Resident in Marriage and Family Therapy
We all go through seasons of suffering, struggle, or chaos. As a Resident in Marriage and Family Therapy, it is an honor to walk alongside others, to bear witness to their pain, and to rejoice with every breakthrough.
I am passionate about understanding my clients through the lenses of their unique life experiences, values, and beliefs. I also strive to remain rooted in biblical truths while providing evidence based treatment. I view people through the context of their relationships and social environments in a systems-based approach. As someone who comes from a multicultural background, I am bi-literate and bilingual and am excited to be able to serve the Spanish-speaking community in Virginia.
I have supported individuals and couples across the lifespan through challenges such as trauma, grief, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relational difficulties. For marital couples, I incorporate interventions from the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy. For individuals, I often use an integrative approach, drawing from modalities such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) depending on the needs of my client. I also have a passion for incorporating creative interventions such as visual art, music, and writing activities to help my clients process emotions, reduce stress, and facilitate healing. My goal is to be present with each person I counsel so that they feel understood and valued.
I graduated from Florida International University with a B.A. in Psychology in 2018 and from Liberty University in 2023 with an M.A. in Marriage and Family Counseling. I also have over 1,200 hours of experience providing therapy in Virginia. I practice under the supervision of Elissa Jarvis, PsyD, and Neil Binette, LMFT.
When I am not working, I enjoy serving at my local church (UPCI) as a singer/musician and Sunday school teacher, writing songs, going to the gym with my husband, and trying new recipes. I believe that “variety is the spice of life” and I enjoy trying new things often.
“Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety" (Proverbs 11:14).
*I am currently accepting new telehealth clients throughout Virginia.
Insurance and Fees
$100 per session for 60-minute individual therapy
$115 per session for 60-minute couples therapy
$135 per session for 90-minute couples therapy
Sliding scale fee options are available, as well as 25% off the full rate for church ministry leaders and their families
I accept the following insurance plans: Aetna (commercial), Anthem BCBS, Anthem Healthkeepers, & Cigna.
Understanding Your Couples Therapy Options
When seeking couples therapy, you have the option of using insurance or choosing self-pay sessions. Each path has important differences worth considering so you can make the best decision for your relationship.
Insurance-Based Sessions
Insurance providers typically require a mental health diagnosis to authorize therapy services and generally cover 50-minute sessions. This format can be a meaningful and effective option for many couples. Using insurance can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs, making therapy more accessible and financially sustainable, especially if ongoing or longer-term support is needed. For many couples, the affordability of insurance-covered sessions means they are able to begin or continue therapy that might otherwise be out of reach. However, it is important to be aware that a diagnosis will become part of your medical record.
Self-Pay 90-Minute Sessions
Self-pay sessions offer certain advantages that may better support the couples therapy process:
No diagnosis required. Therapy remains entirely between you and your therapist, with no information shared with insurance providers. Many couples seek therapy not because of a mental health condition, but because they want to strengthen their relationship or navigate a difficult season together.
Extended session length. The 90-minute format is the recommended structure for Gottman Method couples therapy. This allows each partner adequate time to be heard, work through emotions, and practice new skills without the pressure of a shortened session.
Greater privacy. Your therapy participation and session content remain fully confidential and outside of any insurance record.
The Gottman Assessment Process
The beginning phase of Gottman-informed couples therapy includes three structured parts designed to give your therapist a thorough understanding of your relationship:
Joint Assessment (90 min.) — Together, you and your partner will review your relationship history and current challenges with your therapist.
Individual Interviews (45 min. per person) — Each partner meets privately with the therapist to share individual perspectives, personal history, and any concerns.
Feedback Session (90 min.) — Your therapist provides a detailed analysis of your relationship's strengths, areas for growth, and collaborates with you on a tailored treatment plan.
After the first session, each partner will independently complete an online assessment called "The Relationship Checkup." This tool provides valuable insight that helps guide your therapy. The usual cost is $39 per couple, and this fee will be covered at no cost to you as a courtesy.
Therapist Disclosure
In the interest of full transparency, please be aware of the following:
Your therapist has completed Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1 and Level 2 training but is not a Certified Gottman Therapist. This means your therapist is trained in and actively applies Gottman methods but has not yet completed the full certification process, which includes additional supervision and case consultation requirements.
Depending on your unique needs as a couple, your therapist may also incorporate elements of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), an evidence-based approach that focuses on strengthening emotional bonds between partners.