FAQs

  • Do you provide therapy in person or online?

    I provide therapy and coaching online only.

    The only exception is the “Walk and Talk Therapy with our Toddlers” I provide in Gilroy.

  • Do you take insurance?

    I do not accept insurance at this time. I take private pay only, and payments are processed securely through a HIPAA-compliant therapy platform to protect your privacy and peace of mind.

  • How do I schedule a session?

    Email me at Clevengercounseling@gmail.com or call me on me at 408-430-7638.

    I’ll respond within 24 hours to set up a free 15 minute phone consultation where I can learn about your story and answer any questions you have.

  • Do you offer a sliding scale/reduced fee?

    Yes, I do offer a limited number of sliding scale spots for clients experiencing financial hardship. These reduced-rate sessions are designed to make therapy more accessible for those in need. My standard fee is $140 per session, and sliding scale availability is based on current openings and your individual circumstances. If you’re interested in exploring this option, feel free to reach out and we can discuss what might work best for you.

  • How long does therapy take before I start feeling better?

    That’s a great question, and the honest answer is that it depends. Many begin feeling a sense of relief and hope within the first session, from experiencing the transformational power of internal family systems therapy. For deeper healing, especially when working through trauma, long-standing stress, or narcissistic abuse, the process can take more time.

    Think of therapy like tending a garden. Some weeds are easy to pull, while others have deeper roots. My role is to support you at a pace that feels right, helping you build insight, emotional strength, and tools that support long-term well-being.

  • How often will we meet?

    Meeting once a week is ideal, especially during the first month of therapy. This consistency helps us build a strong foundation, create momentum for change, and give your story the attention it deserves. As therapy progresses, we can always revisit the frequency based on your goals, needs, and what feels most supportive.

  • Is this right for me if I’ve never been to therapy before?

    Yes. Many of my clients are brand new to therapy. Whether we’re meeting outdoors for walk-and-talk sessions or connecting virtually, I provide a warm, supportive space where you can explore what’s been weighing on you.

    Some clients are caregivers who bring their toddlers along, while others meet with me online from the comfort of home or during a lunch break. You don’t need to have prior experience with therapy—I’ll walk you through each step so you feel supported and empowered from the start.

  • What approach do you use in therapy?

    My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practices. I primarily draw from Internal Family Systems (IFS), a powerful model that helps you understand and heal the different “parts” of yourself that may carry pain, fear, or self-criticism. I also integrate tools from CBT, motivational interviewing, and somatic awareness to support lasting change.

  • Below are questions geared towards “Walk and Talk with Our Toddlers” clients.

  • Is therapy while walking as effective as traditional therapy in an office?

    Yes. For many people, walking therapy can be just as effective, and in some cases even more so. Being outside, moving your body, and connecting with nature can help reduce anxiety, increase openness, and support emotional regulation. Walking side by side often makes it easier to talk about difficult topics.

  • What if my child has a meltdown or needs attention during the session?

    That’s completely okay. I expect it. One of the benefits of walk-and-talk therapy is flexibility. If your child needs to stop for a snack, diaper change, or a moment of comfort, we pause. You don’t have to apologize for being a parent. Your child’s needs are part of the session, not a disruption.

  • Will people hear us if we’re doing walk and talk therapy?

    It’s possible that we may pass by others or be briefly overheard during our walk. While we can’t guarantee complete privacy in public spaces, we’ll do our best to protect your confidentiality by choosing quieter paths and adjusting our route as needed. If we’re interrupted, we’ll pause and handle it respectfully, then continue our session when it feels comfortable to do so.

  • What if it’s raining or too hot outside?

    If the weather isn’t comfortable or safe, we have a few flexible options. We can reschedule, switch to a virtual session, or change locations to a shady park or cooler area nearby. I’ll always check in with you ahead of time so we can make a plan that supports your comfort and keeps therapy consistent.

  • Will you be bringing your child to walk-and-talk therapy with toddlers?

    Yes. My 21-month-old son, Levi, will be joining us during walk-and-talk sessions with caregivers and their little ones. Just like you, I’ll be attending to his needs along the way. This shared experience often helps create a relaxed, supportive atmosphere where we can connect parent-to-parent while also tending to our children in real time.

  • Where will we be meeting?

    We’ll meet at one of several beautiful parks or walking paths in Gilroy. Some of my favorite spots include Christmas Hill Park, the trails near Uvas Creek, and quiet neighborhood paths with plenty of shade and open space.

    We’ll decide together on a location that works best for you and your child. If your little one has a favorite park or needs certain features like a playground or stroller-friendly path, I’ll do my best to meet you there. The goal is to choose a place where you both feel safe, relaxed, and supported.

FAQs

  • How do I schedule a session?

    Email me at Clevengercounseling@gmail.com or call me on me at 408-430-7638.

    I’ll respond within 24 hours to set up a free 15 minute phone consultation where I can learn about your story and answer any questions you have.

  • Do you offer a sliding scale/reduced fee?

    Yes, I do offer a limited number of sliding scale spots for clients experiencing financial hardship. These reduced-rate sessions are designed to make therapy more accessible for those in need. My standard fee is $140 per session, and sliding scale availability is based on current openings and your individual circumstances. If you’re interested in exploring this option, feel free to reach out and we can discuss what might work best for you.

  • How long does therapy take before I start feeling better?

    That’s a great question, and the honest answer is that it depends. Many begin feeling a sense of relief and hope within the first session, from experiencing the transformational power of internal family systems therapy. For deeper healing, especially when working through trauma, long-standing stress, or narcissistic abuse, the process can take more time.

    Think of therapy like tending a garden. Some weeds are easy to pull, while others have deeper roots. My role is to support you at a pace that feels right, helping you build insight, emotional strength, and tools that support long-term well-being.

  • How often will we meet?

    Meeting once a week is ideal, especially during the first month of therapy. This consistency helps us build a strong foundation, create momentum for change, and give your story the attention it deserves. As therapy progresses, we can always revisit the frequency based on your goals, needs, and what feels most supportive.

  • Is this right for me if I’ve never been to therapy before?

    Yes. Many of my clients are brand new to therapy. Whether we’re meeting outdoors for walk-and-talk sessions or connecting virtually, I provide a warm, supportive space where you can explore what’s been weighing on you.

    Some clients are caregivers who bring their toddlers along, while others meet with me online from the comfort of home or during a lunch break. You don’t need to have prior experience with therapy—I’ll walk you through each step so you feel supported and empowered from the start.

  • What approach do you use in therapy?

    My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practices. I primarily draw from Internal Family Systems (IFS), a powerful model that helps you understand and heal the different “parts” of yourself that may carry pain, fear, or self-criticism. I also integrate tools from CBT, motivational interviewing, and somatic awareness to support lasting change.

  • Is therapy while walking as effective as traditional therapy in an office?

    Yes. For many people, walking therapy can be just as effective, and in some cases even more so. Being outside, moving your body, and connecting with nature can help reduce anxiety, increase openness, and support emotional regulation. Walking side by side often makes it easier to talk about difficult topics.

  • What if my child has a meltdown or needs attention during the session?

    That’s completely okay. I expect it. One of the benefits of walk-and-talk therapy is flexibility. If your child needs to stop for a snack, diaper change, or a moment of comfort, we pause. You don’t have to apologize for being a parent. Your child’s needs are part of the session, not a disruption.

  • Will people hear us if we’re doing walk and talk therapy?

    It’s possible that we may pass by others or be briefly overheard during our walk. While we can’t guarantee complete privacy in public spaces, we’ll do our best to protect your confidentiality by choosing quieter paths and adjusting our route as needed. If we’re interrupted, we’ll pause and handle it respectfully, then continue our session when it feels comfortable to do so.

  • What if it’s raining or too hot outside?

    If the weather isn’t comfortable or safe, we have a few flexible options. We can reschedule, switch to a virtual session, or change locations to a shady park or cooler area nearby. I’ll always check in with you ahead of time so we can make a plan that supports your comfort and keeps therapy consistent.

  • Will you be bringing your child to walk-and-talk therapy with toddlers?

    Yes. My 21-month-old son, Levi, will be joining us during walk-and-talk sessions with caregivers and their little ones. Just like you, I’ll be attending to his needs along the way. This shared experience often helps create a relaxed, supportive atmosphere where we can connect parent-to-parent while also tending to our children in real time.

  • Where will we be meeting?

    We’ll meet at one of several beautiful parks or walking paths in Gilroy. Some of my favorite spots include Christmas Hill Park, the trails near Uvas Creek, and quiet neighborhood paths with plenty of shade and open space.

    We’ll decide together on a location that works best for you and your child. If your little one has a favorite park or needs certain features like a playground or stroller-friendly path, I’ll do my best to meet you there. The goal is to choose a place where you both feel safe, relaxed, and supported.