Frequently Asked Questions
HOW i work
I like to describe the work that I do with people as insightful, evidence-based, intuitive, thought provoking and holistic. This means I bring nonjudgmental inquiry into your emotional experience, thought patterns, beliefs, and actions. While I don’t “analyze” my clients or perform deep psychological digs into the past, my approach does include a lens that seeks to understand and illuminate how key relationships in your history may be influencing the struggles (and strengths) that you are encountering in your present. The psychological jargon for this approach is called attachment oriented, meaning we look at some of the ways your previous caregivers or relationships may have an effect on how secure or insecure you feel in your current relationships and how you respond to others when you’re trying to get your needs met.
I also implement evidence-based approaches that address the unhelpful thought patterns that can often contribute to anxiety and depression from a cognitive- behavioral perspective. Meaning, I teach both mindfulness techniques that help regulate the stress response as it arises through your nervous system, as well as addressing the cognitive thought processes that might be resulting in unwanted feelings, behaviors, or outcomes.
With couples, I subscribe to the philosophy that it is not the appearance of conflict, but how we manage and repair conflict that predicts the outcome of a relationship. I utilize the tools from evidence-based approaches such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for Couples and The Gottman Method. I weave both the relationship science and practical information about relationship pitfalls of The Gottman Method and the more emotion-focused dynamic and interpersonal toolbox from EFT. Together, we acknowledge emotional “attachment” injuries and work towards a new chance for emotional connection and restoring the bond that once existed. You can read more about this work on my Couples Therapy page.
Where is your practice?
Due to the current situation with COVID-19, all sessions are held online as video sessions.
Online Therapy is a potential option for individual and relationship counseling for clients based in the state of California, for whom this mode of therapy is appropriate. During our initial consultation call, we will talk about whether online therapy is a right fit for your unique needs. Online Therapy is conducted on a secure, confidential, HIPPA compliant video platform.
Do you accept insurance?
As a general rule, insurance companies dictate clinical decisions such as length of treatment, frequency/length of sessions, and mandate mental health diagnosis for reimbursement. For this reason, I am not contracted with any insurance companies and instead focus on providing the best care to all of my clients without being influenced by insurance companies.
You may choose to seek reimbursement for our sessions from your insurance company. For this purpose, I am happy to provide clients with a billing statement at the end of each month to be submitted for reimbursement for clients with PPO, HSA, or other flexible benefits.
Whether your insurance company will reimburse depends on your specific insurance plan. Please note, I cannot contact your insurance company, therefore you will need to determine personally whether your insurance company will reimburse you for therapy.
WHAT ARE YOUR FEES?
Individual 50 minute session: $180
Couples 50 minute session: $200
Couples 90 minute session: $325
What is your cancellation/rescheduling policy?
By booking an in-person appointment online, you are acknowledging that you have read and understand the following cancellation policy: I have a 48 hour cancellation policy. Please understand that I charge the full fee for any no shows or appointments cancelled for any reason with less than 48 hours notice. This applies to your first session and all sessions throughout treatment. If you do not show up for your first appointment or cancel with less than 48 hours notice you will be charged the full fee.
How do I book an appointment?
Booking appointments is simple. Book your first session now by clicking here, selecting either individual, couples, friendship, or online therapy and choose a time that works well for you.
Next, check your email, where you will receive a confirmation of your appointment time, as well as essential information about the first visit, including the address and door code.
You will be prompted to click the link in the email that takes you to your secure client portal where you will fill out an intake questionnaire and electronically sign your consent to begin therapy. Please complete these documents before coming in for your first session.
What should i expect?
Individual Psychotherapy - Relationship with Self
Psychotherapy can be beneficial on a short-term basis to address specific needs and concerns, or on an on-going basis to pursue deeper self-awareness and transformation through exploration of the complex interpersonal influences, beliefs, adverse experiences, or life stressors that have shaped your development, your sense of self and your experiences with others.
During our initial meeting, we will discuss your motivations for seeking therapy, as well as what you hope to gain by the process. I will share my initial impressions with you regarding how I imagine we could proceed in meeting your needs and determine if you feel like we are a good fit. Your involvement in the process will be both welcome and encouraged during sessions.
Couples and Friends Therapy - Relationship with Others
Couples and Friendship Therapy both address your relationships with other loved ones in your life. Couples therapy is recommended for at least a 3-6 month period, with the possibility of longer term therapy. Once major issues are resolved, we discuss the option of scheduling check-ins or check-ups, as needed.
Friendship Therapy generally lasts for at least 8 sessions, and can extend longer, depending on the needs of those involved. The focus is on addressing the issues in as few sessions as possible, while offering the process enough space and time for thorough completion.