(925) 236-0826

FAQ

Where is your office located?

Anywhere in California! Providing virtual services is a benefit. I also can provide services to temporary residents. I can be your therapist as long as you live in the state of California.

In the future, if I have a physical office location, it will be in central Contra Costa County.

What are your office hours?
My office hours are by appointment. Contact me to talk about whether we are a good therapeutic match for each other, and if we agree, we can discuss scheduling.
How long is a typical session?
A typical session is 50 minutes. Extended sessions are available by appointment and charged on a pro-rated basis.
What do I do to get started?
Contact me to arrange a free initial phone consultation at no obligation. If we agree to work together, I will explain the process for getting set up in my secure client portal.
What is an initial free phone consultation?

I want to be sure that I can help you. An initial free phone consultation is an opportunity for you to tell me why you are looking for help and your most important concerns. I can then tell you about myself and my style of therapy, which gives you more context to ask any questions you have.

Once you agree that you would like to work with me, we can talk about scheduling and the process of getting started

With what kinds of clients do you work?
I work with adults ages 18 and up. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, my specialty is helping people have more satisfying relationships with themselves and others through therapy that eases the pain and disorganization of trauma and accumulated stress. When better able to live in the present moment, we can be better friends, partners, parents, and co-workers.
Are you an inclusive therapist?
I have successfully helped a diverse range of clients – whether they are persons of color, members of the LGBTQIA community, transgender, or differently abled. I am committed to an ongoing process of learning, self-awareness, and community participation to minimize and repair any effects of my unconscious bias and privilege.
What can I expect in the first session?
Before the first session, I ask my clients to complete an intake questionnaire that asks for much of the important information I need to get started. I may ask you more questions about what you wrote. Otherwise, you get to tell me what’s on your mind and ask any questions you have to help you feel comfortable, and we will go from there!
What is therapy like with you?

A lot depends on you and your needs. I customize therapy to meet the individual. Sometimes, it may seem like an easy conversation you might have with a friend. At other times, we may focus on a particular problem and develop a plan for addressing the issue. At other times, there may be less talking and more focusing on how you are experiencing yourself and the environment around you.

In general, my goal is for you to experience therapy as safe and enjoyable. Some clients have even described it as fun!

Do I have to tell you everything?

An important aspect of my approach is that you do not have to tell me every detail of every bad thing you’ve experienced. You are welcome to talk about your topic of choice.

But there are specific topics I am likely to inquire about deeply – such as thoughts of self-harm, use of substances, domestic violence, etc., which are essentially about safety.

I want you to be safe in and outside of therapy, so being honest about such topics helps me help keep you safe. Otherwise, diving deeply into painful past experiences runs the risk of traumatizing you again, and we want to avoid that whenever possible.

What are the risks and benefits of doing therapy?

I try to minimize the risks as much as I can, for instance, avoiding re-traumatization from reliving painful experiences. Other things you might perceive as risks include mandated reports for child and elder abuse and the danger of harming oneself or others. I am not a mandated reporter for domestic violence unless you have a specific plan to hurt someone.

While there are no guarantees, the potential benefits of therapy are virtually unlimited because it is all about your growth potential. Invest yourself in therapy with me, and you open up a world of possibilities in terms of living life with more pleasure and ease. The measure of whether therapy is helping is if you feel better and able to do and enjoy more in your everyday life (not what I pre-determine is a successful outcome for you).

How do I know if you’re the right therapist for me?
Please get in touch with me to arrange a free consultation so that we can talk about your goals and whether I’m the right therapist for you.
Is our work confidential?

The legal and ethical standards of the state of California and my professional association, the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, protect your confidentiality during therapy sessions. I keep your information confidential.

I may consult with another professional to ensure I’m doing my best work, but I will omit your name and identifying details for your privacy. There are also mandated exceptions to confidentiality, which are suspected child or elder abuse, or if you make a serious threat of harm to yourself or others.

How long have you been in practice?
I started my private practice in 2010. I started providing therapy to clients in 2003 while in graduate school, and then through my training at a community mental health agency.
What are your strengths as a therapist?

I am warm, genuine, and attuned to my clients. My priority is to create a relationship in which you feel safe. This safety allows you to bring the most relevant topics to your healing.

I am always seeking to improve my clinical skills in helping clients. So, I’ve participated in several training programs in addition to my graduate degree to ensure I’m the best therapist I can be.

What do you enjoy about being a therapist?
I enjoy having the opportunity to work with a diverse clientele in a way that is as easeful as possible. It’s rewarding when clients learn that therapy can be an enjoyable experience. I am grateful that clients from various backgrounds have chosen to work with me and been satisfied with their progress. And honestly, I find the work to be fun quite a lot of the time.
Have you been in therapy yourself?
Yes, and because it was so helpful to me, it led me to become a therapist myself.
What is your educational background?

I attended California State East Bay for my Master’s in Counseling. My undergraduate degree in Economics is from Johns Hopkins University.

I am a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and an Organic Intelligence Coach-in-Training. I’ve also received training in Ericksonian Hypnotherapy.

What is the best way to get in touch with you?

Pick up the phone and call (925) 236-0826 or send a contact form through my website – whichever way is easiest for you. If I don’t answer the phone, I’ll be in touch as soon as possible.

Do you prescribe medications?
Only medical professionals can prescribe medications, including doctors and specially trained nurses. I am a master’s level therapist and do not prescribe medications. But we can discuss your interest in medications, and I can help you decide the best way to move forward with that process.
Are you licensed?
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. My license number is LMFT #47835.
Am I allowed to ask personal questions?
You can ask anything you want! I tend to respond genuinely, but my priority is always to act in your best interest, with an eye toward my privacy. If you are asking a personal question, I am likely to ask you to tell me more about your curiosity behind the question.
Cats or Dogs?

I have owned both cats and dogs, but currently, my rescue dog, Stewey, is by my side. He is a terrier mix and is incredibly sweet and cute.