EMAIL ME. Send me a message that you are possibly interested in therapy. Please let me know if you are a California or Guam resident in your message. We will set up a time for a free phone consultation to find the reason for seeking therapy and answer questions. If we both agree I can be of help to you, an initial appointment will be set up. You will receive an email with a link to an online portal through TheraNest so you can conveniently and privately complete the intake paperwork. I will keep your credit card information securely on file so the payment process is convenient for both of us.
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Have an INITIAL APPOINTMENT for 60 minutes in the convenience of your home or car via the internet. First we will discuss office policies, confidentiality, and boundaries in the therapeutic relationship to get you oriented with the process. The rest of the time we will discuss your concerns, history, and goals. We will collaborate on a game plan together. If you are excited to start that plan then we'll schedule your next appointment.
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The bulk of your THERAPY WORK will be done in weekly 50 minute sessions with homework for you to complete between sessions. Don't worry, homework is not typical pen-and-paper assignments but may include practicing new habits, communication skills, or other mind-body work. The frequency and duration of treatment will depend on your needs, goals, and progress. Many concerns are readily resolved with short-term therapy while chronic or more complex concerns require a long-term commitment before improvement is realized. The majority of clients start seeing noticeable changes after 8-20 sessions. Therapy is more efficient when kept with a weekly schedule initially. After the majority of treatment goals have been met, many people switch to bi-monthly schedules. If this schedule plan does not work for you, no worries. We can customize the frequency and length of sessions to fit your specific needs.
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You may be wondering...
WHAT IS YOUR STYLE/APPROACH TO THERAPY?
Your problems are probably complicated and have many contributing factors. After all, if it was easy you would wouldn't be in this situation. For this reason, I like to tackle issues from many angles to give the best possibility of sustained growth . In our first few sessions we will review your health habits, communication and relationship style, home and work/school environment (if applicable), social life, and how you handle your feelings, thoughts, and emotions. I will get to know your personality and interests. We will use this information to customize your therapy. I often use exercises to help you practice and experience different ways of thinking and feeling. We may use art, mindfulness, or other movement exercises if they suit you. Sometimes we even laugh.
How often should I see you and how long will i be in therapy?
Weekly sessions are most effective initially. If your schedule does not allow for weekly sessions, we may choose to set up longer sessions every other week. As progress sustains, we will start to space out sessions to every other week. The duration of therapy depends on how chronic your situation is and how much work you put into the therapy. Most folks find relief after only 8 sessions, others utilize therapy for months or a full year. After therapy is over, you are welcome to come back for booster sessions. As life changes and stress levels increase, an occasional check-in can get you back on track.
What is your cancellation policy?
I require 24 hour notice for cancellations or rescheduling. If you fail to cancel on time or show up, you are responsible to pay for the scheduled appointment. If your teen forgets about their therapy appointment, folks you are still responsible to pay for it. I suggest if you have a teen in therapy, you become aware of their therapy schedule and send them a reminder. I find this to be most effective.
If you are too sick to work productively in session or have an emergency come up, please notify me as soon as possible and we will reschedule. I do my best to be understanding of emergencies that may arise, which is why I do not charge under these circumstances.
If you are too sick to work productively in session or have an emergency come up, please notify me as soon as possible and we will reschedule. I do my best to be understanding of emergencies that may arise, which is why I do not charge under these circumstances.
Do you see couples?
My favorite approach with couples is individual sessions and I'll tell you why: most couple therapy sessions are unproductive. Often one partner is dragged there by the other--yes I'm talking about you the one reading this website. If this is not you, but the one being dragged- don't worry I usually don't bite and I probably don't agree with your partner that your issues are the ones causing all the misery. Many couples spend a majority of their effort in session trying to shine the spot light on their partner's flaws hoping to escape any real work themselves. With individual sessions, we are able to create goals specific to each partner, focus on your own work, and make changes the only way they can happen which is from within. For couples I suggest weekly 50 minute sessions for both partners. You are welcome to invite your partner to your session as an emotional support or witness to your process. After each partner stabilizes emotionally then switching to every other week and/or joint couple sessions are a possibility. Newly weds are sometimes able to move to joint sessions sooner as they typically have less relational trauma built up.
My partner doesn't think we have problems. Do I still come?
If this is you, don't worry! It is not uncommon for one partner to be uninterested in attending therapy. They may not see a problem with the relationship or perhaps they are fearful of the level of vulnerability required for therapy. Although the stigma against counseling is diminishing, it can still hold many people back from getting help.
If your partner opts out, then absolutely come alone. You can still make changes within yourself and your relationship. Sometimes partners are encouraged by your courage and growth to join couple sessions with you.
If your partner opts out, then absolutely come alone. You can still make changes within yourself and your relationship. Sometimes partners are encouraged by your courage and growth to join couple sessions with you.
I AM LDS: WILL YOU BE TALKING WITH MY BISHOP OR MISSION PRESIDENT?
No. Your bishop or mission president may reach out to me for a screening consultation to see if we may be a good match. Your bishop/president will then give you my contact information and have you reach out to me. Once you contact me I will protect your privacy and no longer speak with your bishop/president or even acknowledge if I have started a therapeutic relationship with you. I am very firm on this boundary. You are welcome to consult with and share whatever information about your treatment with others as you choose. If you would like me to share information with anyone, you may make your request in writing with my Exchange of Information Form.
How much does therapy cost?
Your cost depends on the length of your sessions. Currently 50 minute sessions are $135 and 80 minute sessions are $200. I accept credit card payments and store it via a secure online portal. I am an out-of-network provider for insurance. If you choose to use your insurance, you will be given a diagnosis that is shared with them through a super-bill. I can provide you a super-bill upon request. It is your responsibility to seek reimbursement through your insurance. Payment is due in full at the end of each session. See the Good Faith Estimate under Client Forms to help budget your therapy.
Do you accept insurance?
I am an out-of-network provider for all insurance, which enables me to provide the most confidential treatment, avoid a lot of paperwork, and have more time to focus on you. By not using insurance, we are also able to focus on your unique situation rather than attach a label that may be shaming or not quite fitting. If you choose to use your insurance, you will be provided a super bill to submit to your insurance. You are responsible for coordinating reimbursements with your insurance.