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Therapy goes by many names: therapy, counseling, psychotherapy, mental health therapy, behavioral health therapy, etc.
Therapy is the process of addressing issues going on in a client’s life. This can go in a variety of directions and often is influenced by the “modality” or theoretical style of a therapist and the needs of a client.
Therapy at Soothing Connections is an attachment based, emotionally focused approach that addresses present process, what a client is currently experiencing. If a past event or series of events continues to impact a client, that may also be a focus.
Therapy will help you identify what your specific goals are (at Soothing Connections, these are often related to improving relationships, increasing security, reducing anxiety, etc.) and work towards them in a collaborative relationship with your therapist.

The first session is a place to slow down.

We will talk about what brings you in, what feels stuck, and what you are hoping might change. You do not need to have the “right” words. You do not need to know where to begin.

My role is to gently guide the conversation so you feel heard and understood. Together, we begin identifying the patterns that may be keeping you disconnected or overwhelmed.

The initial session is a time for us to get to know each other. We'll discuss your reasons for seeking therapy, your goals, and any concerns you may have. It's a collaborative space where you can share at your own pace, and together, we'll begin to outline a path forward that feels right for you.

See my “What to Expect” page on my website for more information and pictures!

Yes! Lots of people get nervous before coming to therapy, whether it is the first time ever going to therapy or with a new therapist. It is common to get nervous before trying new things. At Soothing Connections, going slow to allow you time to get settled in and set your own pace is prioritized. You are welcome to share this with your therapist at any point.

Yes—couples therapy can be highly effective, especially when both partners are willing to engage in the process with openness and commitment.

Research consistently shows that Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFCT) is one of the most effective approaches for improving relationship satisfaction, strengthening emotional bonds, and reducing conflict.

EFCT is rooted in attachment science and helps couples move out of stuck, painful cycles and into secure, connected ways of relating. It’s not just about solving arguments—it's about building a deeper sense of safety, trust, and connection with your partner.

What makes EFT stand out is the science behind it. Studies have shown that:

• Around 70–75% of couples move from distress to recovery

• 90% show significant improvements in their relationship

If you're curious, you can explore more in the research here:
https://iceeft.com/eft-research-3/
https://iceeft.com/eft-articles/

Unlike more surface-level approaches that focus only on communication skills, EFCT works at the emotional level. It helps couples experience each other in new, healing ways—often creating a shift that’s not just behavioral but deeply relational.

So if you’re wondering whether couples therapy is worth it, the answer is: yes, it works—and you're not alone in seeking it out. Whether you're struggling to reconnect or navigating a more serious challenge like a breach of trust, EFCT offers a clear and research-supported path forward.

I know that starting therapy—especially as a couple—can feel vulnerable. But you don’t have to wait for things to hit a crisis point. Whether you’re feeling disconnected or going through a difficult season, therapy can help you find your way back to each other, with the support of a proven, structured process.

The therapeutic process works best when both client and therapist work together collaboratively. If you would like to bring someone to therapy, make sure to give your therapist notice so that you can both discuss how to use the session in the way it is most helpful.
If you are seeking couples therapy, make sure to address this when you contact your therapist.
If you are seeking family therapy, make sure to address this when you contact your therapist.

The most that therapy will cost is my Self-Pay rate ($150 per session), but a lot of clients choose to use their insurance (as long as you are in network) which often reduces the cost of a session that a client will need to pay because the insurance covers a portion of the cost. If you are using your insurance, typically you pay the copay amount from your insurance while your insurance covers the rest.
I highly recommend that you contact your insurance provider (the number is typically listed on the back of your insurance card) prior to scheduling to verify if I am in network with your insurance provider and what your copay amount is. I do help clients with this process if needed, but I cannot guarantee the information and clients are still responsible for whatever the insurance company doesn’t pay (up to $150 per session).
I will always communicate as soon as this information is available.

I accept several insurance plans, including BlueCross BlueShield, Aetna, and Cigna. It's important to verify your coverage and understand your benefits before starting therapy. I recommend contacting your insurance provider to confirm details about copays, deductibles, and session limits. I'm also happy to assist you in navigating this process.​

See my “Fees & Insurance” page on my website for my information.

Typically, I see clients weekly to start, especially for the first 4 weeks in order to build rapport and trust in the relationship as that is an essential part of therapy. From there, we will decide together what best fits your needs. I will help guide you with my recommendations and you are welcome to bring up your needs/wants as well.

It is crucial that you feel comfortable (enough) with your therapist. While it is common to feel a little nervous or uncomfortable in the beginning of therapy, it is important that you eventually feel connected in a trusting relationship with your therapist. If you don’t, it’s important to bring that up in session and address any specific issues with your therapist to evaluate if there are issues you can work through together or if there isn’t the “fit” you need to continue. If this happens, that’s okay, and your therapist can help you get connected with another therapist to try. It is more important that you find a fit that works for you. At Soothing Connections, your experience is valued and you getting the support you need is prioritized, whether that be at Soothing Connections or somewhere else.

Feeling safe and understood matters.

If you are looking for a therapist who works collaboratively, moves at a steady pace, and focuses on emotional connection rather than quick fixes, we may be a good fit.

If you are unsure, I welcome you to reach out and ask questions before scheduling.

A therapy session will last approximately 53 minutes (the remaining 7 minutes are designated for notes time) for insurance sessions.
The course of therapy can last anywhere from a short term therapy (approximately 4-6 weeks) to long term therapy (ongoing for several years) depending on what a client wants to focus on. It is important to know that you will never be “kept” in therapy beyond what you decide, and ultimately that decision is up to you. Your therapist will help guide you with recommendations and is open to discussing this with you whenever you would like. Shorter term therapy is typically for specific anxieties, phobias, or specific adjustment issues, whereas relational issues and trauma are likely to take longer (approximately 6 months to a year or more) depending on the pacing and needs of a couple or individual. Some clients need and/or enjoy ongoing therapy and choose to attend for years to continue to address ongoing issues in their lives. It is highly variable and is best to speak with your therapist specifically about your needs.

Ultimately, therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Some couples or individuals come for a shorter period focused on a specific issue. Others choose longer term work to deepen emotional understanding and strengthen relational patterns.

Emotionally Focused Therapy is structured and research-based, which means we are actively working toward meaningful change rather than just talking week after week.

No. Most people choose to either sit on the couch or swivel chair across from me. You are welcome to lay on the couch if you choose, but it is very rare that someone chooses that. You can see what feels most comfortable to you.

Cancelation Policy:
To honor the time we set aside specifically for you, I require a full 24 hours notice for any cancelations or rescheduling.
Sessions canceled with less than 24 hours notice will be charged the late cancelation fee $130.

I understand—things come up, and sometimes you just can't make it. The reason I require at least 24 hours notice when canceling or rescheduling a session is because your session time is reserved just for you, and with short notice, I’m not able to fill that spot.

I know that sometimes illness or emergencies happen, and it’s not always in your control. I hold compassion for those moments, while also honoring the need for sustainable boundaries that support the ongoing care of all my clients—and my ability to keep doing this work.

If a session is canceled or rescheduled late (without a full 24 hours notice) or missed, the $130 late cancel fee is charged.

Thank you for respecting this policy. It helps me continue to show up fully for you and for all the clients I serve.

I understand — Life happens —people get sick, things come up, and schedules shift. I understand and hold compassion for those moments.
At the same time, I also hold clear boundaries around time and scheduling, which are essential for me to continue to support you and others well.

When you book a session, that time is set aside just for you. If you cancel with less than 24 hours notice, I don’t have enough time to schedule that space with someone else, and unfortunately, I also lose the income for that session.
As a small practice, this has a significant financial impact over time and isn’t sustainable.

Even when the reason is completely valid or not in your control—like you or your child getting sick—I still need to charge for late cancelations or missed appointments.

The purpose of this is my need for sustainable boundaries that support the ongoing care of all my clients and my ability to keep doing this work.

I appreciate your understanding. This is a hard, but necessary decision to hold this policy.
It allows me to sustain my practice for all the years to come and it helps me continue to show up fully for you and for all the clients I serve in the community.

No. Currently, Soothing Connections Counseling focuses on adults (18+) and couples.

While I do work with family dyads (two people within a family system), I only work with those that are 18+
in those cases.

If you're seeking therapy services for adolescents, I'm happy to provide referrals to trusted colleagues who specialize in working with younger clients.

Yes, I work with couples navigating the complex emotions and challenges that arise from infidelity and trust breaches. Using Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, we address underlying patterns, facilitate open communication, and work toward rebuilding a secure and connected relationship.

It is very common for one partner to feel hesitant, or even both partners.

Often, uncertainty comes from not knowing what therapy will be like. My approach is not about taking sides or assigning blame. It is about understanding the emotional cycle that both of you are caught in.

When partners begin to feel emotionally safe in the room, resistance often softens.

I am very supportive of couples hesitant to starting therapy, and even encourage utilizing the first session as a “check it out” and see what it is like. A vast majority of couples and individuals continue to stay after the first session and report feeling much better after having attended.

Yes, I offer and specialize in therapy for anxiety.

Many people seek therapy because anxiety is affecting their relationships, their confidence, or their ability to feel calm and present.

Rather than only focusing on symptom reduction, we explore what anxiety is connected to: attachment, stress, life transitions, or relational experiences, and work toward deeper, lasting change.

Yes, with a few safety and legal considerations.
Therapy is confidential, with a few legally required exceptions related to safety, for your own safety and the safety of others.
I am transparent about those limits and will discuss them with you.

Yes. I offer in-person therapy sessions at my office in St. Charles, IL, serving clients from Geneva, Batavia, and surrounding Fox Valley communities.

This is what I have built and structured my practice around to provide quality, present, and connected therapy, where you feel the difference of change happening real time.

Emotionally Focused Therapy focuses on the emotional bond between partners rather than only communication techniques. It helps couples understand the deeper patterns driving conflict and create lasting emotional connection.

Many approaches to couples counseling focus primarily on communication skills or conflict management. While those can be helpful, EFT focuses on the emotional bond between partners. Rather than simply teaching couples how to communicate differently, EFT helps partners understand why they react the way they do and how to create greater emotional safety, responsiveness, and connection.

You can find more information about this in my “Approach” section located on the Home page.

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is an evidence-based approach to therapy rooted in attachment science.

Rather than focusing only on behaviors or communication techniques, EFT helps people understand the emotions and needs underneath their reactions.

In couples therapy, EFT helps partners recognize and change the patterns that keep them stuck in conflict or disconnection.

In individual therapy, EFT helps people understand emotional patterns, heal attachment wounds, and build greater security within themselves and their relationships.

No.
Attachment patterns influence many areas of life, including friendships, family relationships, dating experiences, self-view, and anxiety. Many individuals seek therapy to better understand relationship patterns, strengthen their sense of self, and build greater emotional security, regardless of whether they are currently in a relationship.

It is common for one partner to feel more ready than the other. Often, people worry about being blamed, judged, or forced to choose sides. My goal is not to determine who is right or wrong, but to help both partners understand the cycle they become caught in together. If your partner is hesitant, I encourage you to have an open conversation and reach out with any questions.

Yes!
Attachment styles often influence how we experience closeness, conflict, vulnerability, and emotional needs in relationships. While attachment styles are not labels that define a person, understanding attachment patterns and the attachment strategies we tend to use most can help us make sense of reactions and create greater security and connection.

Yes!
Relationship anxiety often shows up as overthinking, fear of abandonment, difficulty trusting, reassurance seeking, or worrying about the future of a relationship.

Therapy can help you understand the emotions and experiences contributing to these patterns while building greater confidence, security, and self-trust.

This is one of my specialties in working with individuals specifically.