Frequently Asked Questions

The first session can be 50-80 minutes. Regular sessions are 50 minutes thereafter.

You’ll call to schedule a 10-15 min. (phone or in person) initial consultation, so we can get to know each other and determine if we are a good fit. If so, we will meet for a first session where we will review paperwork, discuss some background information about you and set some goals.

I primarily work with men and women 18 and older. I specialize in issues related to: stress, anxiety, self-esteem, pre/postpartum issues, life/career transitions, meditation coaching, 12-step addiction recovery, and relationship issues.

Although clients often share that they feel more “alive” or “spiritually connected” through our work together, I practice as a secular therapist affirming all spiritual traditions and self-identities. If you want to feel more freedom and joy in your life and are ready to take actions to make concrete changes in your life, you are my kind of client!

My work with clients is a collaborative experience. It takes both of us doing our work to move you forward and get the maximum results. Clients who only wish to complain and are unmotivated to make changes will not be a good fit for me.

Therapy is a commitment to yourself – and requires patience. There are no overnight ‘fixes.’ If you are the unreliable type who doesn’t show up for sessions, I’m not the therapist for you.

Well, it depends on you and your unique situation, including the issues that you wish to address in therapy. I have some clients who come see me for a few sessions, some who stay for a few months, and others for multiple years.

Depending on the nature and acuteness of your situation, you may see me twice a week, once a week, or perhaps twice per month. For most clients, I recommend participating in therapy once per week, and together we can discuss if short or long-term therapy is suitable for you. I find that the more frequently we meet, the faster you’ll begin to see tangible results in your life.

I do not accept insurance. I do this for multiple reasons, but two main reasons: 1) When working with you, insurance will require a diagnosis that will follow you throughout your medical history. I do not want to have to label you. 2) By not taking insurance, I am able to maintain a smaller caseload that allows me to provide more in-depth, comprehensive and focused care.

Upon request, I can provide you with a “Superbill” at the end of each month with all the necessary information that is needed for you to apply for Out-of-Network reimbursement through your own insurance company.

I offer either video or phone sessions to residents in California.

Payment is expected at the time of service. I accept cash, check and major credit cards.

I request a 24-hour notice of cancellation; if cancellation notice is less than 12 hours, I charge half the session fee, and if it’s less than 6 hours, I charge my full fee.

Both Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists and Licensed Clinical Social Workers are well trained in offering psychotherapy. Neither is better – there are simply different nuances in the training.

I notice that most psychotherapists in Connecticut (where I lived until 2017) are LCSWs, and here in San Luis Obispo County most psychotherapists are LMFTs. Professional Counselors and Clinical Psychologists are also well-trained in providing therapy.

Best advice? Don’t get caught up in the initials. Focus on seeking a therapist whose style resonates with you and whose specialties can address your own issues.

Talking (or venting!) to friends and family can be great. We all need a group of folks to talk to. But when you come to my office for therapy, this is your safe space to have 100% attention focused on you from a nonjudgmental, objective professional. I have over 15 years’ experience listening to each person and their unique story and determining what steps will be most beneficial to help you move to a better life. I provide valuable tools to empower clients to create more ease, joy, well-being and purpose in their lives.

I certainly have been! I continue to use therapy as an important part of my own regular self-care and healing work. I also regularly participate in a therapist consulting group to have the opportunity to process client issues (client confidentiality is respected) that arise in my work with clients and to give/receive feedback that can help me support my clients best. I firmly believe that the better we all take care ourselves internally and externally, the more present and available we are for others.

If you are in crisis (threatening to harm oneself or harm another individual, abuse or neglect), it is best to call 911 or go to your nearest Hospital/Emergency Room.

Also, SLO Crisis Hotline (800) 783-0607 is a 24-hour service that can promptly assess your situation and make recommendations. If you’re my client and are in crisis, it’s also important that you inform me by calling/texting me. I’ll get back to you within 24 hours Monday-Friday.