Frequently Asked Questions

Therapy here is collaborative, practical, and individualized. While my background is strongly rooted in DBT, I also draw from attachment work, family systems, narrative approaches, and other evidence-based practices. We’ll focus on understanding what’s keeping you stuck while building concrete skills and creating meaningful change.

I work with adults, adolescents, couples, and parents navigating a wide range of concerns. I especially enjoy working with complex situations—including emotion dysregulation, relationship and attachment difficulties, trauma, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, family conflict, foster care and adoption experiences, and times when it feels like traditional therapy hasn’t been enough.

Yes. I work with adolescents ages 13–17 with active parent involvement. Parents participate in parent coaching and/or a parent skills group as part of treatment. The frequency and type of parent involvement is individualized based on the needs of the adolescent and family.

Adolescents need privacy in order for therapy to be effective, and parents also need enough information to support treatment. I generally share treatment goals, progress, recommendations, and information needed to support safety—not a play-by-play of therapy sessions.“Confidentiality may need to be broken when there is an immediate safety concern, suspected abuse or neglect, or another situation in which disclosure is legally or ethically required.”

Yes. Sometimes the most effective place to begin is with the parents. Parent coaching focuses on helping you understand patterns, respond differently to difficult behaviors, strengthen connection, set effective limits, and build skills for navigating intense emotions and conflict.

No. DBT is an important part of my clinical background and provides excellent tools for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, relationships, and behavior change. But people are more complicated than one treatment model. Therapy may also incorporate attachment work, family systems, narrative therapy, trauma-informed approaches, and plenty of room to simply talk and process.

You’re welcome here. Back Porch Therapy was intentionally created for people who may want something different from a traditional clinical environment. We can talk about what was helpful—or decidedly unhelpful—about previous treatment and build from there.

Yes. Back Porch Therapy offers DBT skills groups as well as parent skills and support groups. Group availability changes throughout the year, so check the Groups page or contact me for current offerings.

Back Porch Therapy is a private-pay practice and does not bill insurance directly. I’m happy to provide a superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Coverage varies by plan, so I recommend checking with your insurance provider about your out-of-network benefits.

Back Porch Therapy is located at the MM Homestead in Austin, Texas. The practice was intentionally designed to feel different from a traditional clinical office—warm, comfortable, relaxed, and connected to the outdoors. Specific arrival and parking instructions are provided before your first appointment.

The property has some accessibility limitations, including stairs to the therapy offices and restroom, as well as areas of uneven terrain. If you have mobility or accessibility needs, please reach out before your first visit so we can talk about whether the space will work for you and what accommodations may be possible.

Back Porch Therapy is an outpatient practice and does not provide 24-hour crisis response. If you are experiencing an emergency or need immediate assistance, call 911, go to the nearest emergency department, or call/text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. During sessions, we can also work together to identify appropriate crisis resources and develop a safety plan when needed.

Yes! Back Porch Therapy is located on a property where animals live, so you may see or hear them during your visit. You are never required to interact with the animals. If you’re uncomfortable around animals, please let me know before your first visit. I can make reasonable accommodations, although I can’t guarantee an entirely animal-free environment.

Yes. Current clients can use the secure client portal to complete paperwork, view appointments, manage payments, and access other practice information through the Client Portal.