FAQ

Where's my office located?

I offer online therapy services for California residents. My practice is virtual, and “my office” is anywhere you can get a private space to talk.

I’ve worked with people in their car, their bedroom on their computer, and their office behind closed doors on their lunch break. The convenience of virtual sessions can’t be matched!

Why is your practice virtual?

We still see each other in real-time, but there are so many benefits for my clients. You don’t have to waste time driving to a location, and you don’t have to worry about driving home after an intense session.

With virtual sessions, you can jump in and out of sessions quickly, so you can get right back to what you were doing before.

What are your hours?
I work a few weekdays and some weekend hours. Once we have decided to work together, we will schedule a time that works for both of us.
What is your cancellation policy?
I have a 24-hour cancellation policy. If you cannot make our scheduled time, text me to let me know at least 24 hours before our appointment. If less than 24 hours’ notice is given, you will be charged the full amount of the session.
Do you take insurance?

No, I do not take insurance. But I can issue a “Superbill” that you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.

If you can do therapy without insurance, I strongly encourage you to do so. Here’s why…

A few things happen when you use insurance. First, the insurance company will require a diagnosis. So, you have to be willing to have a diagnosis on your medical record. Second, insurance companies often require additional information to continue paying, such as intake, clinical review, progress, and prognosis notes. So, they’re getting a lot of confidential information about you. Plus, it takes me time to write up the documentation, and I have to charge you for that time. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the insurance company is then controlling aspects of our work together, and that’s often not in your best interest.

How often will we meet?

If you really want to change your circumstances and relieve your pain, then you will need to jump into therapy weekly for a minimum of six months.

Consistent weekly sessions at the beginning helps to move things forward faster, and it helps hold you accountable for putting changes into practice.

Most of my clients stay with me for at least one year… many even longer.

How much do you charge?

For a one-on-one session, I charge $250.

To complete my 6-month program for individuals, I charge a $5,000 one-time payment (or $1,000 per month for six months).

The “VIP Couples Intensive” is $5,000.

The “Women’s Insider Circle” group (6 months) is $3,000.

With whom do you work?

I work with adults only: men, women, and couples.

I love working with women. As a woman, I know we can be hard on ourselves and those around us. I love to get in there and help you shift so that you’re more at peace with yourself and better able to ask for the support you deserve in this life. You don’t have to do it all alone!

Men are such a joy to work with. They are so direct and appreciative. When they come in, I find they are open, receptive, and ready to get it done. I love that!

When I work with couples, I do an intensive, experiential process. Often, couples just don’t have the right information to make their relationship and communication succeed. You’ll get the information and practices you need to create a fulfilling relationship. You’ll get back to the reasons you got together in the first place.

What do sessions look like?
It depends on where we are in our work. In the beginning, I am more directive, introducing new skills and tools to help you in your everyday situations and relationships. I’ll help you to start putting them into practice in your daily life.

I’ll also check in with you to see what’s going on in your life. I want to support you and offer ideas on how to manage your immediate issues.

Do you give homework?
Yes and no. I want you to use the tools you acquire in therapy, so they’ll become automatic. To help you with that, I might give a specific assignment to accomplish during the week. But don’t worry: There is no grading 🙂
What is your professional training?
I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT). That means that I earned a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, completed 3,000 trainee hours under a licensed supervisor, and then passed written and oral exams to get licensed. I have been licensed and practicing for 25 years now.
What modalities do you use?
I use a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic approaches, and object relations theory. For couples work, I use Gottman and Imago therapy.
What do I need to know to make the best of therapy?

Therapy is truly life-changing… if you are willing to be honest with yourself and do the work.

Be open to learning new things about yourself. It’s okay that you didn’t know them before, so don’t expect yourself to be perfect… don’t beat yourself up for not having known. And once you do know, you’ll be empowered to make a difference for your future self.

What's the most important thing to have during a session?

Have the softest box of tissues available by your side. Your face deserves tenderness.

And feel free to bring paper and a pen if you’d like to take notes or use your phone for notes.

Dogs or cats?
I love them both. Dogs are so cuddly, and cats are so independent. I don’t have either, though, because I love to travel too much.
What's your favorite game to play?
I love playing a game called “Fast Track.” It’s a board game (kind of like “Aggravation” or “Sorry”). It’s fun to team up. Even when I can’t see them in person, I play via Zoom with my dad, step-mom, and sister. I’m not sure, but I think my dad and step-mom are ahead in wins over my sister and me.