Life Transitions counseling is designed for seasons when something important and fundamental is shifting. Whether planned or unexpected, it can be some of the most challenging moments we face. Sometimes, a change feels like a heavy weight that is hard to shake. Other times, change can be an invitation to step into something bigger and more meaningful.
That might include:
My practice integrates psychotherapy approaches with specialized Transitional Intelligence (TQ) framework to help you move from uncertainty to clarity. Transitions change more than your external circumstances; they reshape your identity, your routines, and your sense of direction.
We look at both the practical and emotional sides of change to help you navigate the "in-between" with more steadiness, intention, and a clear sense of purpose.
For a deeper dive into life transition counseling, you can read my blog post:
Life
Transitions Counseling: Navigating the Shift: Finding Clarity in Life’s Transitions
Life is a series of transitions, and having a framework makes the process feel less disorienting. In addition to being a therapist, I am also a TQ certified coach from MEA. I integrate this framework into my practice to help people understand the internal process of change, not just the external circumstances. Transitional Intelligence, or TQ, gives you the language for what you’re experiencing and practical ways to move through uncertainty with greater clarity and intention.
What are the benefits of TQ in our work together?
Incorporating Transitional Intelligence into our sessions helps you:
For a deeper dive into Transitional Intelligence, you can read my blog post:
Finding your Way: A Map
for Navigating Life’s Transitions
Over my 25+ years as a therapist—working across hospitals, academia, research universities, startups, tech companies, and corporate environments, I have spent a lot of time sitting with people who are used to carrying heavy loads.
Because I have worked both inside these high-pressure cultures and alongside clients navigating them, I get the unique demands they place on your mental health. Here is what that means for our work together:
Retirement is much more than a financial milestone—it is one of the biggest identity shifts we will ever face. Stepping away from a career can completely upend your daily rhythm, your relationships, and your sense of purpose.
Having spent years working in geriatric psychiatry and developing a retirement transition program for faculty and staff at Harvard University, I understand the emotional and developmental changes of later-life transitions. Drawing on tools like the MEA (Modern Elder Academy) framework, I help you process the changes, reimagine meaning and purpose and discover how you want to share your wisdom moving forward.
Whether you are navigating a retirement, or adjusting to the physical and social shifts of older adulthood, we work together to cultivate a chapter that feels intentional and connected to who you are now—not just what you used to do.
Many people come to me not because they are in crisis, but because something in their life no longer feels quite right. They may be successful and capable, yet feel stuck, exhausted, disconnected from what matters, or unsure what comes next.
You might find yourself thinking:
My approach combines psychotherapy with practical tools to help you understand what you’re experiencing, clarify what matters to you, and figure out what comes next. You don’t have to know exactly what you need before we begin—we can start with where you are.
People often use “counseling” and “therapy” to mean the same thing, and there is a lot of overlap. Both provide a supportive space to work with a licensed professional on your mental and emotional well-being.
Counseling may be a good fit when you’re working through a specific life change—such as a career transition, relationship or family shift, or a period of high stress—and want support, perspective, and practical tools to move forward.
Therapy may be a better fit when you want to explore longer-standing patterns, past experiences, or concerns such as anxiety, depression, or trauma.
In my practice, I offer both. You don’t have to know which one you need before we begin. We’ll start with where you are and work together to figure out what kind of support will be most helpful for you.
For a deeper dive into therapy, you can read my blog post:
When
Should I See a Therapist? Understanding How Therapy Can Help with Anxiety, Depression, Stress,
Burnout, & Other Mental Health Concerns
All our counseling sessions are held via a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform. This format is designed to provide you with consistent, flexible support that fits into your life while ensuring we maintain a high standard of clinical care.
To help us create a space where you can truly focus and feel at ease:
If you are interested in discussing in-person options, please email me at info@alicekimlicsw.com. I’m happy to discuss walk and talk therapy options.
Walk-and-talk therapy combines traditional talk therapy with movement and time outdoors. Rather than meeting in an office, we meet while walking in an outdoor setting. For some people, being outside and moving their body can make it easier to reflect, process emotions, and have a more natural conversation.
Walk-and-talk therapy is not simply “talking while walking.” It is still therapy, with the same focus on your goals, emotional well-being, and the therapeutic relationship. The difference is that the setting and movement may offer a different experience than sitting across from a therapist in an office.
Walk-and-talk sessions may be particularly helpful for people who find traditional office-based therapy too formal or prefer a more active and experiential approach. They are also an option for clients who feel more comfortable talking side-by-side rather than face-to-face.
Where do walk-and-talk sessions take place?
Walk-and-talk sessions take place outdoors in a mutually agreed-upon public location. We will discuss the setting, route, weather considerations, and other practical details before your first session.
Because these sessions take place outdoors, privacy cannot be guaranteed in the same way it can during a traditional telehealth session. We will talk about strategies for maintaining your privacy and comfort while walking.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Walk-and-talk sessions are weather dependent. If conditions make it unsafe or uncomfortable to meet outside, we can reschedule or transition to a telehealth session when appropriate. We will discuss the options available to you ahead of time.
Is walk-and-talk therapy right for everyone?
Walk-and-talk therapy can be a good fit for many people, but it is not appropriate for every situation or clinical need. We can discuss whether this approach makes sense for you based on your goals, preferences, and circumstances.
Because I am licensed in specific states, I can only provide therapy when you are physically located in a state where I hold a license at the time of our session. State licensing requirements are in place to ensure that therapists are practicing within the laws and professional standards of the state where the client is located.
I am currently licensed to provide services in:
If you travel frequently or are considering a move, we can discuss what supports might be helpful and how to move forward.
I am a private-pay therapist and do not bill insurance companies directly. My fee is $250 per session, which allows us to focus on your individual needs, goals, and care without the limitations or requirements that can sometimes come with insurance.
If you have a PPO plan that includes out-of-network mental health benefits, you may be eligible for reimbursement for some of the cost of your sessions. I’m happy to provide a superbill (a detailed receipt) that you can submit to your insurance company. Superbill receipts may also be used for reimbursement through an FSA or HSA, depending on your plan.
If you choose to submit a superbill, please keep in mind:
Before starting, it can be helpful to call your insurance provider and ask:
Good Faith Estimate: By law, if you choose not to use your health insurance and opt to pay for therapy services out of pocket, you are entitled to a Good Faith Estimate of medical costs under the No Surprises Act. Click here for more information.
Lyra Benefits
While my practice is primarily private-pay, I am a contracted provider for Lyra Health through your EAP benefits. If you have coverage through Lyra, I can work with you within that framework to support your care.
Choosing private pay can seem costly and an extra step when you are already trying to find the right care provider. But for many clients, paying out-of-pocket offers greater flexibility, choice, and privacy in their care.
Benefits include:
Note on Insurance: Many insurance plans offer out-of-network mental health benefits. If you choose to submit sessions for potential reimbursement, your insurance company may require a diagnosis and information to determine medical necessity. I can provide a superbill (a detailed receipt) that you can submit to your insurance company. Reimbursement is determined by your individual plan, and I recommend contacting your insurance company to understand your out-of-network benefits.
I accept Zelle, Venmo, and secure credit card payments using Ivy Pay. Cash and personal checks are accepted for in-person sessions.
Counseling services can be eligible for FSA/HSA reimbursement. I can provide a super bill for you to submit.
Payments are due at the time of each scheduled appointment.
When we schedule a session, that time is set aside exclusively for you. This is a mutual commitment that honors both our time and the important work we’re doing together. I maintain a limited number of clients to ensure you get the quality care you deserve. Providing at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations gives me the opportunity to offer that time to another client who may be waiting for support.
If you cannot make your appointment for any reason, please make sure to cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours before our scheduled meeting. If you cancel less than 24 hours in advance or miss your appointment, you will be charged a $150 late cancellation/ no-show fee.
Choosing the right support is a big step. I value trust and transparency and provide as much information as possible so you can make an informed decision that is right for you. Explore my website and blog, and if it resonates, schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if we’re a good match.
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation
Finding the right provider is key to a successful experience. The consultation is an opportunity to meet, ask questions, get a feel for my style and approach, and decide if this service is a match for your needs. After the consultation, if we are a good fit and you decide you would like to begin, we can schedule an intake appointment.
If you have additional questions before you are ready to schedule any session, you can email info@alicekimlicsw.com. I will respond within two business days.
*Please note that visiting this website or scheduling a 15-minute consultation does not constitute a professional or therapeutic relationship.