Frequently Asked Questions
General
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Yes, absolutely. Deciding to meet with a therapist, face your issues head on, and ask for help is a big deal. I celebrate your courage in even considering this! In fact, taking this step is often the hardest part, and you’ve already started by being here.
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With the right fit therapist you will feel comfortable and able to open up. That connection matters more than any technique or training! I encourage you to use our first few sessions to see how it feels to work together and trust your gut about fit. If we’re not the right match, that’s completely okay; what matters most to me is that you find someone who feels right for you. If it doesn’t feel like a fit, I am happy to connect you with some other fantastic therapists I know.
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I offer both in-person sessions at my Wayzata office and online video sessions. Many clients like to mix the two, and that flexibility works great—whatever helps you stay consistent and comfortable.
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Yes! My practice is fully LGBTQIA+ affirming and inclusive. All genders, sexual orientations, and relationship structures are welcome here.
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I don’t bill insurance directly, but many clients use their out-of-network benefits for partial reimbursement. You can also pay with an HSA or FSA card, and I’ll provide everything you need if you’d like to submit for reimbursement.
As of September 2025, rates are:
$250 for 50 minutes
$375 for 80 minutes
$500 for 110 minutes -
I have a 48-hour cancellation policy. If you need to cancel or reschedule within that window, the full session fee still applies.
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If I’m full, you don’t have to wait to get started—begin with the Relationship Bootcamp or reach out for a referral list. You can also dive into a few of my favorite resources to start your growth right away: Us by Terry Real, The New Rules of Marriage by Terry Real, or Facing Codependence by Pia Mellody.
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Absolutely. While the easy answer to most people’s question of “what should I do next?” is to register for the Bootcamp, some people prefer to talk through their options first.
In that case, I recommend sending a message through my contact form and sharing a bit about your situation. I’ll either respond with some clear advice, or invite you to book a paid consultation call for personalized guidance on your best steps forward.
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A consultation call is a chance to ask questions and see if working together feels like a good fit. It’s not therapy, just a space to get clarity before starting. Consultation calls are best for those who want personalized guidance before getting started.
An intake session is our first real working session, where we dive into your goals and begin the process. You’ll fill out paperwork beforehand so we can get right to work.
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A consultation call is an intentional working conversation, not a sales call. You’ll leave with clarity, direction, and professional insight into your next step – whether that’s the Relationship Bootcamp, therapy, or another resource. It’s a chance to get meaningful value from our very first meeting.
Bootcamp Questions
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The Bootcamp gives you the foundational skills you need to start making real relationship change immediately. Most couples leave the weekend feeling more connected, with a renewed sense of hope about how to handle conflict and communicate better. You’ll walk away with a shared language and practical skills for navigating hard conversations, interrupting arguments, and repairing your connection.
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Because it’s the foundation. In two days, the Relationship Bootcamp teaches the core framework and skills – communication, boundaries, repair, and emotional balance – that make therapy work better and faster. The structure and group energy spark insights most couples or individuals don’t reach in weekly sessions. It’s the most effective first step toward real, lasting change.
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The Relationship Bootcamp may seem like a big investment if you’re used to traditional therapy, but it’s actually much more cost-effective. Think of it as 6-8 months of therapy condensed into two transformative days – and for the cost of only a few traditional therapy sessions.
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While you’re waiting for the Bootcamp, start by noticing your patterns. Where do you get reactive? Where do you shut down? Practice pausing before you respond. Small shifts like softening your tone, taking ownership, and showing curiosity go a long way. You can also dive into Us or The New Rules of Marriage by Terry Real to start learning the tools we’ll build on in the Bootcamp.
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The Relationship Bootcamp takes place over two days, from 9 AM to 5 PM, and blends group learning, small group discussions, and hands-on practice.
Day one focuses on self-awareness and insight. You’ll join other participants (not your partner) to discuss the topics and learn about yourself. Participants regularly report that these small group discussions are their favorite part.
Day two is all about applying these powerful communication tools with guidance and support. You’ll have a chance to practice with your partner if you come together.
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Yes! The insights and skills you will learn can be applied to any relationships – with friends, family, coworkers, or future mates.
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This happens more often than you’d think. The Bootcamp teaches that real change starts with you, and many people who attend solo leave feeling empowered, hopeful, and ready to bring new energy and tools back into their relationship. You don’t have to wait for your partner to change to start improving things.
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Groups are usually around 20 people, a mix of couples and a few individuals or friends attending together. It’s large enough to feel the group energy but small enough to stay personal and connected. I typically cap the group at about 40 participants.
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Not at all. We follow a “pass rule,” meaning you never have to share anything you don’t want to. Participants are asked to agree to confidentiality, and you’re always in charge of how much you participate. That said, most people end up feeling less alone and more connected than they expected!
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Definitely! You don’t have to speak or share if you don’t want to – you’re welcome to participate in whatever way feels comfortable for you. Many people who aren’t “group types” end up feeling surprisingly at ease and even enjoy the experience. Here is some helpful feedback from one of our past participants:
“You don’t need to share or say anything. You could even lay on the ground and stay silent and as long as you don’t disrupt others’ learning – you’re welcome to participate in a way that feels good for you. But if it matters, there isn’t anything too corny.” -
The Bootcamp gives you the foundation; continued work helps you integrate the skills into daily life. Many couples continue to deepen what they learned through ongoing therapy or periodic check-ins. Others feel they’ve got a good start and keep practicing on their own. You’ll know exactly what next step fits best when you leave.
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Much time, love, and energy are put into each workshop. Not just during the event but in the many weeks before each event. With this in mind, please note the following cancellation policy:
6+ weeks notice: $50 fee per individual/$100 fee per couple
4+ weeks notice: $150 fee per individual/$300 fee per couple
2+ weeks notice: $275 fee per individual/$525 fee per couple
13 days or less notice: no refund offered- no exceptions.
Registration and payment can be transferred to a future workshop (minus a 10% fee) up to 2 weeks before the event. Participants are limited to one transfer per registration (i.e., you cannot transfer more than once). Transfers will not be offered with less than 2 weeks' notice.
Bootcamp for Therapists
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Not at all! Many therapists attend, and I just ask that you come as a person, not as a professional. RLT is all about being fellow travelers – embracing imperfection, practicing what we teach, and growing alongside everyone else
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The Relationship Bootcamp is approved for 12 CE hours through the MN Board of Marriage and Family Therapy. You can apply for approval for other licensure boards.
After attending the Bootcamp you will be sent an additional survey to complete about your learning. After submission, you will receive a certificate of attendance.
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Absolutely! RLT is a unique form of therapy, because in addition to a way of practicing, it’s a way of living - the therapists are fellow travelers alongside clients. Through attending the Bootcamp yourself, you’ll have an even better grasp of how to practice (and then teach) these skills. Fun fact, attending a Bootcamp used to be a required part of the certification process!
Individual Therapy
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It really depends on your goals and what you’re hoping to get out of therapy. Some people meet their goals in a few months, while others continue longer as part of ongoing growth.
If you want a firm answer, I typically recommend a rule of 3’s:
3 sessions to know if we’ll be a good fit
3 months of weekly sessions (12 sessions) to know if we’re making good progress
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I recommend starting with weekly sessions so we can build momentum and make progress. Once things start to click, many clients shift to every other week or wrap up when they’ve gotten what they need. You’re always in charge of the pace and how long we work together.
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Sessions are relaxed, conversational, and guided by what feels most important to you.
In our first meeting, we’ll clarify your goals and what “feeling better” looks like, then explore what’s getting in the way.
Most often, the next few sessions will be exploring your background, family of origin, and other important experiences that have shaped you. However, if you are facing an immediate situation, we’ll make sure to spend time on whatever is most pressing for you. In exploring your past and history, we’ll get a better understanding of what is contributing to your current issues.
While I will provide coaching and guidance at times, I trust that you know what needs to be talked about, so you will guide the topics we discuss each week.
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I do not – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists are not trained to prescribe medication. If you are interested in psychiatric medication, I have a great network of referrals.
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I’m happy to collaborate with your other providers (such as a family therapist, couples therapist, life coach, or physical therapist) to make sure everyone’s on the same page. With your permission, I can consult with your psychiatrist, therapist, or other professionals so our work stays aligned and supports your goals.
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Because of my training and specialities, most clients seek me out for help in their relationships – either with their romantic partners, family, work, or friends. I have experience treating a wide variety of mental health concerns but relationships are really the heart and soul of what I do.
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I do! I trained at the Hazelden Betty Ford Center, where I worked with families affected by a loved one’s substance use. I have a strong background in the twelve steps and love supporting individuals and partners navigating recovery or impacted by addiction.
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Yes, that’s very common. Many people start individually before moving into couples therapy, and we can talk about what makes the most sense for your situation.
If your partner’s hesitant, the Relationship Bootcamp is often a great first step since it’s a workshop, not therapy.
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As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I take a relational, systemic approach. This means we look at your life and relationships as interconnected, not isolated.
I’m certified in Relational Life Therapy (RLT), a powerful, no-nonsense method developed by Terry Real that blends deep healing with practical skills. In RLT we don’t just validate and listen, we actively coach on how to learn the skills of relationship – with ourselves first, and then others. I also draw from developmental models, neuroscience, and intergenerational theories and consider Pia Mellody, Esther Perel, Harriet Lerner, Murray Bowen, and Dan Siegel some of my mentors and inspiration.
Couples Therapy
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In couples therapy, we start by identifying the “dance” you get stuck in – those recurring patterns that are causing hurt and pain. From there, we explore what’s driving those patterns, such as one’s family of origin, nervous system activation, and other past experiences that inform how you show up in relationships today. We integrate concepts from neurobiology to work with your brain the way it’s designed. You will learn skills to communicate more effectively and how do to things that will help things go better. Sessions are active, compassionate, and focused on helping each of you do your part more skillfully.
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It’s completely normal to feel nervous about starting couples therapy. In fact, most people do.
Most clients are nervous that their partner is dragging them to couples therapy because they want to break up with them in front of a professional. I find that's rarely the case. Couples therapy is an investment in your relationship, and I find it is a sacred honor to help couples find more peace and less pain in one of the most important relationships in your life.
Going to couples therapy doesn’t mean something is wrong – it means you care about your relationship and want it to feel better. Healthy relationships take skills that most of us were never taught, and therapy is simply the place where you learn and practice them together.
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The Relationship Bootcamp is a group workshop to help you build insight, understand yourself and your relationship better, and learn tangible skills to start improving your relationships. It’s a mix of large group learning, small group discussion, and experiential practice that lays the foundation for effective couples therapy.
Couples therapy is a private counseling session where I meet with you to put what you learned in the Relationship Bootcamp to work in daily life.
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If both partners are ready to work on the relationship, the Relationship Bootcamp and/or couples therapy is your best fit.
If one person is leaning in (wanting to work on the relationship) and the other partner is leaning out of the relationship (considering divorce or separation), Discernment Counseling gives you a structured process to come to a decision about your future. Learn more about Discernment Counseling and how it works here.
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The best place to start is with the Relationship Bootcamp – it gives you a shared foundation and jumpstart for deeper work.
If you’re ready for couples therapy, take these steps:
Each partner should reach out to me separately through my contact form or email.
Once I’ve heard from both of you, we’ll schedule your intake session. Or, you can book an exploration call to work through any questions or concerns you have and make sure we’re a good fit.
Based on your goals, we’ll decide a regular schedule and continue with sessions.
Discernment Counseling
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Discernment counseling is short-term and focused on helping couples decide whether to stay together or separate—not on fixing the relationship itself. It’s designed for “mixed-agenda” couples, where one partner is leaning out and unsure, and the other is leaning in and hoping to work things out. The goal isn’t to solve every issue but to help you both gain clarity and confidence about your next step.
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If one of you is considering ending the relationship and the other wants to save it, this process helps you slow down, understand what’s gone wrong, and explore your options with honesty and respect. It’s not for couples who are both ready to do the work of therapy—that’s when couples therapy or the Relationship Bootcamp would be a better fit.
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Discernment counseling typically lasts between one and five sessions and you decide each session if you’d like to continue.
Each session includes time together and one-on-one conversations with me, so both partners can be heard and understood. By the end, you’ll decide on one of three paths: staying the course for now, separating, or committing to a six-month effort in couples therapy with divorce off the table during that time.
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Both partners must contact me separately via email or my contact form to express an interest in Discernment Counseling.
Once I’ve heard from both of you, I will do a phone screening with each of you separately to see if Discernment Counseling is the right fit for you.
If we both determine Discernment Counseling is a fit, we’ll schedule our first session, which is two hours long.
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Discernment counseling is a brief process. After you and your partner reach out to me, we schedule the phone screenings and then our first session.
In Discernment Counseling, you decide each session whether or not you want to meet again. There are a maximum of 5 sessions. As long as our schedules line up, you can expect to finish Discernment Counseling within 4-5 weeks of starting the process (if you meet for all 5 sessions).