Frequently Asked Questions

How can therapy help me?

A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:

· Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values

· Developing skills for improving your relationships

· Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy

· Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety

· Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures

· Improving communications and listening skills

· Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones

· Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage

· Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.

Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you're at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.

Why do people go to therapy and how do I know if it is right for me?

People have many different motivations for coming to psychotherapy. Some may be going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, new job, etc.), or are not handling stressful circumstances well. Some people need assistance managing a range of other issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, spiritual conflicts and creative blocks. Therapy can help provide some much needed encouragement and help with skills to get them through these periods. Others may be at a point where they are ready to learn more about themselves or want to be more effective with their goals in life. In short, people seeking psychotherapy are ready to meet the challenges in their lives and ready to make changes in their lives.

What is therapy like?

Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual. In general, you can expect to discuss the current events happening in your life, your personal history relevant to your issue, and report progress (or any new insights gained) from the previous therapy session. Depending on your specific needs, therapy can be short-term, for a specific issue, or longer-term, to deal with more difficult patterns or your desire for more personal development. Either way, it is most common to schedule regular sessions with your therapist (usually weekly).

*It is important to understand that you will get more results from therapy if you actively participate in the process. The ultimate purpose of therapy is to help you bring what you learn in session back into your life. Therefore, beyond the work you do in therapy sessions, your therapist may suggest some things you can do outside of therapy to support your process - such as reading a pertinent book, journaling on specific topics, noting particular behaviors or taking action on your goals. People seeking psychotherapy are ready to make positive changes in their lives, are open to new perspectives and take responsibility for their lives.

What about medication vs. psychotherapy?

It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness. Working with your medical doctor you can determine what's best for you, and in some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action.

How can I get the most out of therapy?

1. Therapy can be a beneficial experience, potentially leading to a more fulfilled and satisfying life. If you are receptive to help, it is likely that you will be helped.

2. If you have any questions about how counseling works, how I may work with you, or any other aspect of therapy, do not hesitate to ask.

3. As you discuss yourself and your concerns, try to be as clear as possible about your goals. You might ask yourself “what do I want out of therapy?”, “in what ways would I like my life to change?”, “what would my life look like if therapy were to be successful?”, and “in what ways would I personally like to change?”

4. It is perfectly normal to feel a bit anxious about therapy. This discomfort will usually lessen as you become more familiar with the therapy process, with me, and with our style of working together.

5. Try to be as open and honest about yourself and your challenges as possible. The more I understand the intimate details of what it is that you are struggling with the better I can help you and help you to help yourself.

6. Allow yourself to experience the feelings you have. Your feelings towards others, towards yourself, and even towards me are sources of useful information about you and the experiences that you may be struggling with.

7. Therapy can be difficult at times, especially when dealing with painful emotions. This is a crucial and important part of the growth process. Challenge yourself to stick with it.

8. Coming in consistently once a week for 50 minutes is important, but it is the small daily changes in your thinking and behavior in between sessions that can have the power to create lasting change. Carrying out the recommended experiential activities discussed in session will lead to the lasting change you may be hoping for.

9. If you feel that therapy is not being helpful, please discuss this with me as soon as the feelings arise. Often, a change in approach from me and you can be helpful. Let me know what has been helpful, what would be more helpful, and I will be more equipped to address your needs.

10. Smile…and give yourself credit for taking an important step on the path towards a more satisfying life. It takes vulnerability and a whole lot of courage to examine the way you show up in your life and relationships. You can breathe in comfort knowing that you are on your way to not only feeling better, but to BEING better.

Do you take insurance, and how does that work?

At present, I currently accept Aetna, UnitedHealthcare/Optum, and Cigna plans. However, should you have a different plan and have out-of-network coverage through your insurance, a receipt for services will be made available so that you can submit it for reimbursement. To determine if you have mental health coverage through your insurance carrier, the first thing you should do is call them. Check your coverage carefully and make sure you understand their answers. Some helpful questions you can ask them:

· What are my mental health benefits?

· What is the coverage amount per therapy session?

· How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?

· How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?

· Is approval required from my primary care physician?

For more information regarding using insurance for mental health coverage please see my Rates page.

Does what we talk about in therapy remain confidential?

Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and psychotherapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist's office. Every therapist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone. This is called “Informed Consent." Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your Physician, Naturopath, Attorney), but by law your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.

However, despite state law and professional ethics requiring therapists to maintain confidentiality, there are the following exceptions:

* Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children and elders 65 and older must be reported to the authorities, including Child Welfare Services, Adult Protective Services, and/or law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.

* If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threated to harm another person then the therapist has a duty to protect the client and/or the intended victim.

For a detailed list of the exceptions to confidentiality within the state of California, please visit: http://supp.apa.org/books/Essential-Ethics-for-Psychologists/exceptions.pdf

Where did you go to school?

I earned my doctoral degree in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University. I attended the San Diego campus.

What is your approach to therapy?

With over 15 years of clinical experience in the mental health field, I have cultivated an approach to healing and recovery that is integrative in nature. With a passion for holistic health, I address the biopsychosocial components that comprise ones overall mental health to help you better connect to, and cultivate, a healthier self. I truly believe that within each individual lies the endless capacity for self-healing and growth. Utilizing a strategic and outcome-focused approach, employing the teaching of coping skills and problem solving strategies, I work diligently to gently guide you to discover the healing process that resonates for you.

Tell me about the training you've received

Having worked in a variety of mental health settings, including; outpatient/inpatient hospitals for both adults and children, crisis centers, outpatient counseling centers, drug and alcohol rehab centers, charter schools, and currently in private practice, I have gained a wealth of knowledge and experience working with the many difficulties that can arise while were busy being human and living our lives.

Do you have a specialty area?

In addition to my wide-ranging clinical psychology training, I specialize in supporting men of all ages in cultivating courage, conquering anxiety, and living a life that they can be proud of. Anxiety is that voice in our heads that tells us "you cant handle this", "avoid that", "what if you fail...things don't go as planned...they laugh at you...etc.". It's that voice in our head that can keep us stuck, holding us back from accomplishing the goals that we desperately wish we could accomplish. The good news is that it doesn't have to be that way.