What is therapy?

Therapy is a collaborative conversation focused on helping you better understand yourself, your emotions, your relationships, and the challenges you're facing. Together, we'll identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck and develop practical strategies that support meaningful, lasting change.

How do I know if therapy is right for me?

You don't have to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Many people seek counseling because they feel overwhelmed, anxious, stressed, burned out, or simply want a better understanding of themselves. Therapy can also help during major life transitions or when you're ready to make lasting changes.

What happens during the first appointment?

The first session is primarily an opportunity to get to know one another. We'll discuss your concerns, your personal history, your goals for therapy, and any questions you may have. By the end of the session, we'll begin developing a plan tailored to your needs.

How long does therapy last?

The length of therapy varies from person to person. Some clients achieve their goals in a few months, while others benefit from longer-term support. Together we'll regularly evaluate your progress and adjust your treatment plan as your needs change.

How often will we meet?

Most clients begin with weekly sessions to establish momentum. As progress is made, sessions may transition to every other week or monthly maintenance appointments depending on your goals.

Do you offer online therapy?

Yes. Free Minds Counseling offers secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth services to clients located anywhere in Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa.

What technology do I need for telehealth?

You can attend appointments using a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer with a reliable internet connection. The platform is secure, easy to use, and designed specifically for healthcare.

What insurance plans do you accept?

Free Minds Counseling accepts many insurance plans, including Medicare, Wisconsin Medicaid, UnitedHealthcare, Anthem, Aetna, Chorus Community Health Plans, and Cigna. If you're unsure whether your insurance is accepted, please contact the office for the most current information.

What kinds of concerns do you help people with?

I frequently work with adults and teens experiencing anxiety, ADHD, AuDHD, executive functioning challenges, burnout, stress, life transitions, women's issues, perimenopause, menopause, and late diagnosis of neurodivergence.

What does a typical therapy session look like?

Every session is tailored to your goals. We may explore current challenges, identify unhelpful patterns, develop practical coping strategies, build emotional awareness, or practice new ways of responding to situations. Therapy is collaborative rather than something that is "done to" you.

What therapeutic approaches do you use?

I use an eclectic, evidence-based approach that may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Narrative Therapy, neuroscience-informed interventions, mindfulness, and psychoeducation. Treatment is individualized rather than following a one-size-fits-all model.

I was recently diagnosed with ADHD or autism as an adult. Can therapy help?

Absolutely. Many adults experience a mixture of relief, grief, confusion, and validation after receiving a late diagnosis. Therapy can help you better understand your experiences, develop strategies that work with your brain, and build a more compassionate view of yourself.

Is everything I say confidential?

In most situations, yes. Therapy is confidential, with a few legal and ethical exceptions involving safety concerns or circumstances required by law. We'll review confidentiality in detail during your first appointment so you know exactly what to expect.

How do I schedule an appointment?

The easiest way to get started is by contacting Free Minds Counseling through the website, phone, or email to schedule an initial consultation. Together we'll determine whether we're a good fit and discuss the next steps.

What if I've never been to therapy before?

Many people feel nervous before their first appointment. That's completely normal. My goal is to create a welcoming, nonjudgmental environment where you can move at a pace that feels comfortable while we work together toward your goals.

What if I've tried therapy before and it didn't work?

That's actually pretty common for neurodivergent folks. If previous therapy felt like being handed a manual written for a different device, say so. We'd start there