FAQs
What is EMDR therapy and how is it different from regular talk therapy?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Unlike traditional talk therapy, which primarily works through conversation and insight, EMDR works directly with the way your brain and body have stored painful or overwhelming experiences. In sessions, we monitor both what you are thinking and how you are feeling physically, so that we can create change on both a cognitive and a nervous system level. Many clients find that EMDR helps them shift beliefs and emotional responses that years of talking simply could not reach.
Do I have to have experienced a major traumatic event to benefit from EMDR therapy in Connecticut?
Not at all. EMDR is effective for what are sometimes called big T traumas, such as accidents, assault, or significant loss, and also for smaller, accumulated experiences that have shaped the way you see yourself and the world. If you carry beliefs like "I am not enough," "I am not safe," or "I am not loveable," and those beliefs feel true even when you know logically they are not, EMDR may be able to help you get unstuck.
What does trauma therapy with Kirsten actually look like?
Sessions are collaborative, paced by you, and grounded in warmth, humor, and clinical precision. Kirsten does not tell you what to think or how to feel. She asks questions, follows your lead, and works with you to understand what is still present underneath the surface. The goal is not to relitigate your past but to change the way your nervous system relates to it, so that old experiences lose their power over your present life.
How long does EMDR therapy take?
This varies depending on the person and what they are working through. Some clients notice meaningful shifts within a handful of sessions. Others do deeper work over a longer period of time. During your free consultation, Kirsten will talk with you about what you are hoping to work on and give you a clearer sense of what to expect. The goal is always progress that is real and lasting, not a quick fix that fades.
I have tried therapy before and it didn't really help. Why would this be different?
Many people who come to Kirsten have had that exact experience. They found talk therapy alone helpful to a point, but noticed they kept understanding their patterns without being able to change them. EMDR works at a different level than traditional psychotherapy. It’s not only about gaining more insight. It is about helping your brain and body finish processing experiences that got stuck, so the insight you already have can finally land somewhere that feels true.
Is trauma therapy in Darien, CT right for me if I am not sure my experiences count as trauma?
Yes! You do not need a diagnosis or a dramatic story to benefit from this work. If you find yourself looping back to the same fears, doubts, or reactions no matter how hard you try to change them, that is worth exploring. Trauma is less about what happened and more about how your nervous system responded to it. Kirsten works with the full range of human experience, and no story is too small or too complicated to bring into the room.
What can I expect from my first session?
Your first session is primarily a conversation. Kirsten will want to understand what brought you in, what you have already tried, and what you are hoping for. There is no pressure to share everything at once. The pace is always yours. Many clients leave the first session feeling relieved simply to have been heard without judgment.
How do I know if Kirsten is the right therapist for me?
The best way to find out is through the free consultation. Fit matters enormously in therapy, and Kirsten takes that seriously. She is direct, warm, and honest, and she will tell you if she thinks another approach or provider might serve you better. The goal is for you to get the help that actually works, wherever that comes from.
What if I am nervous about starting therapy or talking about difficult things?
That is completely normal, and you do not have to be ready to talk about everything right away. Many clients come in feeling unsure or even a little guarded, and that is okay. Kirsten's role is not to push you toward anything before you are ready. The work unfolds at a pace that feels safe, and safety is always the first priority.
Does Kirsten offer online therapy or counseling in Connecticut?
Please reach out directly to ask about current availability for telehealth or in-person sessions in Darien, CT. You can contact Kirsten at www.arisecounselingconnecticut.com/contact or by calling 203-212-9372.
What is the difference between counseling and psychotherapy in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, both licensed counselors and therapists provide talk-based mental health treatment. The terms are often used interchangeably. What matters most is the approach, the relationship, and the fit. Kirsten is a Licensed Professional Counselor who provides trauma-focused psychotherapy using EMDR and other evidence-based methods.
Do you take insurance?
I'm considered an out-of-network provider, which means I don't bill insurance companies directly. However, many clients with PPO insurance plans can still get reimbursed for a portion of their therapy costs.
If you'd like to use your out-of-network benefits, I can provide you with a superbill, which is a detailed receipt that you submit to your insurance company. They’ll review it and, if you have coverage, send reimbursement directly to you.
It’s a simple process, and I’m happy to guide you through it if you need help.
What are your rates?
Individual Session: $185 (55 minutes)
Couples Session: $195 (55 minutes)
Extended Couples Session: $250 (90 minutes)
Do you offer in virtual or in-person therapy?
While I do offer virtual therapy on an occasional basis to accommodate clients, as a general rule, therapy sessions tend to be more effective and productive when conducted in person.
What is your cancellation policy?
I understand that life happens and sometimes you need to reschedule. I kindly ask for at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel or change your appointment.
Missed appointments and cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice will be charged 50% of the session fee. This policy helps me reserve time for all clients who need support.
Where are you located?
30 Old Kings Hwy South in Darien Connecticut. My office is conveniently located in downtown Darien, just minutes from I-95
How do I get started with trauma therapy or EMDR in Connecticut?
Easy! Click here and we can schedule a quick free call to find out if working together makes sense! You do not need to have it all figured out. You just need to be willing to take one step.