Areas of Specialization:
Eating Disorders/Weight Management/Exercise Resistance
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
MTBI/Head Injury
Chronic Illness and Pain
Adult Children of Mentally Ill Parents
(ACMI)
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925-705-7036
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Have a question that you don't see listed here? Feel free to email me and I will be happy to send a reply and add it to this page in the future.
What happens in a therapy session?
How much does it cost?
What types of therapy are there?
What is the difference between an MFT, an LPCC, a psychologist, and a psychiatrist?
How do I know I can trust my therapist?
What is the difference between family and couples counseling?
What if I am nervous or ashamed about starting therapy?
What happens in a therapy session?
- We laugh. We cry. We talk. We breathe. We move. We draw. We explore. We face reality and find it is not as bad as we feared. We name and explore old, unhealthy behaviors and beliefs. We discover and practice new ones. We heal and grow.
- In a typical therapy session, many things happen. With a new client, information is gathered, ground rules and confidentiality are discussed, and therapist and client work to establish trust and relationship. As therapy progresses, goals are established and many different modalities are used to accomplish those goals. Examples are: art therapy, mindfulness practice, EMDR, movement, breathwork, psychoeducation, and practical solutions such as working to change thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors.
- Each therapist sets their own fee schedule. The amount of the fee should be agreed upon before the first session takes place.
- For new clients, I offer a free half-hour session so clients can decide if we are a good fit. My standard fee for a 50 minute session (therapy hour) is $90.00. Fees for longer sessions and for treatment reports and documents will be based on a pro-rated basis and agreed on in advance. In some cases, I do offer a reduced fee to clients with financial difficulties. Please call my office to discuss your situation.
What types of therapy are there?
- Clients may be seen individually, with members of their family, or as a couple. When children or teens are in therapy, it is essential to have a good relationship with their parents so family therapy is often an adjunct. Group therapy is also available for specific issues.
- There are many different orientations for psychotherapy. An orientation is a way of thinking about human behavior and relationships. In my practice I incorporate multiple orientations starting with whole-person, body-oriented (somatic) psychotherapy and EMDR (eye movement, desensitization, and reprocessing). Additionally, I utilize concepts and interventions from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), person-centered therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and strength-based therapy.
What is the difference between an MFT, an LPCC, a psychologist, and a psychiatrist?
- A MFT is a Marriage and Family Therapist - masters level. In this type of psychotherapy, relationships between clients, family, friends, co-workers, and other people are always the focus of treatment. This kind of therapist cannot prescribe medications.
- An LPCC is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor - masters level. This is a new type of therapist in California, starting in 2011. In this type of therapy, symptoms, behavior, and problem-solving are more the focus of treatment. This kind of therapist cannot prescribe medications.
- A psychologist has a doctorate level of education and provides psychotherapy as well as sometimes conducting research. Therapy tends to be in-depth and psychoanalitical. This kind of therapist cannot prescribe medications.
- A psychiatrist has a doctorate level of education and is also a medical doctor. They can prescribe medications; because medication management has become such a primary function for psychiatrists, many no longer provide traditional psychotherapy. They do often work in collaboration with other types therapists.
How do I know I can trust my therapist?
- Therapists are governed by many legal and ethical guidelines. See the Client Information Packet for specific details. A trustworthy therapist will be willing to discuss these guidelines and how they affect their practice at length with you.
- On a personal level, the best way to know you can trust your therapist is to meet in person and pay attention to your own instincts.
What is the difference between family and couples counseling?
- Couples therapy focuses specifically on the marital or primary partner relationship. Other family members are normally not present. In Couples therapy, we identify the patterns that couples get into that are no longer working. From there, we practice new coping and communication skills.
- Family therapy focuses on the dynamics within a family unit. Many different configurations can be used, depending on the issues that are troubling the family. Often in families, one person becomes the identified patient or the scapegoat. In family therapy, we shift attention so that everyone takes responsibility for their own issues and learns to support everyone else.
What if I am nervous or ashamed about starting therapy?
- People often feel nervous about going to therapy, especially if they haven't been before. They may be scared that it will be painful or embarassing. It is also common to feel ashamed about deciding to utilize therapy, as if it means you are not strong enough.
- In my practice, I strive to create an environment that is safe and comfortable for doing work that is sometimes very difficult. Some material that comes up in therapy is scary or embarassing; however, the path to healing leads through this muck and once you walk through it you will find that it wasn't as bad as you'd imagined.
- In session, you always have the choice about what to disclose, what to address, and whether or not to continue in the direction we are moving. I believe that there are many paths to get to the same destination. If the one I suggest is overwhelming or not right, we will find another one.
- When your car is not running right or you have the flu, are you embarassed about seeking out professional help? Although there has historically been a stigma about seeking out professional psychotherapeutic help, it really is the same situation. After you have tried everything you know to try, it shows real strength of character to ask for help.
