A clear roadmap is provided for adults and teens. This way, you know what to expect. It also shows how our work together will move forward.
How Virtual Therapy Works
Meet from the comfort of home using a secure client portal designed for privacy and consistency.
- Private platform: encrypted video sessions via a secure portal (no downloads required).
- Logistics: book online, receive automated reminders, and join with one click.
- Space setup: choose a quiet, well‑lit spot; use headphones for privacy; test your connection.
- Accessibility: flexible scheduling, no travel time, ideal for busy routines or mobility needs.
The Therapy Process
Therapy with me is a structured yet flexible process tailored to adults, teens, and parents. Our work moves at a pace that supports safety, understanding, and skill-building, whether through individual therapy or parent coaching.
Together, we focus on exploring emotional patterns. We also work on strengthening regulation skills. Additionally, we integrate practical strategies into daily life and family relationships. These efforts make change feel meaningful and sustainable.
1) Discovery
In the early sessions, we’ll focus on understanding your—or your teen’s—history, goals, and immediate needs. This applies whether for individual therapy or parent coaching. This includes exploring current challenges and what you hope to achieve through treatment. Together, we’ll collaboratively develop a clear treatment plan and identify goals that feel meaningful and realistic to you. We use evidence-based approaches such as ACT, DBT, and ERP. We’ll begin building a personalized toolbox of practical tools and strategies. You can use these tools right away. You will leave with direction and support. You will also have next steps toward emotional stability and healthier, more aligned patterns of behavior.
2) Deep Work
Once we’ve built a strong foundation, we move into focused therapeutic work with you or your teen. This phase addresses the emotional patterns and nervous system responses. It also considers life experiences that drive distress or unhelpful behaviors at home and in daily life. I use individualized, evidence-based approaches such as EMDR and Brainspotting. Additionally, I incorporate modalities like ERP and ACT. These methods help me work directly with both past experiences and present challenges.
Your comfort and autonomy always guide our work. If brain-based therapies such as EMDR or Brainspotting do not feel like the right fit for you, we can proceed with alternative approaches. We continue with other evidence-based methods. These include CBT, ACT, DBT, and skills-based interventions. This ensures steady, meaningful progress. This phase is designed to strengthen emotional regulation, build healthier coping strategies, and support more adaptive responses to stress. Over time, my clients report greater clarity, emotional stability, and confidence in navigating daily life and relationships.
3) Integration
In the final stage of our work, we’ll focus on strengthening the progress you or your teen has made. We will also work on maintaining this progress. Together, we’ll track changes. We will recognize strengths. We will refine the tools that support continued emotional stability. These tools will help maintain healthy patterns in daily life. For teens and parents, this may include reinforcing communication skills. It also involves emotional regulation strategies. Additionally, family routines that promote connection and consistency are important.
As patterns shift and triggers become less intense, the need for active trauma processing naturally decreases. Our focus turns toward integration. We help you confidently use what you’ve learned outside of sessions. This ensures progress extends into relationships, school, work, and everyday challenges. The goal is to achieve lasting change. This change supports balance and resilience. It fosters a stronger sense of confidence for you and your teen moving forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Starting therapy can feel like a big step. This is true whether it is your first time, you’re seeking support for your teen or family, or you’ve tried therapy before and want a different approach. It’s normal to have questions. Below are answers to some of the most common things clients and families ask. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, please reach out. I’m happy to connect and help you get started.
How do I know if I need to be in therapy?
There’s no “right” or “wrong” reason to start therapy. Some people come because they’re struggling with anxiety, sadness, or past experiences that feel heavy. Others seek support during a big life change, relationship challenges, or when stress feels overwhelming. You don’t need to wait until things feel “bad enough”—therapy can also be a space for personal growth, self-discovery, and building healthier patterns. If you’ve been wondering whether therapy could help, that curiosity itself may be a sign that it’s worth exploring.
What are some good things about being in therapy?
Therapy provides a safe, nonjudgmental space to talk openly about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Many people find it helps them feel supported, gain clarity, develop healthier coping skills, and make meaningful changes in their lives. It can also improve relationships, reduce stress, and build confidence.
How often will we meet, and for how long each session is?
Most clients meet once a week for a 50–55 minute session, but frequency can vary depending on your needs and goals. Some people prefer to start with weekly sessions, while others may move to every other week as they progress. We’ll collaborate to find the pace that feels right for you.
I’m concerned about my personal information. Are things I say in therapy kept private?
Yes. What you share in therapy is confidential, which means it stays between us. There are only a few exceptions required by law—for example, if someone is at risk of harm to themselves, others, or others’ property or if child or elder abuse is suspected. We’ll go over these limits in detail during our first session so you know exactly what to expect.
As a teenager, is confidentiality different?
Yes, but your privacy still matters. What you share in therapy is confidential, and I do not share details of our sessions with parents without your permission—unless safety concerns arise. Parents are kept informed in general terms about progress, but your trust and privacy are a priority.
As the parent of a teenager, how will I be involved?
Confidentiality is an essential part of effective therapy with adolescents. Information discussed in sessions will remain private unless your teen gives permission to share it, or unless disclosure is required for safety reasons (such as suicidal ideation, risk of harm, or suspected abuse/neglect).
What might I expect in our first session?
Our first session is a chance for us to get to know each other. We’ll talk about what brings you to therapy, your history, and your goals. I’ll also answer any questions you have about the process. By the end, we’ll have a clearer idea of how we can work together.
How do I find out more about EMDR or Brainspotting?
I’m happy to answer your questions in session and share resources. You can also read more about these approaches on the services section of my website. Both EMDR and Brainspotting are evidence-based methods designed to help process trauma and emotional distress in ways that talking alone sometimes cannot.
www.emdria.org and https://brainspotting.com/
What are some reasons people go to therapy?
People come to therapy for many reasons—feeling anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed; coping with loss or trauma; navigating life transitions; improving relationships; or simply wanting personal growth and self-understanding. No concern is too big or too small.
How long will therapy take?
The length of therapy depends on your goals, needs, and the challenges you’re working through. Some people come for a few months, while others continue longer-term for ongoing support. We’ll check in regularly about your progress and whether adjustments are needed..
What does therapy cost and what forms of payment do you accept?
My 50 min session fee is $190 and longer sessions (90 minutes) can be scheduled based on your needs and preferences. I am an out-of-network provider and accept credit/debit cards and HSA/FSA accounts. If you’re wanting to use insurance, I’ll create a superbill for you to submit to your carrier and suggest checking in with them to determine eligibility and reimbursement.
What is your cancellation policy?
I ask for at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice may be charged the full session fee. I also understand that life happens and will do my best to get you rescheduled within the week to avoid a cancellation fee.
How can I find out more about your approach, influences, and philosophy?
I share more about my training, values, and therapeutic style on the “About Me” page of this website. You’re also welcome to ask me directly—I believe finding the right fit is an important part of successful therapy and want you to feel comfortable before moving forward.
What is a “Good Faith Estimate” and the “No Surprises Act”?
As of January 1, 2022, the “No Surprises Act” requires providers to give clients who are uninsured or not using insurance a **Good Faith Estimate** of the expected cost of therapy. This helps ensure you have a clear understanding of potential expenses before starting services.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate or the dispute process, visit
https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises/consumers or call 1- 800-985-3059.
Cristina Billingsley, LMFT, CCTP 