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IN-PERSON & ONLINE THERAPY IN CA
WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE FIRST SESSION?
WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE FIRST SESSION?
The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and begin creating a foundation for our work together. You don't need to have everything figured out or know exactly what you want to say—we'll take it one step at a time.
During our first session, we'll talk about:
⟡ Informed consent and the therapy process — I'll review important information about how therapy works, confidentiality and its limits, communication, scheduling, and what you can expect from me as your therapist
⟡ What brings you to therapy — We'll explore your chief concerns and what has been happening in your life that led you to reach out now.
⟡ Your hopes for therapy — We'll begin identifying what you'd like to understand, change, or work through and what you hope will feel different as a result of therapy.
⟡ The focus of our work — Together, we'll begin making sense of what you're experiencing and identify the areas that may be most helpful to focus on.
⟡ A couple of initial goals — We’ll establish a few starting goals to give our work some direction. These aren't set in stone; as I get to know you and your needs more fully, your goals can grow and change with you.
Most importantly, the first session is also about getting a feel for one another. A strong therapeutic relationship matters, and I want you to feel comfortable, heard, and respected in our work together.
You don't have to come in with the right words or a perfectly organized story. Just come as you are. We'll figure out the rest together.
DO I NEED TO KNOW WHAT I WANT TO WORK ON?
DO I NEED TO KNOW WHAT I WANT TO WORK ON?
Short answer: No, you don't have to know.
Long answer: Sometimes you know exactly what brought you to therapy. Other times, you just know that something doesn't feel right. Maybe you're overwhelmed, feeling disconnected from yourself, struggling in a relationship, navigating a new season of life, or noticing patterns you don't understand.
You don't need to arrive with a list of goals, a diagnosis, or the perfect words to explain what's happening.
Part of our work together is figuring that out.
We'll start where you are and take the time to understand what's happening in your life, what may be underneath it, and what you would like to feel or experience differently. As we build trust and begin to understand your story, your goals for therapy can become clearer.
You don't have to know exactly where you're going, you just have to be willing to start the conversation.
HOW OFTEN WILL WE MEET?
HOW OFTEN WILL WE MEET?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The frequency of therapy will depend on your needs, goals, circumstances, and what is clinically appropriate for you.
Most often clients have sessions weekly or every other week.
For many clients, beginning with weekly sessions provides consistency and momentum as we get to know one another, establish trust, and begin the therapeutic work. For others, meeting every other week may be appropriate depending on their needs, goals, and where they are in the therapeutic process.
As our work together continues, the frequency of sessions may change. There may be times when meeting more consistently is helpful, while other seasons may call for more space between sessions.
If we are incorporating EMDR, we may also talk about session frequency and timing based on the type of work we're doing, your readiness, and the support you may need between sessions.
My goal is not for you to remain in therapy simply because you are in therapy. My hope is that through our work together, you learn, grow, develop a deeper understanding of yourself, and gain the tools and confidence to navigate life with greater independence. Therapy should be a place that supports you through the season you're in, with the hope that one day you'll feel ready to step out of therapy and carry what you've learned into the next season of your life.
We'll regularly check in about how things are going and what level of support makes sense for you.
Together, we'll determine a pace that feels supportive, intentional, and clinically appropriate for where you are in your journey.
DO YOU OFFER TELEHEALTH?
DO YOU OFFER TELEHEALTH?
Yes. I offer Telehealth sessions throughout California, providing the flexibility to receive therapy from the comfort and privacy of your own space.
For many clients, Telehealth makes it easier to fit therapy into the realities of work, motherhood, family responsibilities, and busy seasons of life. You can have the same thoughtful, individualized care without needing to travel to an office.
Telehealth can be a great option for both ongoing individual therapy and, when clinically appropriate, EMDR. We’ll talk together about whether Telehealth feels like a good fit for you and the type of work we are doing.
To get the most out of a Telehealth session, I recommend finding a private, quiet space where you feel comfortable speaking openly and can give yourself room to be present without distractions.
Whether we meet in person or through Telehealth, my goal remains the same: to create a warm, genuine space where you feel safe, heard, and supported.
Wherever we meet, you bring your story. I’ll bring my listening ears, heart, and clinical experience.
DO YOU WORK WITH CLIENTS OUTSIDE OF CALIFORNIA?
DO YOU WORK WITH CLIENTS OUTSIDE OF CALIFORNIA?
No. I am licensed to provide therapy in California, so I can only provide therapy to clients who are physically located in California at the time of their session.
If you are traveling or temporarily outside of California, please let me know before scheduling so we can determine whether we can continue your sessions while you're away.
If you live outside of California, I encourage you to connect with a licensed therapist in your state who can provide the appropriate care where you are located.
DO YOU ACCEPT INSURANCE?
DO YOU ACCEPT INSURANCE?
I am a private-pay provider and do not bill insurance directly. This means I am not an in-network provider with insurance plans.
However, if your insurance plan offers out-of-network mental health benefits, you may be eligible to receive reimbursement for a portion of your therapy fee. I can provide a superbill that you can submit directly to your insurance company.
I encourage you to contact your insurance provider before beginning therapy to ask about your specific out-of-network benefits, deductible, reimbursement rate, and any documentation or requirements they may have.
One of the benefits of private-pay therapy is that our work can remain centered on you, your goals, and what you need from therapy, rather than being shaped by insurance requirements.
If you're unsure whether private-pay therapy is right for you, you're welcome to bring your questions to our 15-minute consultation. We can talk through the process and determine whether working together feels like a good fit.
CAN I USE MY OUT-OF-NETWORK BENEFITS?
CAN I USE MY OUT-OF-NETWORK BENEFITS?
Possibly. Although I am a private-pay provider and do not bill insurance directly, many insurance plans offer out-of-network mental health benefits that may reimburse you for a portion of your therapy fee.
If your plan includes out-of-network benefits, I can provide you with a superbill after your session. You can then submit the superbill directly to your insurance company for potential reimbursement.
Because every insurance plan is different, I recommend contacting your insurance provider before beginning therapy to ask about your specific out-of-network mental health benefits.
You may want to ask:
⟡ Do I have out-of-network mental health benefits?
⟡ What is my out-of-network deductible?
⟡ What percentage of the session fee is reimbursed after I meet my deductible?
⟡ Is there a limit on the number of therapy sessions covered?
⟡ Do I need a diagnosis or other documentation to receive reimbursement?
⟡ How do I submit a superbill for reimbursement?
Please keep in mind that your insurance company determines whether and how much they reimburse you. I cannot guarantee reimbursement or determine your coverage on your behalf.
Choosing private-pay therapy allows our work to remain centered on your goals and your needs, while a superbill gives you the option to seek reimbursement if your plan provides that benefit.
DO YOU OFFER EMDR?
DO YOU OFFER EMDR?
Yes. I am an EMDR-trained therapist, and EMDR can be incorporated into therapy when it is clinically appropriate for the client and the client feels that it is the right approach for them.
EMDR can be helpful when difficult or traumatic experiences continue to affect how you feel, respond, relate to others, or experience yourself in the present. Sometimes you may understand something intellectually, but your body or emotions still seem to react as though the experience is happening now. EMDR can be one way of helping you process those experiences and develop a different relationship with what you've been through.
I don't believe EMDR should be rushed. Before beginning EMDR, we take time to establish safety, trust, emotional stability, and coping skills so that you feel prepared for the work.
If EMDR feels appropriate, we'll talk together about what the process looks like, answer your questions, and make sure you feel comfortable moving forward. You are always an active participant in deciding whether EMDR is part of your therapy.
Some clients benefit from EMDR within a standard 50-minute session, while others may benefit from a 90-minute extended session to allow more uninterrupted time for processing, grounding, and closure.
My goal is never to fit you into a particular treatment modality. The approach should fit you, your needs, and where you are in your therapeutic journey.
DO I NEED TO BE A CHRISTIAN TO WORK WITH YOU?
DO I NEED TO BE A CHRISTIAN TO WORK WITH YOU?
No. I welcome clients from a variety of faiths, spiritual backgrounds, and personal beliefs. You do not need to be Christian to work with me, and your beliefs will always be respected and welcomed in our work together.
My personal and clinical perspective is rooted in the Christian faith, so when clients desire faith-integrated therapy, I am most equipped to incorporate Christian beliefs, biblical principles, and a Christian understanding of faith and healing into our work.
While I respect and welcome clients from other religious and spiritual traditions, I am not trained to provide therapy that incorporates the specific teachings, practices, or theology of other faith traditions. If integrating another faith tradition into your therapy is an important part of your goals, I encourage you to consider whether another therapist with specialized training in that tradition may be a better fit.
Regardless of your beliefs, my goal is to provide a space where you feel seen, respected, understood, and free to bring your whole self into the room.
DO YOU WORK WITH MOTHERS/POSTPARTUM WOMEN?
DO YOU WORK WITH MOTHERS/POSTPARTUM WOMEN?
Yes. Supporting women through motherhood and the transitions that come with it is an important part of my practice.
Motherhood can be beautiful, meaningful, exhausting, and complicated—all at the same time. Becoming a mother can bring a profound shift in your identity, relationships, priorities, and sense of self. Sometimes it can feel like you are trying to figure out who you are now while also caring for everyone else.
The postpartum period can also bring emotions and experiences that you may not have expected. You may feel overwhelmed, anxious, disconnected from yourself, more emotional than usual, or surprised by thoughts and feelings that are difficult to understand. Sometimes the transition into motherhood can also bring past experiences or wounds to the surface in unexpected ways.
Therapy can provide a space to slow down and make sense of these changes without judgment. We can explore the adjustment to motherhood, identity shifts, relationships, expectations, boundaries, anxiety, overwhelm, and the pressure to be everything to everyone.
DO YOU WORK WITH COUPLES?
DO YOU WORK WITH COUPLES?
I do not specialize in or provide couples therapy. My practice is primarily focused on individual therapy, supporting women, mothers, children, and families through the experiences and transitions that shape their lives.
That said, relationships are often an important part of our individual work. If you are working through relationship challenges, communication patterns, changes in your marriage, or other concerns involving a significant other, we may explore how those relationships are impacting you and the patterns you may be experiencing.
When it is clinically appropriate and would be helpful to your individual work, a significant other may also be invited to join an occasional session. This would be discussed together beforehand so we can be intentional about how their involvement can best support your therapeutic goals.
If you are specifically looking for ongoing couples counseling or relationship therapy, I’m happy to help you identify a therapist who specializes in that area.
DO YOU WORK WITH CHILDREN?
DO YOU WORK WITH CHILDREN?
Yes. I have worked with school-aged children and their families for over 11 years in both the school and private practice settings.
Working with children was the way I originally fell in love with therapy. Their honest, motivation, eagerness for improvement and growth, willingness to try new things and their ability to overcome hard things amaze me.
Children don't always have the words to explain what they're experiencing, and sometimes changes in behavior and emotions at school, in friendships, or in family life are their way of communicating that something is going on. I work to create a space where children feel comfortable being themselves, building trust through a warm, genuine, and age-appropriate approach.
Depending on the child's age, needs, and goals, therapy may include conversation, play, creative activities, coping skills work, and other developmentally appropriate approaches. I believe children deserve to feel heard and understood while also having the support they need to develop healthy ways of managing emotions and navigating challenges.
I also believe that working with children often means working collaboratively with their parents and/or caregivers. Parent involvement is highly encouraged and consistent communication can be an important part of helping a child make meaningful progress while maintaining the child's therapeutic space and privacy.
My goal is to meet each child where they are, understand the story behind what they're experiencing, and help them develop the skills and confidence to navigate their world.
WHAT IF I DON'T KNOW WHETHER THERAPY IS RIGHT FOR ME?
WHAT IF I DON'T KNOW WHETHER THERAPY IS RIGHT FOR ME?
You don't have to know.
Sometimes the hardest part of reaching out is not knowing exactly what you need—or wondering whether what you're experiencing is “enough” to come to therapy.
Maybe you're functioning well on the outside, but something feels different on the inside. Maybe you're overwhelmed, stuck, disconnected from yourself, struggling in a relationship, adjusting to motherhood, or noticing old patterns showing up in a new season of life. Or maybe you simply have a sense that you want something to change, even if you can't quite put your finger on what that is.
You don't need a diagnosis, a perfectly defined problem, or all the right words before you begin.
That's part of what therapy is for.
Our initial conversation is an opportunity to talk about what's bringing you here, ask questions, and get a sense of whether working together feels like a good fit. There is no pressure to have everything figured out before you reach out.
You can simply start with a conversation.
Schedule a 15-minute consultation, tell me a little about what's been going on, and we can take the next step from there.
You don't have to have all the answers before you begin. You just have to take the first step.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED TO CANCEL?
WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED TO CANCEL?
Life happens, and sometimes you need to change your plans. I simply ask that you provide at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment.
When you give 24 hours’ notice or more, there is no cancellation fee.
I also understand that unexpected things happen, especially when life includes children, work, family, and everything in between. As a courtesy, your first missed appointment or late cancellation will not be charged.
After that, appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice or missed without notice will be charged the full session fee.
Your appointment time is reserved specifically for you, and late cancellations or missed appointments make it difficult to offer that time to another client who may be waiting for an opening. This policy allows me to protect the time we have set aside for your care while also respecting the needs of other clients.
Thank you for understanding and for helping me honor the time we’ve reserved for our work together.
HOW DO I SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION?
HOW DO I SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION?
The first step is simply to reach out.
You can schedule a 15-minute consultation call by emailing me or through my online scheduling link. This is a brief, no-pressure opportunity for us to connect, talk a little about what is bringing you to therapy, and answer any questions you may have.
You don't need to have the right words or know exactly what you need before you schedule. Just come as you are.
During our conversation, we'll talk about what you're looking for, what you're hoping to work on, and whether my approach and availability feel like a good fit for you.
If we both feel that it makes sense to move forward, we'll talk about next steps and scheduling your initial assessment.
Ready to take the first step?
WHAT WOULD ACTUALLY HAPPEN IF I REACHED OUT?
WHAT WOULD ACTUALLY HAPPEN IF I REACHED OUT?
Reaching out is simply the first step in seeing if we might be a good fit.
You don't have to know exactly what you need before reaching out. You don't have to have the right words, and you don't have to have your story all figured out.
When you contact me, I'll ask you a little about what brings you to therapy, what you're hoping for, and what you're experiencing right now. You can share as much or as little as feels comfortable. This isn't the time to tell me your entire story—we're simply beginning to get to know each other.
If we decide to move forward, our first sessions are a chance to slow down, understand what you're going through, and begin creating a space where you feel safe and comfortable being yourself. We'll talk about your goals and what you would like to be different, and we'll work together to determine where to begin.
You won't be expected to immediately dive into painful experiences or know exactly what kind of therapy you need.
We start where you are.
And if you're considering EMDR, we don't jump straight into processing. We'll first take time to build trust, establish safety, and develop the tools you need to feel supported.
Most importantly, reaching out doesn't commit you to anything.
You can simply take the first step, ask questions, and see how it feels to talk with me.
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