I currently accept the following insurance plans: Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of North Dakota and most out-of-state BCBS policies North Dakota Medicaid (NDMA) Sanford Health Plan Sanford Employee Plan More insurance options may be added in the future. Self-pay rates are also available and can be negotiated.

At the end of our first session, we’ll discuss what frequency feels right for you. It’s important to me that we meet at a pace that aligns with your needs. Most clients choose to meet once a week or every other week, but some find it helpful to meet twice a week. Ideally, I recommend starting with weekly sessions for the first 4-6 weeks to establish a strong foundation.

Turning Tides Counseling Services currently offers therapy exclusively via telehealth, giving you flexibility in choosing where you’d like to meet from. I’ll be meeting you from inside my cat’s apartment (yes, really!). However, there are a few places on your end that aren’t suitable for sessions: While driving in your vehicle In the bathroom Any location where your confidentiality might be compromised (such as a coffee shop, bookstore, or your work cubicle) Choosing a private and safe space is important for maintaining the quality and confidentiality of our sessions.

The easiest way to get started is by scheduling an appointment online through the Simple Practice link on the Contact page. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to email me at mcfarrencounseling@outlook.com or fill out the form on the Contact page. You can also call me at 701-526-3300. Once you've expressed interest in starting therapy, I will send you a packet of paperwork to complete before your first appointment.

There’s no specific criteria you need to meet to benefit from seeing a therapist. However, here are some common signs that therapy might be helpful for you: You’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, self-harm behaviors, or ongoing thoughts of harming others You’re struggling to function in an area of your life—whether it's school, work, relationships, or taking care of yourself—due to overwhelming emotions or relationship issues You’re using substances as a way to cope with your emotions You’re feeling stuck or finding it hard to discover a sense of purpose in your life If any of these resonate with you, therapy could be a supportive step forward.

First, you are the expert of your own life. I’m here to support you and cheer you on through some tough decisions, but I won’t have all the answers to solve your struggles. If I did, I’d write a book and have my own talk show! It’s important to have realistic expectations. Therapy can be life-changing, but it doesn’t fix everything in just a few sessions. It takes time and hard work. You should expect to feel challenged, which might involve answering difficult questions, taking accountability for past mistakes, or confronting uncomfortable emotions. Therapy can be emotionally exhausting at times, but it’s part of the growth process. Most importantly, be honest with yourself and with me. This time is dedicated to you and your long-term well-being. I’m not here to judge you, but to show you that it’s possible to receive love and compassion, no matter your past.

Telehealth therapy offers flexibility and convenience, allowing you to connect with me from the comfort of your own environment. To make the most of your virtual sessions, it’s important to create an ideal setup. Here are some tips to help you get the best experience: Choose a quiet, private space where you won’t be interrupted. Close your windows to avoid outside noise. Make sure your lighting is adequate so I can clearly see your facial expressions. Ensure your space is comfortable, and be mindful of the chair you’ll be sitting on. Remove distractions like phone notifications, music, or background noises. Keep comforts close by, such as snacks, tissues, blankets, fidgets, water, tea, or even your pet. Test your internet connection before each session to ensure it’s stable. Restart your computer before the session to avoid technical issues. Use headphones for better sound quality and privacy. Position your webcam at an appropriate angle so I can see your entire face. Log into Simple Practice a few minutes early to be ready for your session. If possible, have a backup smart device handy. If needed, we can switch to a phone call as a last resort. By setting up an optimal environment, you can make your telehealth therapy sessions more effective and focused on your well-being.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic approach that leverages the mind's natural ability to heal itself, similar to how the body recovers from injuries. Much of this healing process occurs during sleep, especially during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Developed by Francine Shapiro in 1987, EMDR was initially designed to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Since its inception, EMDR has been effectively utilized to address a variety of mental health issues, helping individuals process and integrate traumatic experiences.

An EMDR session harnesses your body’s natural healing abilities. After a thorough assessment and the development of a tailored treatment plan, you’ll be guided through a process that focuses on a specific disturbing memory. You will be asked to follow my finger as it moves back and forth across your visual field, simulating the eye movements that occur during REM sleep. Occasionally, we may use a bar of moving lights or headphones for this purpose. The eye movements will be conducted in short sets, and after each set, I’ll ask you to share your experiences. During the session, you may notice shifts in your thoughts, feelings, or images related to the memory. With repeated sets of eye movements, the memory often changes, reducing its painful intensity and transforming it into a more neutral recollection of a past event. Additionally, other related memories may heal during this process. This interconnected healing can lead to significant and rapid improvements in various aspects of your life.

While EMDR is widely recognized for its effectiveness in treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), it has also been successfully employed to address a variety of other issues, including: Anxiety and panic attacks Depression Anger management Phobias Sleep disturbances Grief and loss Addictions Pain, including phantom limb pain Performance anxiety Feelings of worthlessness and low self-esteem This versatile approach can help individuals heal from a range of emotional and psychological challenges, promoting overall well-being.

EMDR can be a powerful tool for accelerating therapy by helping individuals process and resolve the impact of past traumas, allowing them to live more fully in the present. However, it may not be suitable for everyone. The process is designed to be rapid, and any disturbing experiences, if they arise, typically last for a relatively short time. It's important to recognize that you need to be aware of and willing to engage with the strong emotions and unsettling thoughts that can sometimes emerge during sessions. If you feel prepared for this journey, EMDR could be a beneficial option for your healing process.

EMDR can be a brief, focused treatment or integrated into a longer psychotherapy plan. It can easily complement other therapeutic approaches your therapist may utilize, such as Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or Cognitive Behavior Therapy. For optimal results, EMDR sessions focused on the reprocessing phases typically last between 60 to 90 minutes. Many clients report experiencing positive effects after just one session of EMDR, making it a potentially efficient option for healing.

Like any form of psychotherapy, EMDR may lead to a temporary increase in distress. Distressing and unresolved memories can surface during the treatment, and some clients may experience unexpected reactions, such as heightened emotions or physical sensations during a session. Additionally, the processing of incidents or material may continue after the session, leading to the emergence of further dreams, memories, or feelings. It’s important to approach this therapeutic process with openness and to communicate any reactions you experience, as this can enhance your overall healing journey.

While eye movements are often seen as the hallmark of EMDR therapy, the approach is not solely dependent on them. EMDR is a complex psychotherapy that encompasses various components contributing to its therapeutic effects. Eye movements are used to engage your attention with an external stimulus while you simultaneously focus on distressing internal material. Francine Shapiro describes eye movements as “dual attention stimuli,” as they help you attend to both external and internal stimuli. If you’re unable to perform eye movements, don’t worry! There are alternative methods available, including hand-tapping and auditory stimulation, which can also serve as dual attention stimuli. These alternative techniques have been a fundamental part of the EMDR protocol for over 10 years and can effectively facilitate the therapeutic process.