FAQ
How do i know if i need therapy?
Going to therapy does not mean you are “crazy” or that you are unable to figure things out on your own. Therapy is beneficial for anybody who is willing to work on themselves, has a goal they would like to achieve, and is motivated to pursue change and growth.
how do i find the right therapist?
It is important to find a therapist you feel you connect with - someone you feel safe sharing your innermost thoughts and feelings with. I would suggest some of the following steps as you look for a therapist:
Fit: If the therapist has a website or a profile on Psychology Today, read through it to see if their style of therapy fits with the goals you have in mind. You may also have preferences in terms of the therapist’s gender, sexual identity, racial identity, religion, or age.
Practical considerations: Would you prefer therapy in-person (if so, is the therapist’s office located somewhere you wouldn’t mind driving to each week) or through telehealth? Are you planning to pay through your insurance of through private pay? What is the fee?
Give it a try: Many therapists offer free phone consultations. This is a good way to make an initial connection and get some of your questions answered.
I offer free, brief phone consultations to answer initial questions you may have and discuss whether we are the right fit for one another. At any point in treatment, if you would prefer to meet with someone else, I am happy to provide you with referrals.
do i need to find a therapist with the same life experiences as me?
While there are certain benefits to having a therapist who has experienced similar life situation to you, it is not necessary. Through empathy and curiosity, I can connect with you because we all experience the same core human emotions. Sometimes exploring our differences can also lead to rich insights in therapy!
HOW LONG WILL TREATMENT TAKE?
I recommend that clients come to sessions weekly in order to receive the fullest benefits of psychodynamic therapy. Some clients meet me twice a week depending on their needs and the goals we are trying to achieve. Each session is 50 minutes. We will collaborate on your therapeutic goals, and we will discuss the best time to stop treatment based on whether you feel you have met your goals.
CAN YOU READ MY MIND?
Unfortunately, no. But as we work together more, you may find that I can help you see things about yourself you did not realize before!
is what i share confidential?
Yes! I will maintain confidentiality about everything we discuss in sessions. The only exceptions to this rule are if I find out there is a) immediate threat of harm to yourself or someone else, b) current child or elder adult abuse, c) in the case of a court subpoena. We will review those rules during our first session.
DO YOU OFFER TELEHEALTH?
Yes, I offer sessions in person at my Los Alamitos office or online via Zoom. Due to Board of Psychology requirements, I can only see clients who are currently located and reside in California.