FAQ

Sometimes they vary, but generally:

Tuesdays: 1pm-9pm
Wednesdays: 12pm-8pm
Thursdays: 12pm-7pm

I charge $200-$250 for a 50-minute session. On occasion, I offer a sliding scale.

I do not accept insurance. I have found using health insurance interferes with the therapeutic process.

Insurance companies frequently dictate the type of treatment clients receive, restrict the number of sessions clients can have, and ask therapists to justify reasons for continuing the therapy.

Insurance companies also require clients to have a mental health disorder that significantly interferes with their ability to function day to day, which not everyone meets criteria for. On top of all of this, they reimburse therapists an abysmal rate, making it hard for them to make a living.

Upon request, I can provide you with a superbill. This means you pay my full fee and I give you a statement that you may submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. I cannot guarantee if or how much your insurance company will reimburse, but many of my clients receive some level of reimbursement for the therapy.

I charge my full fee for sessions cancelled without a 48-hour notice.

Yes! I have worked successfully with many LGBTQ clients.

I work with men and women, as well as transgender individuals ages 18 and up. I also see couples. Although I have worked extensively with children and adolescents in the past, I no longer work with anyone under 18.

Yes, definitely!

It is difficult to answer this question because many things impact length of treatment, such as problem severity, length of time the client has struggled, what type of trauma they have experienced, and what their therapeutic goals are.

In some cases, 5 sessions may be enough. Other times, 1-2 years may be more realistic. Once I meet with you, I may be able to give you more of an answer; however, even that answer can change once we begin to work together.

In general, I have been told by clients who have been in therapy before that they have gotten father, faster with me than with their previous therapists.

In general, the more committed a person is to the process, the faster therapy will go. Typically, this means coming on time to sessions at least once a week and being open with me about me about any feelings, thoughts, and body sensations that may arise within the process of our work together, or in between sessions. The latter enables me to pace the therapy in the best possible way for you.

Good question! There is a misconception that therapy “causes” discomfort. The truth is that therapy “exposes” the discomfort that is already within the person, rather than creating it. This exposure is essential in order for someone to be able to truly resolve the issues that they came to therapy with.

I will pace the therapy in a way that enables you to work through issues in a way in which any discomfort you may experience remains manageable.

That said, therapy can still be uncomfortable. Sometimes changes comes very fast; other times it is slow and even frustrating. Remembering or talking about unpleasant events, feelings, or thoughts can result in strong physical sensations or emotions that don’t feel good.

However, only by facing this discomfort can a person discover how resilient they actually are. This discovery provides a person with increased options and possibilities for their lives they never knew existed. Therefore, clients are able to more fully resolve the concerns that brought them to therapy and live their lives more fully.

Nope! Rest assured, my sessions focus on the here and now. This approach is not only more effective, my history as a therapist has shown that most clients don’t tend to do homework anyway due to reasons like that stated above.

Just call: (562) 375-4389. I offer a free phone consultation, so you can get a sense of whether we are a good match. Or, if you prefer you may email me.

I will want to have some sense of what issues you are struggling with, how long you have been struggling with them, what has or hasn’t helped you so far, and what your expectations are for the therapy.

The first session provides us both with a chance to get a feel for one another. I will explore a bit about your personal history, present concerns, and what you would like to get out of the therapy.

This session also provides me with an opportunity to share my approach with you and what future sessions may look like.

My personality is more casual than formal. I will sometimes use humor in sessions, when appropriate. My clients have told me that I seem very personable and authentic.

Outside of the therapy room, I am very curious and enjoy learning and experiencing new things. I like books and museums, as well as cultural events. I have a passion for photography, especially when traveling to foreign countries.

When it rains, you may find me outside dancing or skipping. I love to hike.