Frequently Asked Questions
The following information is intended for individuals who have been referred for care, or who are exploring whether trauma-responsive psychotherapy may be an appropriate next step in their trauma recovery.
How do I know if Root-based Healing is the right fit for me?
If you’re seeking depth-oriented psychotherapy that moves at a steady, nervous-system-informed pace rather than quick symptom management, this approach may be a good fit.
How do I know if what I’ve experienced is “trauma”?
Trauma is not defined solely by what happened, but by how an experience overwhelmed your nervous system and shaped your sense of safety, connection, and emotional well-being over time. It can result from a single event, ongoing relational experiences, or unmet emotional needs during childhood — especially when support, protection, or understanding were absent.
You don’t need to be 100% sure that what you’ve experienced is considered “trauma” in order to begin care. Trauma is not determined by a checklist of events, but by how experiences have impacted your nervous system, emotional world, and ability to feel safe within yourself and in relationship with others.
Many people begin psychotherapy unsure how to name what they’ve lived through — and that uncertainty is welcome here. Together, we can gently explore your experiences with care and context, allowing clarity to emerge at a pace that feels safe and supportive.
Why is there an emphasis placed on nervous system steadiness?
Because the nervous system sets the tone for how you think, feel, and respond.
When it is on alert — even subtly — insight alone isn’t enough. You may understand your patterns, yet still feel anxious, shut down, reactive, or overwhelmed.
Steadiness allows the body to experience safety first. When the body feels safe enough to settle, clarity increases, emotions become more manageable, confidence grows, and recovery becomes possible.
We begin with the nervous system because sustainable growth starts there.
What is a typical psychotherapy session like?
A psychotherapy session is calm, collaborative, and paced with care. The focus is on helping you develop greater awareness of your internal experience — thoughts, emotions, and bodily cues — in a way that supports regulation and insight.
Rather than following a rigid agenda, Iris responds to what is most alive and relevant for you in the moment, while remaining grounded in the larger arc of your recovery work. Treatment modalities used include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing-informed approaches, Mindfulness-based Therapy, and Experiential Treatment Modalities.
Do you offer in-person sessions?
Primarily, sessions occur via Telehealth. Limited in-person sessions are available, on a case-by-case basis, at a reserved office space, your Bainbridge Island home, or at another agreed upon location.
Do you work with couples and families?
Couples and family work is offered when relational dynamics are central to the trauma recovery of an established patient, with care focused on safety and relational steadiness.
These decisions are made thoughtfully and are guided by clinical appropriateness, scope of care, and the specific needs of the individual receiving care.
Do you accept insurance, what are your fees and accepted forms of payment?
Root-based Healing is an out-of-network psychotherapy practice. Payment is due at the time of service. Monthly superbills are provided for possible out-of-network reimbursement, depending on your insurance plan.
Current fees are as follows:
- Psychotherapy Intake: $195
- Individual Session: $180
- Couples/Family Session: $195
All major credit cards, HSA accounts, and FSA accounts are accepted.