Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? I've got you covered. Explore the answers to my most frequently asked questions and learn more about how I can help you.
How long will therapy last?
Each session will last 55 minutes. As far as how many sessions you will need, there is no definitive answer as every person and every situation is unique. Developing a relationship and making progress will take more than one or two sessions. While some clients will feel that a few sessions are sufficient, others will want to stay long-term and work on other situations as they arise.
Counseling should not be considered a “quick fix”. It takes time to establish trust and is not something that should be rushed. Clients who are active participants, complete homework, and are open and honest will see better results.
Is counseling confidential?
Yes, but there are some exceptions. The relationship between a counselor and client is protected, meaning that information cannot be shared without written permission.
However, there are times when I may be required, by law and professional ethics, to break confidentiality and file a report.
These exceptions include:
Any suspicion or disclosure of information regarding physical or sexual abuse or neglect of a child, disabled person, or elderly person
If there is evidence of clear and imminent danger to yourself or others
If I am ordered by a court to disclose information
How much are parents involved when a teen comes in for counseling?
This normally depends on the nature of the problem and the preference of the teenager. Parents do have the right to access records and will be involved at various times throughout the process. However, confidentiality is encouraged to maintain open communication within the therapeutic relationship. Teens are less likely to be open about the issues they are facing if they do not trust what they are sharing will be held in confidence. I will keep the information shared in sessions private unless there is a risk of harm to the teenager or others.
I will still always provide general feedback to the parents regarding the process and how they can support the child. I encourage open communication and collaboration between parents and teenagers. I will involve parents in setting treatment goals, implementing strategies, and reinforcing therapeutic interventions outside the counseling sessions. This involvement aims to create a supportive environment for the teen's growth and well-being.
Mental Performance Coaching for Competitive Equestrians
Precision Training for the Rider Behind the Ride
What is mental performance coaching?
Mental performance coaching develops the psychological precision required for consistent results under pressure.
In a sport where margins are razor-thin, we train:
Competitive composure
Confidence under scrutiny
Emotional regulation
Fear recovery and resilience
Focus and course execution
Identity as a high-performance athlete
This is structured, performance-based work — not therapy.
Who is this for?
Competitive pony, junior, and Young Rider athletes
Amateurs competing at rated shows
Riders preparing for major finals and championships
Athletes transitioning divisions or moving up in height
Riders rebuilding confidence after setbacks
Common competitive environments include:
Winter Equestrian Festival
USEF Pony Finals
FEI World Equestrian Games
Mental skills are often the differentiator at this level.
How is this different from what my trainer provides?
Trainers build the horse and the technical ride.
Mental performance coaching develops:
Decision-making under pressure
Emotional control after mistakes
Trust in execution
Consistency across venues
We complement — never replace — your training program. When appropriate, collaboration ensures alignment.
What does the process look like?
Coaching is individualized and strategic.
We begin with a performance assessment and establish:
Clear competitive objectives
Psychological strengths and gaps
Pressure triggers
A structured development plan
Sessions are practical and results-oriented, often including:
Show preparation protocols
Post-ride debrief strategy
Visualization and course walk systems
Fear recalibration frameworks
Identity and confidence restructuring
Support may be virtual, in-person, or integrated during competition circuits.
How long do athletes typically work with you?
This depends on goals.
Short-term (4–8 sessions):
Targeted issue resolution (fear, inconsistency, pre-finals preparation).
Seasonal (3–6 months):
Stabilizing performance during show season or division transitions.
Long-term (6–12+ months):
Integrated high-performance development.
Many competitive riders treat mental training as part of their annual program — just like fitness or flatwork.
How quickly do results appear?
Athletes often report:
Increased clarity within the first few sessions
Noticeable composure shifts within one competition cycle
Sustained consistency over time
Mental skills compound — early investment yields exponential return.
Is this confidential?
Yes.
Athlete trust is foundational. For junior riders, parents receive progress summaries while preserving appropriate privacy. Trainer collaboration occurs with athlete consent. Sessions are virtual using an encrypted audio-video platform similar to zoom.
What is the investment?
Mental performance coaching is positioned as performance optimization.
Options may include:
Private individual sessions
Competition support
Intensive pre-finals preparation
Investment details are shared during consultation to ensure alignment with your competitive objectives.
For families already investing significantly in training and competition, mental precision often protects and maximizes that investment.
How do we begin?
We start with a confidential consultation to evaluate:
Competitive level
Current challenges
Performance objectives
Fit and structure
From there, a tailored coaching plan is developed.