Therapy

For trauma, anxiety, creative issues, depression, and more

Fear is a feeling

Don’t let it become a way

of life is too short

Parneshia Jones, Haiku II from Vessel

My first priority is to make sure you feel heard and truly understood. I'll listen without judgment and be careful with your trust. I don't have an agenda, but I'm also not a passive head-nodder -- I'll help you to assess where you are and where you want to be, and I'll provide tools and support while you're on your way there.

Because everyone is different, I tailor my therapeutic approach to each client's unique set of issues, life experiences, and goals.

Therapy with me may entail looking into your past, including your family history and relationship patterns (psychodynamic psychotherapy). It may involve examining and challenging thoughts or beliefs in order to see shifts in mood or to change unwanted behaviors (cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT). It may involve observing your thoughts, feelings, or body sensations in order to promote nervous system regulation, increase self-compassion, and to empower you to make desired changes (mindfulness-based and/or somatic modalities). We may incorporate some of these perspectives, or all of them. Therapy with me is a collaborative process -- we'll continue to talk about it as we go.

Some therapeutic beliefs

 

  • We’re looking for growth, not perfection. “Perfection is the thief of joy.”

  • Mind and body are inextricably linked.

  • Having a good relationship doesn't mean you never argue. It means that you argue fairly, safely, and respectfully.

  • Your past doesn't have to predict your future. You can break dysfunctional patterns and cycles, even if they have spanned generations in your family.

  • You don't have to do this alone. Coming to therapy doesn't mean you're broken -- it means you're brave.

  • Therapy doesn't have to be serious all the time: healing can be a hilarious and even joyful process. And do you have a dark, twisted sense of humor because of what you’ve gone through? We’ll get along just fine.

Frequently-asked Questions

What’s the schedule like?

At first, sessions are generally 50 minutes in length and occur on a weekly basis, unless we decide together that another schedule would better serve your therapeutic process. Often, when a client has cultivated tools and is feeling better, they choose to come every other week — but that’s up to them!

What does therapy cost?

My regular fee is $185 per 50-minute hour. In some cases, I can offer reduced fees for clients who need them. Let's talk about it.

I live outside of California. Can you still be my therapist?

A California LMFT license allows me to see clients via telehealth anywhere within California, but not across state lines (unless there is a special provision available from the state or country where the client is located).

Do you take insurance?

I'm not a provider with any insurance company; I would be considered an out-of-network provider. If you’re considering using insurance, you’ll want to ask your plan if (and how much) they will reimburse for sessions with an out-of-network LMFT. I'm happy to provide you with monthly superbills to submit for reimbursement.

“No Surprises Act” Good Faith Estimate Notice

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services. You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.

Talk with you soon

It takes courage to start therapy, and it takes determination to find the right therapist for you. I’m glad you’re here.