FAQS

At The Mending Forge, I believe that a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship is an important part of meaningful change.My approach is warm, collaborative, and individualized. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, I take time to understand your unique experiences, strengths, concerns, and goals.I integrate evidence-based approaches with an attuned, relationship-centered perspective to support growth, resilience, and connection.Whether you are seeking support for yourself, your child, or your family, my goal is to create a space where you feel heard, understood, and supported.

The Mending Forge provides therapy services for children, adolescents, and adults.I believe meaningful growth can occur across the lifespan, and services are individualized to meet each client's developmental needs, experiences, and goals.

You don't need to have all the answers before starting therapy.During the intake process, we will take time to explore your concerns, goals, strengths, and experiences. Together, we will develop a treatment plan that fits your individual needs.Therapy is not one-size-fits-all, and your approach may evolve over time as your needs change. The Mending Forge offers a variety of evidence-based and relationship-centered approaches, and we will work collaboratively to determine an appropriate path forward.We provide trauma- and PTSD-focused therapy using approaches such as EMDR, CBT, and play therapy. These services are available for children, teens, and adults, including support for traumatic grief.

Your first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another.We will talk about what brings you to therapy, explore your goals, discuss relevant history, and answer questions you may have about the therapeutic process.There is no expectation that you share everything at once. Therapy is a process, and we will work together at a pace that supports your individual needs.Yes. We offer autism-informed, neurodiversity-affirming therapy for autistic children, teens, and adults, with support for emotional regulation, anxiety, life transitions, and coping skills.

That's okay. You don't have to have everything figured out before beginning therapy.Many people reach out knowing they want something to feel different but aren't exactly sure what they need. Part of our work together can be understanding what may be contributing to your concerns and identifying a path forward that feels manageable and meaningful.You don't need the "right words" or a perfect plan before reaching out.

Yes. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) may be incorporated into treatment with children, adolescents, and adults when clinically appropriate.EMDR is an evidence-based psychotherapy approach that can be used to help individuals process distressing experiences and address the emotional impact associated with difficult memories.We will work together to determine whether EMDR may be appropriate for your individual needs and treatment goals.

Children often communicate through play in ways that are different from how adults communicate through words.Play therapy provides developmentally appropriate opportunities for children to express emotions, process experiences, develop coping skills, and strengthen relationships.Depending on your child's needs and treatment goals, sessions may incorporate games, creative activities, storytelling, sandtray, and other therapeutic interventions.

Absolutely. Parents and caregivers can be an important part of the therapeutic process.Treatment for children typically begins with a parent or caregiver intake session. This allows me to learn more about your child's history, strengths, concerns, family experiences, and treatment goals.Following intake, children may participate in individual play therapy or counseling sessions based on their developmental and clinical needs.Parent consultation sessions may also be incorporated throughout treatment. These provide opportunities to discuss progress, review goals, share observations, explore parenting strategies, and make adjustments to the treatment plan when appropriate.While your child's individual therapy space is important, supporting caregivers can also be an important part of helping children carry what they are learning into everyday life.

The length of therapy varies from person to person.Some clients attend therapy for a shorter period to address a specific concern, while others choose longer-term therapy for ongoing support, healing, or personal growth.We will periodically review your progress and treatment goals together and make adjustments when appropriate.