Sliding Scale

Sliding scales are a tool I incorporate to be able to provide therapeutic services to individuals who may not be able to afford my full fee ($160) out of pocket. I do this knowing there are lot of cultural, societal, and racial factors that come into play for every individuals financial privilege and access in our country. I believe mental health is something every person should have access to and want to make things as equitable and accessible as I can. The green bottle tool was created by Alexis J. Cunningfolk (feel free to read their blog post here) that helps give back power to potential clients to name what their capacity & current status is.

I do have limited slots available for each price point, so I ask you to consider your circumstances and choose mindfully if you can truthfully afford a higher end of the scale.

“ If paying for a class, product, or service would be difficult, but not detrimental, it qualifies as a sacrifice. You might have to cut back on other spending in your life (such as going out to dinner, buying coffee, or a new outfit), but this will not have a long term harmful impact on your life.

It is a sacred sacrifice in order to pursue something you are called to do. If, however, paying for a class, product, or service would lead to a harmful impact on your life, such as not being able to put food on the table, pay rent, or pay for your transportation to get to work, then you are dealing with hardship”
— Alexis J. Cunningfolk

A helpful nuance is sacrifice vs hardship

I would never want anyone to choose a higher end of the scale if it genuinely causes hardship.

This scale is also dynamic, if something changes and you are able to afford more in the future, I ask that you let me know and we will adjust. If something changes and you are not able to afford the scale you chose to begin with, I also ask you let me know. I want to ensure that access is available and respectful of changing circumstances.

All that said, I’m aware of a lot of guilt that our BIPOC & LGBTQIA+ communities can hold when it comes to considering the lower end of this scale. Be honest with yourself and your circumstances and know that I offer sliding scales on purpose for our communities that are often overlooked, disenfranchised, and harmed.

Below you’ll find the green bottle image I’ve adapted. Individuals who identify with most of the statements on the far left, qualify for the full $160 fee, as you explore the bottle, find what you identify with the most. I also know sometimes big events can happen making even the low bottle a difficult ask. For that reason I am able to offer a one-time concession of five 45-minute session for $55 dollars.

  • I am comfortable and able to meet my basic* needs

    I may have some debt but it doesn’t prohibit attainment of my basic needs.

    I have access to financial savings, family wealth, and/or resources in time of need

    I own/lease a car

    I can always buy new items

    I have expendable** income

    I can afford multiple vacations or take time off for leisure

    I am employed/don’t need to work

    I rent a higher end property OR own my own home

  • I am able to meet my basic* needs

    I may have some debt but it doesn’t prohibit the attainment of my basic needs

    I have access to some financial savings and/or resources in times of need

    I have daily reliable transportation

    I’m able to buy new items occasionally

    I have some expendable** income

    I can take time off for sickness/leisure and am still able to pay next month’s bills

    I can afford an annual vacation without financial burden

    I am employed or self-employed

    I rent property OR own my own home

Transform Your Story

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Trust YourSelf

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Transform Your Story 〰️ Trust YourSelf 〰️

For accessibility, the text on the bottles says….

  • I stress about meeting basic* needs but regularly achieve them

    I may have some debt but it doesn’t prohibit attainment of my basic needs

    I have access to limited financial savings and/or resources in times of need

    I have daily reliable transportation

    I’m able to buy some new items but thrift most other things

    I have limited expendable** income

    I can take limited time off for sickness/leisure and sill be able to pay next month’s bills

    I can afford an annual vacation without financial burden

    I am employed or self-employed

    I rent a property OR own my own home

  • I frequently stress about meeting basic* needs and don’t always achieve them

    I have debt and it sometimes prohibits me from meeting basic needs

    I have no financial savings

    I do not have reliable transportation

    I rarely buy new things because I cannot afford them

    I have no/very limited expendable** income

    I cannot afford a holiday or take time off without financial burden

    I am unemployed, underemployed, or denied work due to incarceration history

    I rent lower end properties and/or have unstable housing

    I qualify for public aid including food stamps and health care

* BASIC NEEDS include food, housing and transportation

** EXPENDABLE INCOME might mean you are able to buy coffee or tea at a shop, go the movies or a concert, buy new clothes, books and similar items each month, etc…

*** I am able to offer for specific circumstances five 45 minute sessions for $55 each