What is financial therapy?

Financial therapy combines traditional therapy techniques with financial planning to help you understand the emotional and psychological factors that influence your money decisions. It's designed to help you develop a healthier relationship with money by addressing the underlying thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that drive your financial choices.

How is financial therapy different from financial planning?

Financial planning focuses on the numbers - budgets, investments, and financial strategies. Financial therapy goes deeper, exploring the emotional and psychological aspects of money. We examine your money beliefs, family patterns, and the feelings that influence your financial decisions. Many people find that addressing these underlying issues makes financial planning more effective.

What kinds of money issues can financial therapy help with?

Financial therapy can help with:

• Financial anxiety and money-related stress

• Overspending or compulsive shopping

• Financial avoidance (not opening bills, avoiding financial conversations)

• Money conflicts in relationships

• Financial trauma from past experiences

• Feelings of shame or guilt around money

• Difficulty making financial decisions

• Financial behaviors that don't align with your values

Do I need to have a financial crisis to benefit from financial therapy?

Not at all! Financial therapy is beneficial for anyone who wants to improve their relationship with money. You might be doing well financially but still feel stressed about money, or you might want to understand why you make certain financial choices. It's about creating awareness and developing healthier patterns.

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): $160

• Clinical supervision (50 minutes): $160

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?

Not at this time.

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.