Below you’ll find common questions clients often ask before starting therapy. Each answer is designed to help you feel informed, supported, and confident in your next steps.
Why didn’t therapy work for me in the past?
Many people with OCD or chronic anxiety don’t improve in traditional talk therapy because it focuses on analyzing thoughts rather than changing how your brain responds to them. For some, talk therapy can unintentionally reinforce compulsions or reassurance cycles. The most effective treatment for OCD is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) — a structured, evidence-based approach that helps you face triggers, resist compulsions, and retrain your brain so intrusive thoughts lose their power. If past therapy felt like “talking in circles,” ERP offers a clearer, more effective path forward.
What ages do you work with?
I work with adults ages 18 and older through secure, online therapy in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Nebraska.
What if reaching out for support makes me feel weak?
Asking for help is actually a sign of self-awareness and courage. You’ve been doing the best you can with the tools you have — therapy simply gives you more tools, not less independence. Our work highlights your strengths while building new skills to help you feel more capable and grounded.
What if I’m scared to do exposures in ERP?
That’s incredibly common. ERP is always collaborative and paced safely. We start with small steps, build confidence gradually, and celebrate progress. You’ll never be forced into anything you’re not ready for, and you’ll always have support and tools along the way.
Can I talk about intrusive thoughts without judgment?
Yes. Intrusive thoughts are normal, unwanted, and not a reflection of who you are. I specialize in treating all forms of intrusive thoughts, including harm themes, taboo themes, relationship fears, and “pure O” rumination. This is a safe, supportive space where you can talk openly without judgment.
What’s the difference between ERP and CBT?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps you identify how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a specialized form of CBT that helps you face fears and reduce compulsions. Most clients benefit from a blended approach: CBT builds awareness, while ERP creates meaningful, lasting change.
How does online therapy work? Is it as effective as in-person sessions?
Yes — online therapy is shown to be just as effective as in-person treatment for OCD, anxiety, and ERP. Sessions take place through a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform, and you can join from anywhere in Wisconsin, Illinois, or Nebraska. Many clients appreciate the comfort, privacy, and flexibility of meeting from home.
How is therapy different from talking to a friend or family member?
Friends and family can be supportive, but therapy provides:
- Professional training in OCD, ERP, CBT, and anxiety treatment
- Evidence-based tools and structured strategies
- A confidential, judgment-free space
- Perspective that doesn’t strain your personal relationships Therapy helps you build skills and insight in ways that loved ones simply can’t offer.
Should I just take medication instead of doing therapy?
Medication can be helpful, especially for OCD and anxiety. But research shows the most effective approach is often medication + ERP/CBT therapy. Medication may reduce symptoms; therapy helps you build long-term skills and reduce compulsions. We can discuss what combination may work best for your goals.
I travel or live in multiple states. Can we still work together?
Yes — as long as you’re physically located in Wisconsin, Illinois, or Nebraska during your session, we can meet. Many clients split time between states or travel frequently and appreciate the flexibility of telehealth.
What will I actually do in therapy sessions?
Every session is personalized to your needs. For OCD and anxiety, this often includes:
- Identifying triggers and patterns
- Practicing ERP and CBT skills
- Doing exposures at a manageable pace
- Building emotional regulation and acceptance-based tools Therapy is active, supportive, and focused on helping you reach your goals.
How long does therapy take?
Therapy length varies based on your goals, symptom severity, and life stressors. Many clients notice improvement within the first month of consistent sessions. ERP is structured and effective, so progress often happens more quickly than expected.
How can I get the most out of therapy?
Consistency and engagement are key. You’ll get the best results when you:
- Attend sessions regularly
- Practice skills between sessions
- Share openly about challenges and progress
- Stay curious and patient with yourself I’ll guide you through each step so you never feel alone in the process.
Do you treat all OCD subtypes?
Yes — I treat all OCD themes, including contamination, harm OCD, relationship OCD (ROCD), symmetry/just-right themes, scrupulosity, health anxiety, existential fears, and intrusive thoughts.
Do I need a formal OCD diagnosis to start ERP?
No. If you’re experiencing compulsions, intrusive thoughts, rumination, avoidance, or reassurance seeking, ERP can help. A diagnosis can be made during your initial assessment if appropriate.
Can ERP help with mental compulsions or “pure O” OCD?
Yes. ERP is highly effective for mental compulsions such as reassurance seeking, rumination, analyzing, or thought neutralizing. We target the internal patterns that keep you stuck — not just outward behaviors.
Can you help with panic attacks or panic disorder?
Yes. ERP and CBT are very effective for panic disorder. We work with interoceptive exposures, cognitive restructuring, and fear-of-sensation tolerance so you can feel safer in your body again.
Do you treat health anxiety and emetophobia (fear of vomiting)?
Absolutely. ERP is one of the most effective treatments for health anxiety, illness fears, and emetophobia. We’ll work together to reduce checking, Googling, avoidance, and fear-based patterns.
Do you treat relationship OCD (ROCD)?
Yes. I work with clients experiencing doubts, “rightness” fears, intrusive questions, rumination, reassurance seeking, and anxiety about compatibility. ERP helps reduce fear and build clarity and trust in your values.
Will therapy force me to get rid of all my safety behaviors at once?
No. ERP is gradual and collaborative. You’ll never be asked to stop everything at once. We build a hierarchy and move step-by-step at a pace that supports growth and confidence.
Can therapy help me tolerate uncertainty better?
Yes. Increasing uncertainty tolerance is one of the core goals of ERP and CBT. We’ll build the emotional and cognitive skills that help you feel more grounded with the unknown instead of controlled by it.
Do you work with perfectionism and overthinking?
Yes. ERP and CBT target the patterns that fuel perfectionism, overthinking, reassurance seeking, and the pressure to “get it right.” These patterns are highly treatable with the right approach.
Can therapy still help me if I’ve struggled with OCD or anxiety for years?
Absolutely. Many people begin therapy after years (or decades) of trying to manage symptoms on their own. It’s never too late to retrain your brain, break old patterns, and build a healthier relationship with anxiety.
Do you help support systems understand OCD and anxiety?
Yes. I offer Support System Sessions for partners, parents, or loved ones who want to learn how to support your recovery without reinforcing compulsions. These sessions are available only to current therapy clients.
Do you provide paperwork for FMLA or Disability?
Paperwork Policy
I do not complete Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) paperwork. These forms require medical certification, which under federal law (29 U.S.C. § 2613 for FMLA; 20 C.F.R. § 404.1513 for SSDI) must come from a physician or other qualified medical provider.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), my role is to provide psychotherapy and support your mental health. The NASW Code of Ethics requires that I practice within my professional scope, which does not include medical disability certification.
With your permission, I am happy to provide your physician with treatment summaries to help them complete the necessary paperwork. This ensures you receive the most accurate and effective support for your disability or leave requests.
How Do I Submit a Superbill to My Insurance Company for Reimbursement?
1. Ask your insurance provider about out-of-network coverage
When you call, ask questions like:
- Do I have out-of-network benefits for mental health therapy?
- What percentage of the session fee will be reimbursed?
- Is there a deductible I need to meet first?
- Are telehealth sessions covered?
- Are telehealth sessions covered across state lines? (For clients who split time between Wisconsin, Illinois, and/or Nebraska and want consistent care.)
2. Attend your sessions and pay privately
Payment is due at the time of service. I’ll provide you with an electronic superbill at the end of each month or upon request.
3. Submit your superbill to your insurance provider
Most insurance companies allow you to upload the superbill directly through your member portal, though some may request it by email, fax, or mail.
4. Receive reimbursement
If eligible, your insurance company will reimburse you directly based on your plan’s out-of-network rates and deductible status.
Disclaimer: The content contained in this FAQ is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Viewing this page does not create a therapist–client relationship. Clinical services are provided only after a completed intake and signed informed consent.
This practice complies with HIPAA regulations and takes reasonable measures to protect your privacy. Please be aware that electronic communication may carry inherent security risks. Therapy services are delivered exclusively through telehealth. Clients must be physically located in Wisconsin, Illinois, or Nebraska during sessions. Telehealth is not appropriate for emergency or life-threatening situations.
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or feel unsafe, please call 988, your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.