Frequently Asked Questions
If you are searching for trauma therapy, ART therapy, or counseling near Tampa, Wesley Chapel, or Lutz, you likely have questions before getting started.
Whether you are exploring therapy for the first time or looking for a different approach after trying something else, this page is designed to help you understand how I work, what to expect, and whether this could be a good fit for you.
About My Practice
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My office is centrally located directly off I-75 & I-275 near the Tampa Premium Outlet Mall for in-person sessions.
I provide therapy in Lutz, Wesley Chapel, Land O Lakes, Zephyrhills, North Tampa, Tampa, and surrounding areas in Florida.
If you are searching for therapy near you in this area, my office is centrally located for in-person sessions.
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Yes, but only as a supplement.
My practice is primarily focused on in-person therapy. First sessions and ART therapy are not offered virtually.
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I work with adults who are ready for things to be different.
Many of my clients have tried other forms of therapy and are looking for something more effective. Others are seeking therapy for trauma, anxiety, grief, or emotional patterns that are holding them back.
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I begin the therapy process during the first session so you can start feeling better right away, rather than the first appointment being only for intake paperwork.
I focus on helping people reach full healing as quickly as possible.
I do not prolong therapy longer than necessary. Many clients appreciate knowing what to expect and having a clear path forward.
Most clients begin to experience relief within the first few sessions.
If you are searching for effective therapy or faster results from counseling, this approach is designed with that goal in mind.
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I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Florida.
I earned my Master’s in Social Work from the University of South Florida and became licensed in 2018. I am a Certified Master ART Practitioner.
I am also trained in Gottman Method Couples Therapy Levels 1 & 2.
About Cost, Insurance, and Office Policies
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Individual therapy sessions: $110
6-session package: $600
Parenting sessions: $110 individual / $150 couples
Couples counseling sessions: $150
Speaking engagements: starting at $900
If you are searching for affordable therapy in Wesley Chapel or Tampa, I intentionally keep my rates below market value to make care more accessible.
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No.
I do not accept insurance because it often requires a mental health diagnosis, may limit the number of sessions, dictate the length of sessions, and require detailed access to your private records.
My priority is providing high-quality, client-centered care.
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Yes.
I offer a needs-based discount because I never want finances to be the reason someone does not receive care.
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I ask for at least 72 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling.
There is a $35 fee for cancellations within 72 hours and the full session rate if cancelled within 24 hours.
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Sessions are typically 50-60 minutes.
The first session is usually 60-90 minutes, and I do not charge an increased rate.
ART sessions may extend beyond 60 minutes to allow the process to fully complete.
About ART
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Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is an evidence-based trauma therapy that helps people process and resolve distressing memories, emotional triggers, anxiety, and negative patterns.
ART therapy is designed to help people heal from trauma, painful experiences, and resolve negative emotions more quickly than traditional talk therapy. Many people searching for trauma therapy near Tampa or Wesley Chapel are looking for something that works faster, and that is exactly what ART is designed to do.
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ART works by using eye movements to activate the brain’s natural healing process.
Normally, the brain processes stress during REM sleep. When a trauma or painful experience is too overwhelming, that process can get interrupted. The memory stays active and continues to trigger emotional and physical responses.
ART therapy helps the brain complete that process so the memory is stored properly and no longer triggers the same reactions.
If you are searching for how ART works or whether ART therapy is effective, this is one of the main reasons it produces lasting results.
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Yes.
ART is a research-based, evidence-proven therapy used to treat trauma, anxiety, phobias, OCD, grief, and other emotional challenges.
Many people searching for anxiety therapy or trauma therapy near them are looking for a solution that does not take years. ART is known for helping people experience meaningful change in a shorter period of time.
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Many clients experience noticeable relief after their first session.
Most people reach optimal results within 3 to 5 sessions. Some experience significant change in just one session.
If you are looking for fast trauma therapy or short-term therapy options in Florida, ART is one of the most efficient approaches available.
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No.
ART therapy does not require you to fully retell or relive your trauma. You can share as much or as little as you want, and it does not affect how well the therapy works.
This is one reason many people who feel hesitant about therapy choose ART.
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No, but they are similar.
Both ART and EMDR are evidence-based trauma therapies that use bilateral stimulation.
ART is more structured and direct. It is designed to resolve issues in a shorter time frame, often within a few sessions.
EMDR can take several months to a year depending on the situation.
If you are searching for EMDR vs ART, many people choose ART because it tends to feel more focused and brings relief sooner.
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No.
ART is not hypnosis. You are fully aware, fully in control, and able to communicate normally throughout the session.
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No.
ART is best provided in person. The ART community does not endorse virtual ART sessions.
If you are searching for ART therapy near Tampa, Wesley Chapel, or Lutz, my practice offers in-person sessions to provide the highest quality care.
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You can visit:
https://acceleratedresolutiontherapy.com
These resources explain the research behind ART therapy and how it is used in clinical settings.
About Talk Therapy
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Yes.
In addition to ART therapy, I offer traditional talk therapy using evidence-based approaches such as CBT, narrative therapy, and trauma-informed care.
If you are searching for counseling near Tampa or therapy in Wesley Chapel, talk therapy can be helpful for gaining clarity, processing life experiences, and building practical tools.
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You do not need to decide on your own.
Many clients are unsure whether they want trauma therapy or traditional counseling when they first reach out. We can determine the best approach together.
Many people benefit from starting with ART therapy and then continuing with talk therapy for ongoing support.
Additional Services
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Yes.
I offer parenting sessions and packages for individuals, couples and small groups. A 6-hour package, divided into either 3 or 6 modules, is $600 for individuals, $840 for couples, and $900 for small groups.
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Yes, I provide workshops and speaking engagements on Parenting & Marriage. Rates start at $900.
In Perfect Peace Parenting is available in workshop or seminar format.
The 7 Principles for Making Marriage Work is available in workshop format.
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CareNight is a community outreach I lead through GrowLife Church that seasonally provides counseling, classes, and resources to people who might not otherwise have access.
Recommended Resources
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See this PDF for Coping Strategies: Coping Stratgies PDF
See this PDF for strategies to calm your nervous system after stress: Nervous System Reset
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ART directory for out of state clients
CareNight and church based resources
Every Rose Psychiatry 813-922-1532 - provides psychiatric medication management
Jamie Johnson LMHC with Living Waters Counseling - specializes in trauma, ART, marriage and mental health with children, families, and adults
Kandi Bailey, Pastoral Counselor, with Steady Heart Counseling - specializes in ART for trauma, anxiety, and coping (813) 368-4853
Sharon Gusmus, LPC, with Beach Therapy - specializes in adult individual therapy, addiction recovery, couples counseling, and EMDR. 720-404-4883
Julia Monte, LMHC with life Transformation Counseling - specializes in recovery, grief and mental health struggles, and brainspotting (813) 575-8199
Roy Taylor, MA in Mental Health Counseling, with LifeBuilders Christian Counseling - specializes in individuals and couples counseling 813-438-5949
Sarah Ortiz, LMHC, with Grounds for Therapy: Provides virtual therapy for teens and adults for addiction, trauma, and ART.
Cyndy Barden, MA, Pastoral Counselor, with Breaking Chains Counseling: Provides home visits for marriage, pre-marital and individual Christian counseling 813-833-3119
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For true emergencies always call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
Dial 211 for the United Way Helpline and Crisis Hotline where you can speak with a counselor 24/7.
iamalive.org is a crisis website where you can chat with a live counselor.
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The 7 Principles for Making Marriage Work by John Gottman
Marriage by Paul David Tripp
Parenting Collection by Dr. James Dobson
Parenting by the Book by John Rosemond
Living Fearless by Jamie Winship
One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp
Present Over Perfect by Shauna Neiquist
Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer
Get Started
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The first session is between 60-90 minutes.
I begin the therapy process during that session so you can start feeling better right away, rather than using it only for paperwork.
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You can reach out by:
filling out the contact form
sending an email
calling or texting
If you are searching for a therapist near Tampa or Wesley Chapel, this is the best first step.
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All inquiries come directly to me, and I respond as soon as possible.

