What to Expect
Please Note: I am not currently accepting new clients and the waitlist is closed for 2026. If you are looking for support now, see my Therapist Referral List for recommendations to help you find a good fit.
Welcome to Spring Lake Counseling
Starting therapy takes courage. Whether you've been thinking about it for a while or something recently pushed you to finally reach out, I'm glad you're here. Whatever brought you to this page, you don't have to have it all figured out before we begin.
Here's what the process actually looks like.
The Free Consultation Call
Before we schedule anything, we'll have a brief phone call — usually 15 to 20 minutes. This is a chance for you to tell me a little about what's going on, ask any questions you have, and get a sense of whether working together feels like a good fit. There's no pressure and no commitment.
If I'm not the right therapist for what you're looking for, I'll tell you honestly and help point you toward someone who is.
Your First Session
The first session is mostly about getting to know each other. I'll ask about what's bringing you in, a bit about your history, and what you're hoping to get out of therapy. You won't be expected to dive into the hardest parts of your story right away — we move at a pace that feels safe for you.
Some people leave the first session feeling lighter, like something has already shifted just from being heard. Others feel a little raw or uncertain. Don’t worry, this is normal too. However you are feeling, you will have a clearer sense of what working together looks like and whether this feels like the right fit for you.
Sessions are 60 minutes and held in-person at my Santa Fe office or via a secure HIPAA-compliant video platform.
The Work Itself
I specialize in trauma therapy using EMDR and IFS — two approaches that have been shown to help people heal in deep and lasting ways. What makes these methods different from traditional talk therapy is that you don't have to share your trauma in detail for healing to happen. We focus less on retelling the story and more on what that story left behind — the feelings, beliefs, and patterns that are still showing up in your life today.
How long will it take?
Unfortunately, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to this. Some people meet their goals in a year or two. Others find value in ongoing, longer-term work.
What I can tell you is that many clients start to feel meaningful shifts within the first few months, once we move into the deeper work.
Throughout the process, I’ll check in with you regularly about progress and I’ll be honest and direct if I think something needs to change.
However long we work together, I will be by your side each step of the way.
And when we’re done…
You can expect to have processed and released traumatic memories and emotions, repaired attachment wounds, and created more internal harmony and attunement. You may notice a greater sense of self-awareness and self-compassion, more confidence and clarity in your decisions, improved relationships and communication with others, and a reconnection with a sense of safety and hope for the future.
You deserve to feel heard and understood in a safe space without judgment
Our Promise
At Spring Lake Counseling we promise to be there for you every step of your journey. Our goal is to help you grow from your struggles, heal from your pain, and move forward to where you want to be in your life. If for some reason, we are unable to provide you with the services you need, we will gladly refer you to a better fit.