WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT AT DRAGONFLY

My philosophy as a therapist is that we all have the ability to change and to adapt to our surroundings in the most impressive of ways.  That is the reason I am so impressed with the dragonfly.  It is a symbol transformation and change and this is the very thing we set out to accomplish in counseling.  

My theoretical orientation as a therapist is reality therapy.  Reality therapy is a client-centered therapy that focuses on improving present relationships and circumstances.  It is based on the idea that our most important need is to be loved, to feel that we belong, and that all other basic needs can be satisfied through the building of strong personal connections with others.   

I am prepared to work with anyone and make it a priority to meet new clients right where they are in life.  There is no prerequisite necessary. Ideally, I prefer to see clients who are ready to work and ready to explore their feelings. However, it sometimes takes a little time to unlock as some folks need a little extra time to warm up and feel safe to share themselves emotionally.  The short answer is: there is no wrong way to be a client.  

I don't give advice or try to solve my clients' problems.  My primary role is to help you process your feelings and to assist you to arrive at life decisions that you feel works best for you.  You are in charge of the pace and I will work as hard as you are during the process.  

I have a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adams State University  in Colorado.  I am licensed professional counselor in both Virginia and Oregon--as well as a National Certified Counselor through the National Board for Certified Counselors.  In addition,  I also participate in continuing education programs to remain up-to-date in the field of counseling.  

A typical session is about 50 minutes in length.  The number of sessions needed for treatment depends entirely on the individual and this is something the client and counselor agree on together in a treatment plan.  As client and therapist create the treatment plan a client will often state "I will be ready for discharge when ___." This way, both parties will know when it is time for therapy to come to an end.  

Dragonfly Counseling uses HIPAA-compliant Telehealth software. That means your privacy and confidentiality are legally protected. With this said, it is important that you also take the necessary precautions to ensure privacy within your home and with your specific electronic devices.

There are also a few situations where confidentiality may need to be broken.  They are if a client is a danger to themselves or others; if the client is endangering an elder, a child, or someone with a disability; or if records are subpoenaed by court of law.    

Hundreds of studies have found that psychotherapy helps people make positive changes in their lives. Reviews of these studies show that about 75% of people who enter psychotherapy show some benefit.

No, I am not a medical doctor.  I am licensed to practice talk therapy in the states of Oregon and Virginia.  

Yes, I take most insurances including Virginia Medicaid and the Oregon Health Plan.  

I also offer a sliding scale for folks who are self-pay and that qualify financially.  Ask!  We can discuss a rate that works for you if you are not making a whole lot of money right now.  Nobody should be locked out of counseling services due to an inability to pay.    

Dragonfly requires 24-hour notice for any non-emergency cancelled appointments. Therapy appointments must be cancelled or rescheduled 24 hours before the scheduled date and time.  Any same day, non-emergency cancellations, no call, or no-shows are subject to a $75.00 cancellation fee.  For such purposes, a credit card is required to be on file. 

So, please be communicative and call as soon as things arise so we can get you rescheduled promptly and prevent avoidable, unnecessary hits to the dear, old credit card.  We appreciate your respect for our time and thank you in advance.  

Psychology.org has a comprehensive list of pros and cons for both in-person and online counseling.  Check it out here if interested.

There are several ways to get started depending on what you prefer.  One way is to give us a call at 503-207-0887 to request an appointment.  Our office manager will later contact you to get you set up in our client portal and to verify insurance..  Another way is to fill out an appointment request form in the CONTACT section of this website.