Frequently Asked Questions

Starting Therapy

First of all, I’m so proud of you for making this first step

I’m excited to get to know you

  • Your first session is a 60-minute, unrushed space to arrive, breathe, and be met just as you are.

    Together, we’ll explore:

    • what brings you in

    • your emotional patterns and stress levels

    • any trauma history

    • cultural, familial, or spiritual influences

    • what you hope for in therapy

    We move slowly and with body-awareness.
    You’ll be invited to notice sensations (warmth, tightness, breath), pause when needed, and settle into your own pace.

    We’ll end with a grounding check-in so you leave feeling supported and steady.

  • A typical individual sessions are 45 minutes.
    Your first session (intake) is 60 minutes so we have time to settle in.

    Intensive sessions are longer at 90 minutes or longer. What are Therapy Intensives?

  • All of my sessions are currently offered online through HIPAA-compliant platforms/telehealth. As long as you’re somewhere in Massachusetts, we can meet virtually. Just find a private, comfortable spot, open your laptop, and we’ll connect—therapy can happen wherever you feel safe and at ease.

  • All of my sessions are currently offered online through HIPAA-compliant platforms. As long as you’re somewhere, physically in Massachusetts, we can meet virtually. Just find a private, comfortable spot, open your laptop, and we’ll connect—therapy can happen wherever you feel safe and at ease.

  • Telehealth/virtual therapy sessions allow you to access deep, attuned care from wherever you feel safest — home, office, or any private space.

    For the session, please:

    • choose a quiet, uninterrupted location

    • silence notifications

    • use a laptop or larger screen when possible

    • avoid joining from public places or while driving

    When your environment feels calm, your nervous system can soften, making the work more effective.

  • Start with a free 15–20 minute consultation so we can see if we’re a good fit. [➥ Book Here Now]

    If you decide to move forward, I’ll send you an email through Alma with your intake documents and insurance verification forms. A few important notes to make this process smoother:

    • There are several forms included — please complete all of them before your first appointment can be confirmed.

    • You’ll also enter your insurance information in Alma so they can verify your coverage (this typically takes up to 3 business days).

    • All forms should be completed within 10 days of receiving them, or at least 3 days before your first session (whichever comes first).

    • Once your forms are reviewed and insurance is verified, I’ll confirm your appointment in the Alma system.

My Therapeutic approach

  • I practice an integrative form of therapy that blends Brainspotting, somatic work, depth-oriented psychotherapy, holistic and a spiritually grounded perspective. This approach supports your whole self — mind, body, and nervous system — so healing can unfold in a way that feels natural and sustainable.

    This approach can help you:

    • Release stress or trauma stored in the body

    • Soften chronic tension and emotional exhaustion

    • Reduce overwhelm and anxiety

    • Process experiences that words alone can’t reach

    • Reconnect with your inner wisdom and sense of wholeness

    • Feel more grounded, centered, and emotionally steady

    This work is gentle, body-aware, and paced with care, helping you move toward clarity, balance, and deeper self-connection.

  • Brainspotting helps you access deeper layers of healing through your nervous system, not just your thoughts. Using eye position and attuned presence, we gently connect with places in your body where overwhelm, trauma, or stuck emotions may be held.

    We start with a brief check-in, find the “spot” holding the tension, and you focus there while your brain naturally processes. I guide and support you throughout, and at the end, we reflect on any insights and how to carry them forward.

    Click here to learn more about it.

  • I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in Massachusetts. My expertise is in working with women of color experience embodied liberation through brainspotting and somatic approaches. When I’m not working, I enjoy being out in nature, dancing, playing with my cat Maggie, and listening to podcasts.

    I’m excited that you are here and ready to embark on your healing journey with me. Let’s connect.


    Want to find out more? Find out more.

If it feels like a fit, Let’s Connect.

What about Payments?

  • Yes — I’m in-network with United Healthcare / Optum / Mass General Brigham.

    If you have a different plan, you may still receive partial reimbursement using out-of-network benefits. I can provide a superbill (a detailed receipt) for you to submit.

  • Please visit the [Fees page] to see the current rates. If you’d like to discuss sliding scale options, feel free to reach out— Let’s discuss how to make therapy affordable and accessible for you.

  • Some clients prefer paying privately because it allows for:

    • More privacy and confidentiality (no diagnosis required or shared)

    • Freedom in session length — including longer, deeper, or more flexible formats

    • More choice in treatment style, especially somatic work, Brainspotting, and intensives

    Helpful reading:
    • Zencare – Benefits of Out-of-Network Providers
    • MyWellbeing – Understanding Insurance and OON (out-of-network) Options

    • “Do I have mental health / behavioral health coverage?”

    • “Do I have out-of-network benefits?”

    • “What is my deductible?”

    • “What percentage of the session fee is reimbursed?”

    • “Are there any session limits?”

    👉 Find out how to have navigate this.

  • My fees reflect:

    • The emotional labor of the work

    • Ongoing supervision and advanced training

    • Time spent preparing and supporting your care

    • Maintaining a warm, safe, trauma-informed practice

    How much do sessions cost? Click here to find out the details.

What is your cancellation policy?

Life happens — and I also reserve your appointment time just for you.

I ask for at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule a session. If your schedule changes or something unexpected comes up, please email or text me as soon as you can so we can discuss options.

I understand that emergencies, illness, and urgent situations arise. These are handled case by case, and I may request documentation when appropriate. If a session is canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice and is not due to an emergency, a late-cancellation fee will be charged, unless otherwise discussed.

If we’re able to reschedule within the same week, I may be able to waive or reduce the late-cancellation fee. This isn’t guaranteed, but I do my best to offer flexibility when possible while still honoring the time I set aside for each client.

My goal is to support continuity of care, respect your needs, and maintain a schedule that allows all clients to receive consistent, grounded support.

If You’re New or Returning

I’m New to Therapy

How do I begin?

Beginning therapy can feel vulnerable — especially if this is your first time.

You don’t need to have everything figured out or know exactly what to say.

You can start by scheduling a call to see if we are a good fit. This gives us a chance to connect, talk about what’s bringing you here, and see if working together feels like a good fit.

If we decide to move forward, I’ll guide you through the next steps at a pace that feels supportive and clear.

All that’s needed is a willingness to begin.

For Current & Returning Clients

  • I care deeply about your safety.
    And I’m not able to provide crisis or on-call support outside business hours: Monday - Thursday: 9am - 5pm.

    If you feel unsafe or are in immediate distress, please reach out to one of these resources right away:

    • 911 or your nearest emergency room

    • 988 — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

    • Boston area: BEST Team 1-800-981-4357 (24/7)

    After getting support, you may leave me a voicemail (not email) to update me. I’ll return your call as soon as I’m able, though I cannot guarantee a response within 24 hours.

    Your safety comes first.

  • Reach out to me at yokohisanolicsw@gmail.com.

  • Email me as soon as you find out you have to cancel at yokohisanolicsw@gmail.com and reschedule your appointment.


    I ask for at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule. Sessions canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice are charged a late-cancellation fee, unless due to an emergency.

    I understand that illness and unexpected situations arise and handle these case by case. When possible, rescheduling within the same week may allow for a reduced or waived fee, though this can’t be guaranteed.

    This policy helps me honor the time I reserve for each client and support continuity of care.

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