Sugar Tree is a reference to my roots, in the wild and wonderful Green Mountain State. Where every spring my family (okay mostly my dad) could be found hauling steel buckets full of maple sap from the hills around our house to the little sugar shack cozied among draping trees in our yard . And here the sap would be oh-so-slowly boiled into the delightful essence of maple syrup. This name encapsulates two fundamental principles that I hold dear in the realm of healing:

Firstly, it symbolizes the exploration of our roots. Delving into the people, places, and experiences that have shaped our perspectives and interactions with the world. Secondly, it signifies a profound connection with the natural world, emphasizing the importance of connecting to the land we inhabit. Oh, and also there is a metaphor somewhere in there about the slow process of transformation, and the distillation of what is most important.

Practice Philosophy

My approach to therapy is influenced by Liberation Psychology and the Social Model of Disability. Both theoretical orientations that highlight the role of systemic factors in a person’s wellbeing. I will not ignore the social and cultural context of an individual, including how it contributes to suffering or to resilience. My practice is also influenced by both somatic and neurobiological focused trauma-informed theories (Polyvagal Theory, Neurosequential Model of Therapuetics, EMDR).

Let’s talk about diagnosis

Diagnosis is not required for therapy unless you are using insurance. Generally, I will not diagnose you or your child. However, if diagnosis is something you are interested in exploring and understanding, I can work with you to gain clarity on the different diagnostic categories and criteria, as well as recommend additional assessment resources as needed. It is important to note that the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Version 5, text revised (DSM-V TR), the manual used to diagnose mental health disorders in the US, has long been under critique for holding a narrow view of health and wellness reflective of Euro-American, heteronormative, cisgender, neurotypical, and often male norms. The manual has changed over time, reflecting changing societal norms. This means that some diagnoses are reflective of social and cultural beliefs or how well an individual does or does not adapt or mask to meet dominant social norms. I do not discount that diagnosis can be a very helpful tool for some people to gain clarity on their experience, guide treatment, and access the supports they need. If this is the case for you, just let me know and we can assess neurotype, impact of past trauma, and look at DSM criteria.

The insurance question

Sugar Tree is a private pay only practice. You can pay by HSA/FSA or credit/debit card. I want mental healthcare to be as accessible to as many people as possible. I also believe treatment should be shaped by you, and not by what an insurance company is willing to cover. Working this way provides you, and me, more privacy and flexibility in treatment, without a third party dictating treatment. I can provide you with a Superbill, which can be submitted for possible out-of-network reimbursement to commercial insurance companies (this will depend on your insurance company). Insurance companies require a diagnosis in order to consider care medically necessary for them to reimburse, meaning a Superbill can only be produced if a client meets criteria for a diagnosis and this is documented in their medical record. Just let me know if this is something you need, and we can talk through all of the implications.