Frequently Asked
Questions

The easiest first step is the free 15-minute consultation. You can book by filling out the contact form, calling (602) 805-7017, or texting. There’s no commitment, just a chance to connect, ask questions, and see if it feels right.

It’s a 15-minute phone call, no paperwork, no pressure. I’ll ask a little about what’s going on and what you’re hoping for. You can ask me anything. At the end, if it feels like a good fit, you’ll schedule your first full session. If not, that’s okay too.

Individual therapy sessions are 50 minutes. The free consultation is 15 minutes by phone. Most clients meet weekly, especially at the start, then move to every other week as things stabilize.

It depends on what you’re working on and what feels right for you. Some people find meaningful relief in 8–12 sessions. Others work longer, especially with complex trauma or deeply rooted patterns. I don’t believe in keeping clients longer than they need. My goal is to help you get to a place where you don’t need me anymore.

Mariposa Mental Wellness is self-pay only. Sessions are $165. Upon request, I provide a superbill, a detailed receipt you submit to your insurance for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Many PPO plans reimburse 40–80% of the cost after your deductible is met. HSA and FSA cards are accepted.

Insurance companies require a psychiatric diagnosis and often limit the number of sessions and types of treatment covered. Working outside insurance means I can tailor your therapy completely: no arbitrary session caps, no required diagnosis for treatment, and complete privacy over your records. Your treatment is between you and me, not a billing department.

A superbill is an itemized receipt with the diagnostic and procedure codes your insurance company needs to process a reimbursement claim. You pay me directly, then submit the superbill to your insurance. If you have out-of-network mental health benefits (common with PPO plans), you may get a significant portion reimbursed. Call the member services number on your insurance card and ask about your out-of-network mental health benefits before your first session.

IFS is a therapy model developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz that sees the mind as made up of different “parts,” each with its own feelings, beliefs, and protective role. Rather than trying to eliminate difficult thoughts or emotions, IFS helps you get curious about them, understand what they’re protecting, and give them new tools. It’s particularly effective for trauma, anxiety, perfectionism, and deeply held patterns like people-pleasing or shutting down. Learn more about IFS →

Yes. “Parts work” is just a more informal way of saying IFS. Both refer to the same approach of getting to know the different parts of yourself that show up in your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I use both terms interchangeably.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured, evidence-based therapy for trauma and PTSD. It uses bilateral stimulation, typically guided eye movements, to help your brain reprocess disturbing memories so they lose their emotional charge. Decades of research support EMDR as one of the most effective treatments for trauma. It’s recommended by the WHO, APA, and the VA. Learn more about EMDR →

No. You never have to share more than you’re ready to share. My approach is paced: you build safety and stabilization first, and processing happens when you’re ready and resourced to do so. With IFS in particular, you’re always in the driver’s seat. The goal is healing, not re-traumatization.

Yes. I use bilateral stimulation techniques that work effectively via video, including auditory tones and tapping approaches. Many clients find telehealth EMDR just as effective as in-person, and the comfort of being in your own space can actually support the process.

Yes. I offer secure, HIPAA-compliant video sessions for anyone in Arizona. Many clients choose telehealth for the flexibility: you can meet from home, your car, or anywhere private.

The office is at Mesa, AZ.

No. Many clients come in with anxiety, burnout, perfectionism, relationship patterns, or a general sense that something feels off, without a named trauma event. I work with the full spectrum: big-T trauma, small-t trauma, complex PTSD, and everyday struggles that have become too heavy to carry alone.

Yes, and the reason it didn’t help before often comes down to fit. Therapy is deeply relational, and the approach matters as much as the therapist. If past therapy felt surface-level, too advice-driven, or like you were just venting without real change, IFS and trauma-focused work can feel very different. Many of my clients come in after difficult therapy experiences and find that this approach finally makes sense.