What to expect in therapy
SSC LLC offers 60-minute telehealth and/or in-person mental health sessions conducted by a licensed professional counselor, within the state of Kansas. We accept patients 13 and older by appointment-only, Tues-Thurs from 11 AM-5 PM (CST). Please note that we will observe most U.S. federally scheduled holidays.
A Note on Practice Scope & Boundaries: We strive to provide the highest standard of care aligned with our therapist’s specific clinical focus. Sowing Seeds Counseling LLC, and affiliated provider(s), do not provide crisis intervention services, addiction recovery counseling, or treatment of personality disorders. In these instances, we provide trusted community referrals to specialized care teams.
FAQ with Our Therapist
How long is this going to take?
Therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all, because each of our human experiences is unique. How long we work together depends on what you’re bringing into the room. There’s a couple of options. First, there’s Brief Therapy (8-12 weeks). It’s perfect for navigating a specific life transition, sharpening your communication skills, or navigating work place dynamics. It’s focused, practical, and goal-driven.
Then there’s what I prefer to call, Paced Therapy (6 months-2 years). When we’re working through past adversities, chronic anxiety, deep grief, or long-standing depression, we don’t rush. Healing old patterns that took decades to build requires time, safety, and a steady pace. We will continually check in on your progress, so you always know where you stand and where we’re going.
How does therapy actually work? What do I have to do in sessions?
Here’s the deal, therapy is a collaborative partnership, not a passive experience. While our sessions are a dedicated space to unpack, reflect, and learn, the real magic happens in the hours between our appointments. These are are the moments you’re taking what we talk about in session, and actually applying it in your life. A classic phrase my patients hear is, “you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make ’em drink.” I can guide you on what I know, but I can’t do the work for you.
Bottom line: To see real, lasting change in your life, you have to be willing to apply what we discuss out in the real world. That might mean practicing a boundary; noticing how your body responds in certain situations; or calming your nervous system when stress spikes. I bring the clinical tools, direction, and safe environment—you bring the willingness to practice and apply these tools every day.
I’ve always handled things on my own. Does going to therapy mean I’m weak?
Hell no.
Some of the bravest souls I have ever known are the ones sitting in the chair across from me. It takes a lot of courage to stop running, drop the mask, and acknowledge the hardest, messiest experiences of being human. Staying silent and white-knuckling your way through life will cost you physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Stepping into therapy to actively heal takes real strength and part of that process is developing self-compassion. That’s a big one we all could work on, honestly.
What’s the difference between talking to you vs. talking to my best friend?
I love a good heart-to-heart with my bestie, but therapy is a completely different dynamic.
Here’s what I mean. Beyond being a neutral, objective party who has no personal stake in your daily decisions, I spent years in a CACREP-accredited graduate program. I passed national board exams, completed extensive supervised clinical hours, and stay at the cutting edge of clinical practice through continuing education.
I have dedicated myself to working specifically with rural communities where unique, societal challenges exist and access to quality care can be difficult. Plus, I’ve sat in the ‘hot seat’ myself! I deeply respect what it feels like to be in your chair. I don’t just offer an open ear; I offer evidence-based strategy, safety, respect, and deep understanding.
Why shouldn't I just take medication instead?
Let’s be clear, I’m not against medication, nor can I prescribe it. Honestly, it can be a life-saving tool! It can regulate brain chemistry; lower the baseline of your pain; or give you the breathing room you need in tough moments. However, medication alone cannot teach you new coping skills, process past pain, engage nervous system regulation, or rewire deep-seated relationship patterns.
Statistically speaking, combining therapy with medication yields the highest success rates and the longest-lasting results for mental health outcomes. If medication is part of your journey, I love collaborating with other providers to ensure your mind and body are getting comprehensive care while we nurture the soul.
What is your approach to grief?
Grief is not a disease to be cured or a problem to be solved quickly; it is an experience to be honored. My fundamental rule for grief work is pacing. It cannot—and should not—be rushed. As you navigate the complexities of grief, I listen and offer words of wisdom from my clinical training and own experiences of navigating grief and loss.
I generally encourage patients to give themselves a full year in therapy to navigate the “firsts.” The first holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries without your loved one bring up a lot of emotions, memories, and sometimes behaviors. In my approach, I gently incorporate cultural and spiritual concepts that align with your own personal understanding of the world. I have found that this allows people to process at a rhythm that feels safe for their hearts, minds, and bodies.
I also work with individuals with terminal illness. The nature of this work is sacred to me. It is a privilege to know people and their life story on this level as they ascend into the next realm of existence. I work carefully to navigate fear, help you come to terms with reality, and find peace with yourself. I can also provide resources and guides for families on how to prepare for and communicate end-of-life care. I aim to help everyone recognize that this is a natural process, and one to be honored and treated with dignity.
Finally, I am deeply respectful of the loss of pets. I see them more as family members, and their loss can have a huge impact on our lives. You know why these bonds are so special? There’s some incredible science that suggests it’s the “unconditional love” they give us; something that feels deep and is not often experienced with other people.