Questions and Answers

What is your therapeutic orientation?

I am eclectic, which means that I work from various therapeutic theories and modalities. I find this to be helpful because every single person is unique. Instead of trying to adapt a person to fit into a particular modality, I prefer to adapt modalities to the individual. So, where one approach is too difficult or doesn’t fit, we can just switch into a different modality, or tweak it to fit the individual.

What is your therapeutic style?

I am naturally interactive: I ask questions, offer observations, suggestions, and homework assignments, use metaphors and analogies, as well as attentively listen. I am also adaptive and can easily change my style according to the individual. For example, if someone needs me to primarily listen attentively, then that’s what I’ll do. If someone desires more, less, or no homework: no problem whatsoever.

What is your therapeutic approach?

I approach therapy from a teamwork perspective. I start with offering you a safe and caring environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings. I believe you are the ultimate expert on yourself, and my job is to offer you my skills and experience though you have the ultimate say on what we do in therapy. My desire is for you to feel empowerment in the process.

Do you take insurance?

When you contact me, we’ll explore your insurance options.

Do you take on clients who do not have insurance or who do not want to use their insurance?

Some people choose to pay out of pocket instead of using their insurance – that is fine.

What times are available for therapy sessions and how long are the sessions?

I usually see clients during afternoon and evening hours during the week. A typical session lasts 50 minutes.

How do I get in to see you?

Contact me by phone or email and we will set up a time to do an initial phone consultation. The initial phone consultation will allow both of us to see if we are a good fit. You are welcome to share what issues you are dealing with and what you are seeking from therapy, as well as whatever questions you may have for me. If we both agree to start therapy together, we will schedule an in-person initial appointment.

I suggest giving the process a minimum of three sessions to get a feel for it, to determine if you would like to continue. I also recommend expressing your experience of the process as we go along so that we can fine-tune the therapeutic approach to best suit your needs.

What if I am scared to face some of my issues?

It is natural to feel hesitant, scared or resistant to therapy at times. As much as we want our lives to improve and to feel better about ourselves, it is often scary to look closely at our issues and to make changes. Feeling safe to explore those issues is paramount. You get to choose what you want to address, when and how, as well as choose the pace you want to go.

You also get to change your mind as often as you need to. For some, going slowly and talking about “easier” issues offers a chance to build trust in the process and the therapeutic relationship. Additionally, it is not uncommon for part of the therapeutic process to involve being proactive in identifying and accessing various ways to comfort and reward yourself.

Often, the hardest part of therapy is making the initial appointment. Many people find the process of therapy to be empowering as they learn about themselves, find ways to overcome challenges and obstacles, and develop skills to take with them for the rest of their lives.

What makes you qualified to provide therapy?

I am licensed by the state of California as an MFT, a Marriage and Family Therapist. Prior to becoming licensed, I earned a B.A. and an M.A. in Psychology and then engaged in 3000 hours of experience providing supervised therapy. Additionally, I have years of experience in offering quality therapy to my clients.

I see you are a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Does that mean that you only work with married couples and families?

In short, no it does not. In addition to working with married couples and families, I also work with unmarried couples and individuals on relationships that need help, e.g., relationships with neighbors, co-workers, friends, and on themselves. I can help people with inter-personal issues as well as intra-personal issues. Intra-personal issues may include a person’s relationship with their self on a physical, mental, emotional, cognitive, behavioral, or spiritual level. Inter-personal issues may include issues people have with other people, as well as with other entities, e.g., institutions, communities, and nature.

Why should I make an appointment with you?

I genuinely care about my clients and offer a gentle, supportive, and most flexible service. I look forward to hearing from you and helping you with your issues and concerns.