plate, not add to it.

My office is in Chapel Hill, designed to feel grounding rather than clinical. I also offer secure video to anyone located in North Carolina at the time of the session. Lots of clients mix both.

Cancel at least 24 hours ahead and there’s no charge. Late cancellations and missed sessions are $50. True emergencies I handle case by case. The full details are in my payment and cancellation policy.

Payment is due on the day of each session. You’ll save a card securely in my client portal during intake, and it’s charged after we meet. Card payments are processed by Stripe, so I never see or store your full card number.

Yes. I follow HIPAA and the NASW Code of Ethics, and I use encrypted, HIPAA-compliant tools for records, email, and video. I won’t confirm you’re a client to anyone without your written permission. The legal exceptions are a serious risk that you’ll harm yourself or someone else, abuse of a child, elder, or disabled adult, or a court order. We’ll go over this in our first session.

Secure email and my HIPAA-compliant client portal, for scheduling and quick logistics. I usually reply within one business day. Bigger things are best saved for session, where they get real attention.

I’m not available for 24/7 crisis support. If you’re in danger or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988, call 911, or go to your nearest emergency room. Once you’re safe, let me know and we’ll decide next steps together.

Yes. You’re always in charge of whether we continue. If you decide to stop, I’ll ask for a closing conversation if you’re open to it, and offer referrals if you want them.

Before our first session you’ll complete intake paperwork through my secure portal, including an informed consent form. It explains how therapy works, my policies, and your rights. It’s an agreement, not a lock-in. You can still stop anytime.

When we start, like you can finally set down some of what you’ve been carrying. When we finish, lighter, or at least clearer. Trauma work doesn’t always wrap up neatly in an hour, but I’ll always make sure you leave grounded and ready for the rest of your day.

That it’s lying on a couch rehashing your childhood while someone nods silently. Good therapy is a collaboration, and it’s active. You also don’t have to be “broken” to deserve it. And we’re not judging you. Honestly, we’ve heard it all, and we’re usually just glad you came.

AI tools can offer information and even some comfort, and they’re not the enemy. But healing from anxiety and trauma happens in relationship, with a person who notices your body language, remembers what you said three weeks ago, and answers to a license and a code of ethics. I also know the real resources in our community, and I’m bound by confidentiality laws in a way an app isn’t.

It’s just me. Dappled Light is my own practice, not a stop on the way to something else, so you won’t be handed off when staff turns over. If anything ever changes, you’ll get plenty of notice and help finding a good next step.

No, but I’m happy to coordinate with your prescriber. I also don’t do custody evaluations or forensic assessments. If you need those, I can help you find someone who does.

North Carolina requires ongoing continuing education for LCSWs. I focus mine on evidence-based approaches for anxiety and trauma, keep adding training like EMDR and DBT, and consult regularly with trusted colleagues.