What is therapy?
Therapy is the process of exploring your Self through the guidance of a therapist and with the goal of making positive changes in your life. It can be an ongoing process for your general well-being, or a response to a problem or situation that seems too difficult or too painful to resolve by yourself. Either way, therapy guides you to a deeper awareness of your feelings, your actions, and your needs. Through this awareness, great change can unfold.
Therapy always takes in what’s called the “therapeutic relationship”. The therapeutic relationship is the spirit of trust and privacy between the therapist and the client. It is a safe place to explore and work on goals together, without bias or judgment — to remove psychological roadblocks, to overcome, to grow, to be a better version of oneself, and to heal.
Why should I go to counseling?
Everyone has problems and difficulties in life. Sometimes we get stuck or overwhelmed by them. Therapy is a way to get through them, to live healthier, happier lives. As a therapist I am trained and experienced in proven techniques to help you resolve the issues you are dealing with.
Do any of these statements feel real to you? If so, counseling can help.
- I’ve been abused (physically, mentally, sexually)
- I’ve lived through a trauma
- I’m addicted (to drugs, alcohol, sex, shopping, eating, gambling)
- I’m anorexic / bulimic
- I feel stuck, I can’t get out of this situation
- I’ve just been diagnosed with _______, I feel overwhelmed
- My spouse / child / friend just passed away and I can’t see the end of the tunnel
- I want to hurt someone / I want to hurt myself
- I don’t feel anything / everything hurts
- I’m very sad /angry / jealous
- I’m so nervous / afraid
- I feel powerless / helpless
- I can’t sleep / I have nightmares
- I’m lonely / I can’t make friends
- I’m going through a divorce
- I can’t keep a job
- I’m not a good parent
- My child is violent / afraid / hyperactive
- I feel depressed
- I’m so confused
- I’m not making any progress
How do I start?
If you think you may be interested in counseling, the first step is to call me at 619-335-5373 or contact me here. We can arrange to speak first by phone and discuss your need for counseling and my business policies. This first call should allow us to get to know each other in a general way and have an idea whether or not we want to set up an appointment and move forward toward therapy.
What should I expect my first time at therapy?
Our first session is about getting to know one another and exploring the possibilities of working together. Having a trusting and positive feeling about your therapy is essential to the process of bringing change into your life. I hope that in the first sessions you will experience a positive impression that will guide our future work together. During the first session we will discuss our client-therapist relationship, the reasons that bring you to counseling, and what you hope to accomplish through therapy. Together we will develop a plan to work toward your goals.
When you arrive in the office waiting area there will be a clipboard with your name and intake forms. Reading through and filling out the forms takes about 10-15 minutes so *plan on arriving a little early the first time if you can. We will spend about 10 to 15 minutes discussing the informed consent form and the responsibilities of a therapeutic relationship. We will use the rest of the session to get to know each other.
*You may also download and complete the forms before you arrive if you prefer.
If for some reason you feel our fit isn’t right for you, I have no problem providing you references to trusted colleagues. My work is dedicated to helping others, whether through my own practice or through guidance toward a better environment for you and your needs.
How long are the sessions?
Sessions are 50 minutes long.
How often do we meet?
Usually I suggest we meet once a week, but this can vary depending on your needs.
How many sessions should I have?
The number of sessions you have varies from person to person. It depends on the complexity of the problems you may be facing and your individual rate of progress. If you are using an insurance plan to pay for counseling, the number of sessions you have may depend on how many sessions the plan authorizes. Independently of that, our goal is always to have the “right” number of sessions – i.e. the number of sessions you need to accomplish your goals.
Do you work with children?
Yes, I work with children from 4 to 17 years old, as well as with adults, couples, and families.
Do you work on a sliding scale?
I believe that therapy should be available for all people who need and desire it. For this reason I offer reduced-fee services on a limited basis. Proof of income and a letter regarding your needs is requested. You may call me at 619-335-5373 or contact me here to discuss your situation.
How can I pay?
Please see the Insurance and Payments page.
What about cancellations?
Please call and provide a minimum of 24 hours advance notice when cancelling or rescheduling appointments. That way I can best use my time and offer my availability to other clients. Payment is required for appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours notice.
Insurance & Payments
Insurance and Payment for Therapy
I work regularly with the following insurance companies but invite you to check with your plan representative, prior to starting therapy, about your plan’s therapy coverage:
- Aetna
- Anthem Blue Cross
- Ceridian
- Blue Shield
- Cigna
- Magellan
- MediCal
- MHN
- Network Advantage
- Teamsters
- Tricare
- United Food & Commercial Workers Union
- Victims of Crime
- Out-of-Network coverage for various PPO plans
- PPO Insurance Plans
If you are not covered by insurance, you may also make direct payments in cash, check, or credit card. All payments are due at the beginning of each therapy session.