FAQS
Starting therapy brings up a lot of questions. That makes sense. You're trusting someone with parts of yourself you may not have said out loud before. Below are the things most people wonder about before we meet. If you don't see yours here, ask during our free consultation.
Getting Started
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If you're wondering whether it could help, that question is usually a yes. Therapy isn't just for crisis moments. It's for anyone who wants to feel more like themselves — more connected, more at ease, more at home in their own body and relationships. If something isn't feeling the way you want it to, that's enough.
Not sure where to begin? Start here →
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Yes. Many people start on their own. If couples work would help later, it would be with a different clinician, so your individual space stays yours.
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That's completely normal. Most of my clients feel nervous before our first meeting—it takes courage to reach out. During our free consultation, we'll talk informally about what's bringing you to therapy, and you can get a sense of whether we're a good fit. There's no pressure, and you're in control of how much you share and when.
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During our first appointment we will cover three main areas:
We'll talk about what's bringing you in and the parts of your history that matter here, at your pace.
I'll share how I work and how my approach fits what you're carrying.
We'll decide together whether we're a good fit. The relationship between you and your therapist is the strongest predictor of change, so it matters to me that you find the right person, whether that's me or someone else.
Sex Therapy, EFT, & Identity
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Sex therapy is talk therapy. No touch, no nudity, ever. We look at how your body, your history, your identity, and the way you attach shape your sex life, at your pace and without judgment.
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An AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist has specialized, supervised training in desire, identity, shame, and the body, far beyond what a general counseling license covers. That means sex is something we can talk about openly, not a topic to work around.
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EFT is a research-supported, attachment-based approach that helps you understand the emotional patterns underneath how you connect, pull away, or protect yourself, with partners and with yourself. I hold advanced certification in both individual and couples EFT.
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Completely. My practice is LGBTQ+ affirming, kink-aware, and sex-positive. Your sexuality isn't the problem we're solving.
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Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Virginia Board of Counseling — the full clinical license required to practice therapy in this state.
AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist (CST) · Certified Holistic Sex Therapist
AASECT is the gold standard in sex therapy certification. Very few therapists in Northern Virginia hold this credential. It means supervised, specialized training in desire, identity, shame, and the body — far beyond what a general therapy license covers.
Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The foundational graduate degree in mental health therapy, relationships, and human development.
Advanced Emotionally Focused Individual Therapist (EFIT) · Advanced Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist (EFCT)
EFT is a research-supported approach for lasting change in relationships. Advanced certification means training at the highest level of the model — not just an introductory workshop.
Virginia Board Approved Clinical Supervisor
This credential means I meet the standards to supervise and train other licensed therapists — a mark of clinical depth and experience.
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Therapy is a unique and individualized process. For some, therapy may last a few weeks, and for others it may be a few years. It depends on a variety of factors including how long you've been carrying this, how intense it feels, readiness and motivation for change, and interest in long-term growth.
I look forward to being alongside you regardless of how long the journey takes.
Fees & Insurance
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Individual and couples sessions are $250, including the 60-minute intake. I offer a reduced rate of $225 for healthcare workers, educators, and military members and their families, and I hold three $100 sliding-scale spots for clients facing financial stress [currently open / full]. Sessions are also offered with [Name], Resident in Counseling. Many clients use out-of-network benefits through Thrizer to be partly reimbursed.
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I'm an out-of-network provider and don't accept insurance directly. However, many clients are able to get partial reimbursement through their out-of-network benefits.
I've partnered with Thrizer to make this process easier—they can check your benefits instantly and submit claims on your behalf. I also provide Superbills if you prefer to submit claims yourself.
To check your out-of-network benefits, you can ask your insurance company:
- Do I have mental health/behavioral health benefits?
- What is the reimbursement rate for out-of-network providers?
- Do I need pre-approval or a referral?
- How many sessions per calendar year will my plan cover?
- What is my out-of-network deductible?
Why I don't take insurance: Insurance reimbursement rates don't allow me to sustain a practice while providing the depth of specialized care this work requires. Staying out-of-network means I can focus fully on your healing without the limitations that insurance companies often impose.
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Cancel at least 48 hours ahead to avoid the full session fee.]I accept credit, debit, HSA and FSA cards.
If you're paying without insurance, you have the right to a Good Faith Estimate of your expected costs.
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Yes. What you share in therapy stays private, with a few limitations, such as concerns about someone's immediate safety. I'll walk you through these before we begin, so there are no surprises.
Location & Sessions
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Yes. I see clients in person at 447B Carlisle Dr, Suite 203, Herndon, VA 20170, and online anywhere in Virginia, including Reston, Sterling, Chantilly, Centreville, Vienna, Tysons, McLean, Annandale, Springfield, Burke, Oakton, Great Falls, Lorton, Merrifield, Leesburg, Ashburn, Brambleton, South Riding, and Dulles, across Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William Counties.
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No; sessions are in person in Herndon or online.
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Online therapy allows you to access services from the comfort of your own home or wherever else you can secure a private space.
Online sessions happen over a secure video link, sent by text, email, or the Sessions Health Client Portal. All you need is a private space and a device with a camera. You'll need to be located in Virginia during each session, since that's where I'm licensed.
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Yes. A lot of clients do both depending on their schedule. We stay flexible around whatever works best for you.
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Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Virginia Board of Counseling — the full clinical license required to practice therapy in this state.
AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist (CST) · Certified Holistic Sex Therapist
AASECT is the gold standard in sex therapy certification. Very few therapists in Northern Virginia hold this credential. It means supervised, specialized training in desire, identity, shame, and the body — far beyond what a general therapy license covers.
Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The foundational graduate degree in mental health therapy, relationships, and human development.
Advanced Emotionally Focused Individual Therapist (EFIT) · Advanced Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist (EFCT)
EFT is a research-supported approach for lasting change in relationships. Advanced certification means training at the highest level of the model — not just an introductory workshop.
Virginia Board Approved Clinical Supervisor
This credential means I meet the standards to supervise and train other licensed therapists — a mark of clinical depth and experience.
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If you searched for Harbor and Hearth Therapy, Harbor and Home Therapy, Heart Home Therapy, or Hearth Home Therapy, you're likely looking for Hearth and Home Therapy, and you're in the right place
You’ve been carrying this long enough.
Reach out, have a free, no-pressure consult, then begin at your own pace.
You don't have to find your way home alone.
I see clients in person in Herndon, VA and online across Virginia, including Reston, McLean, Tysons, Vienna, Fairfax, Sterling, Chantilly, Leesburg, and Ashburn.