What Clients Often Ask Me
Have questions about financial therapy or working together? You're in the right place. Below I've answered the questions I hear most often, about what financial therapy actually is, how it's different from financial planning, what sessions are like, insurance, rates, and more. I'm Michael Lombard, a Certified Financial Therapist™ and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Lynnwood, WA. I see clients in person and via telehealth throughout Washington State. If you don't find your answer here, feel free to reach out directly.
What is financial therapy?
Financial therapy is a process that helps people change how they think, feel, and behave with money. The Financial Therapy Association defines it as "a process informed by both therapeutic and financial competencies that helps people think, feel, communicate, and behave differently with money to improve overall well-being through evidence-based practices and interventions." In plain terms, a lot of us carry real emotional weight around money: stress, shame, avoidance, fear. That weight shapes every financial decision we make, often in ways we don't even notice. Financial therapy creates space to look at where those patterns came from, understand what's driving them, and start building a healthier relationship with money from the inside out. It's not about budgeting spreadsheets. It's about the deeper story behind your financial life.
How is financial therapy different from financial planning?
Financial planning focuses on the numbers: budgets, investments, retirement strategies, and financial goals. That work is valuable, but it doesn't address why you keep overspending despite having a budget, or why you feel sick to your stomach when you check your bank account, or why money is a constant source of conflict in your relationship. Financial therapy goes deeper than the numbers. We look at your money beliefs, the messages you absorbed growing up, the emotional patterns that show up when money is involved, and the behaviors that might be working against you. For many people, doing the emotional work first actually makes financial planning more effective, because the real obstacles were never about the math.
What kinds of money issues can financial therapy help with?
Financial therapy can be helpful for a wide range of money-related struggles. A lot of people come in dealing with financial anxiety, that persistent low-grade stress about money even when things are technically okay. Others are dealing with overspending or compulsive shopping, financial avoidance like not opening bills or putting off hard conversations, shame or guilt around debt, or financial trauma from past experiences like job loss, bankruptcy, or growing up in financial instability. I also work with couples navigating money conflicts, people facing major financial decisions tied to life transitions, and anyone who feels like their financial behaviors just don't line up with what they actually value. You don't need to be in a financial crisis to benefit. A lot of the most meaningful work happens before things reach that point.
Do I need to have a financial crisis to benefit from financial therapy?
Not at all. Financial therapy isn't only for people whose finances are falling apart. Some of the people I work with are doing reasonably well on paper but still feel anxious, stuck, or disconnected from their money. Maybe you want to understand why you make certain choices, or you've noticed patterns you can't seem to break no matter how many budgets you've tried. Financial therapy is about creating awareness and building healthier patterns, wherever you're starting from.
Do you only provide financial therapy?
No, I also provide general counseling services. I work with clients on a variety of issues including:
General anxiety and depression
Relationship issues
Life transitions
Work stress
Family dynamics
Grief and loss
Racial identity issues
What should I expect in our first session?
In our first session, we'll discuss what brought you to therapy and what you hope to achieve. I'll ask about your background, current situation, and any immediate concerns. This helps me understand your needs and develop a treatment approach that works for you. There's no pressure to share more than you're comfortable with.
How long does therapy typically take?
The length of therapy varies depending on your individual needs and goals. Some people find relief in a few sessions, while others prefer ongoing support over several months. We'll regularly check in about your progress and adjust our approach as needed.
Where is your office located?
My office is located in Lynnwood, Washington. I serve clients throughout Lynnwood, Edmonds, Mukilteo, and the greater Seattle area.
Do you offer online therapy?
Yes, I offer both in-person and online therapy sessions. Online sessions can be convenient and are just as effective as in-person sessions for many people.
What are your rates?
Individual therapy sessions (50 minutes): $180
Couples financial therapy session (80 minutes): $250
Clinical supervision (50 minutes): $150
Do you accept insurance?
Yes! I an an in network provider with Premera, Kaiser, First Choice. I am also in network with Lyra Health’s EAP. I do also provide superbills for anyone seeking out of network coverage.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Please contact me by phone, e-mail or your patient portal if you need to cancel. Cancellations done inside of 24 hours will have a cancellation fee of $100 associated with it.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes, therapy sessions are confidential. I follow all professional ethical guidelines and legal requirements regarding confidentiality. I'll explain the limits of confidentiality (such as safety concerns) during our first session.
How do I know if you're the right therapist for me?
The therapeutic relationship is important for success. I encourage you to ask questions during our initial consultation to see if we're a good fit. You should feel comfortable, understood, and confident in the therapeutic process.
What if I'm nervous about starting therapy?
It's completely normal to feel nervous about starting therapy. Many people feel anxious about sharing personal information or aren't sure what to expect. We can go at your pace, and I'll help you feel as comfortable as possible.
Do you work with couples?
Yes! I do 80 minute couples sessions.
What if I'm not sure whether I need financial therapy or general counseling?
That's okay! We can discuss your concerns during our initial consultation and determine the best approach together. Sometimes people start with one focus and naturally move to exploring other areas.
Will you give me financial advice?
As a financial therapist, I focus on the emotional and behavioral aspects of money rather than specific financial advice like investment recommendations. However, I can help you develop healthier money habits and decision-making processes that support your financial goals.
Do I need to bring financial documents to sessions?
Not necessarily. While we might discuss your financial situation, the focus is on your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors around money rather than detailed financial analysis. You're welcome to bring information if it helps you explain your concerns.
Can financial therapy help with debt?
Yes, financial therapy can be very helpful for people struggling with debt. While I won't create a debt repayment plan for you, I can help you understand the emotional factors that contributed to the debt and develop healthier financial behaviors moving forward.
What if my partner has different money values than me?
Money conflicts are common in relationships. Financial therapy can help you understand your own money beliefs and patterns, which often improves communication about money with your partner. I can also provide guidance on how to navigate these differences.