How Therapy Works
Therapy provides support, insight and guidance during difficult times. Working with a trained professional can help you gain a better understanding of the obstacles that are making your life unmanageable and give you the tools to develop the resources and skills you need to achieve your goals.
How your therapy will work depends very much on you, what situation or problem brings you to therapy and how you want to address these issues. When you call me, we’ll discuss the different options and how you would like to proceed.
I don’t offer a standard set of solutions. What I bring is my training and expertise as a licensed therapist. I also have an extensive background in business and workplace situations.
Counseling or Psychotherapy?
These terms are often used interchangeably, however, one way I distinguish them is to consider the length and depth of the work. Counseling typically refers to short-term work (8-20 sessions) and focuses primarily on problem solving.
Psychotherapy refers to longer term, in-depth work that focuses on inner change and healing. Specific problems are still addressed but we take the time to discover who you really are — your true self — and how to access your full potential.
In-depth work takes time as you learn to increase your awareness by living mindfully as you investigate the lasting impact created by your experiences in your family of origin, uncover repeating patterns of behavior, and become comfortable with both the thoughts and feelings that are part of every day life. This is hard work, but ultimately the benefits are incredibly rewarding.
Each of these options offers a different way to understand and work with what is happening, and to identify the steps and process needed to improve the situation.
How can you choose a therapist?
The process of finding an effective therapist for yourself or a loved one can seem daunting. But it can be simple if you know what questions to ask.
Ask Yourself
What do I hope to gain from therapy?
Will this therapist help me do that?
Am I comfortable with this therapist?
Do I feel assured that this therapist is qualified and experienced with the types of issues or concerns I am facing?
Ask a Potential Therapist
What is your training, license, experience and commitment to professional development?
What areas do you specialize in?
What can I expect from our sessions?
FAQs
What is your training, license, experience and commitment to professional development?
My doctorate is in Psychology. I am a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT #43984) as well as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC #40) in California and received my Masters in Counseling Psychology at Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, CA. My education and training prepared me to work as a psychotherapist.
I am constantly taking classes/workshops and reading to expand my knowledge and expertise. You can find more information about my professional and personal experiences here.
What is your specialty?
I specialize in treating addictions and eating disorders and I also have over 17 years experience working with adult individuals who are experiencing depression, anxiety, grief and relationship problems.
I do not work directly with children or couples, but I am happy to make a referral if you are seeking a therapist for your child or children.
What should I expect at the First Appointment?
The first appointment is typically 5-10 minutes longer so we have time to go over forms and paperwork. You will not be charged for this extra time. Click here for more information about office location, directions and forms.
How long are the sessions?
Individual Therapy sessions are typically 50-60 minutes long. All sessions can be extended at your request with advance notice. In that case, the fee will be pro-rated accordingly.
What type of therapy is best for me? Individual or Couples?
It depends on the reasons you are seeking therapy. Relationship problems are addressed in both Individual Therapy and Couples Counseling. I provide referrals for Couples Counseling and I often work with 1 part of a couple.
We can also discuss this when you call for a free, 20-minute consultation.
How often do we meet?
In the beginning, it is important to meet weekly so I have an opportunity to get to know you and fully understand what is happening in your life. I also want to make sure we are both clear on your goals and expectations. Meeting weekly will give you a better chance to successfully address the issues that brought you in, begin to make some changes, and to receive support in those early days.
Once your goals are met and you are feeling better, my primary job is done. Some people, when they reach this point, still choose to meet every other week to get support as they maintain and reinforce their new skills and behaviors.
Others will decide that continued weekly therapy is beneficial to address deeper, longer-standing issues or explore continued personal growth.
I encourage frequent conversations about how your therapy is working, or not working, so that we can make any necessary adjustments. Remember, this is a collaborative experience.
How many sessions will it take to feel better?
This is a very common question and a difficult one to answer. It depends greatly on what issues bring you in and also what your goals are. We will talk about this during the initial phone consultation and also during the first several sessions so that you have an idea of what to expect going forward.
Will therapy work for me?
Research, as well as my experience, shows that therapy does work for most people. Many clients report relief from depression, anxiety, relationship problems and other common issues. Therapy is also a means of personal growth and exploration.
Depending on your situation, we will discuss whether medication might be a helpful adjunct. However, that is a personal decision that only you can make and I will always respect your choice.
It’s important to note that therapy is not a passive experience. Taking responsibility and actively participating in your therapy will positively impact your healing.
I have a hard time talking, how does therapy work for me?
Believe it or not, most people have a difficult time speaking about and sharing their most vulnerable feelings and thoughts. Therapy is about creating a safe place so that you are able to be open and honest, and trust that your therapist will hold your confidences in a respectful and caring way. The therapist-client relationship in and of itself offers a healing experience.
What is your cancellation policy?
A cancellation less than 24 hours before your appointment is charged at the full fee, except in cases of serious illness or medical emergency. Please call or email me more than 24 hours ahead of time to change or cancel an appointment you can no longer attend.
What are your Individual Therapy fees?
My fee for a standard 50 minute individual session is $190. The cost of longer sessions are prorated accordingly. Payment is expected at each session and I accept cash, checks, credit card (MasterCard/Visa), PayPal and Venmo.
Do you take insurance?
I am not contracted with any health insurance or managed care companies. However, when requested I provide clients with a monthly statement that you can submit to your insurance carrier. If you have “out-of-network” mental health coverage you may be able to receive partial reimbursement from your insurance company, but it is your responsibility to verify the terms of your policy.
Please feel free to call or email me with any other questions you have about fees or other office policies.
I provide my services to the highest ethical standards and my relationships with my clients are strictly confidential. As such, I must inform you that the information provided in this Website is offered for informational purposes only; it is not offered as and does not constitute professional advice. Replies to e-mail messages will be general in nature and will not form a therapist-client relationship. Be aware that the confidentiality of information sent over the Internet, including e-mail, may not be legally or otherwise protected or secure.