Frequently Asked Questions
Sessions & Logistics
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I currently offer telehealth sessions for adults in California. I may offer in-person sessions in Oakland in the future.
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Individual therapy sessions are 50 minutes.
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Weekly sessions are the standard starting point. This frequency is best supported by research and tends to produce the steadiest, most meaningful progress.
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Yes. Creating a safe, trusting space where you can speak openly is one of the foundations of effective therapy. Everything you share is kept confidential in accordance with California law and professional ethics. There are a few limited exceptions such as situations involving an immediate risk of serious harm to yourself or others, suspected abuse or neglect of children or elderly, or when disclosure is required by law. I review these exceptions with every client at the start of therapy. If you have any questions about confidentiality, I'm always happy to discuss them.
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As required by my license, I can only provide virtual therapy to clients who are physically in California during sessions.
Insurance & Fees
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My current fee for 50-minute individual therapy sessions is $250.
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I am an out-of-network private-pay practice and do not bill insurance directly.
However, many clients are able to use their out-of-network benefits to receive partial reimbursement for therapy.
Once a month I provide a superbill, which is a detailed receipt that includes the information your insurance company requires to process reimbursement (if you need a superbill more frequently, please just let me know).
Because every insurance plan is different, it can be helpful to contact your provider and ask:
Do I have out-of-network mental health benefits?
What is my reimbursement rate for outpatient psychotherapy?
Is there a deductible I need to meet first?
Many people find that using out-of-network benefits allows them to receive reimbursement while still choosing a therapist who feels like the right fit for them.
What to Expect in Therapy
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In addition to traditional talk therapy, I use approaches that help people work with deeper emotional and nervous system patterns.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a well-researched therapy used to help the brain process difficult experiences so they no longer feel as overwhelming or intrusive.
Click here for more info on EMDR
Internal Family Systems (IFS) helps people understand and work compassionately with the different “parts” of themselves that develop over time; such as parts that protect, avoid, or carry painful experiences.
Click here for more info on IFS
Both approaches can help people move beyond insight alone and create more lasting emotional shifts.
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Yes. Very often.
Many people who reach out for therapy are thoughtful, capable individuals who have spent years trying to work through things on their own. They may be functioning well in many areas of life, but internally they feel stuck, exhausted, or weighed down by patterns that don’t seem to shift.
Therapy isn’t only for moments of crisis. It can also be a place to slow down, reflect more deeply, and begin understanding the patterns or experiences that keep showing up in your life.
Sometimes having a thoughtful, collaborative space to explore things can make a meaningful difference, even for people who have already done a lot of their own reflection and personal work.
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Many of the people I work with are deeply caring and responsible individuals who are used to being the one others rely on.
Making space to focus on yourself can feel unfamiliar at first, but it often allows people to move through their lives with more steadiness, clarity, and energy. When you feel more supported internally, it becomes easier to show up in the ways that matter most to you. You know what they say: if you are on an airplane and the oxygen mask drops from above, put yours on BEFORE you try to assist others. If you are reading this, it might be time for you to put your (metaphorical) oxygen mask on.
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Therapy can bring up meaningful emotions at times, but you will never be pushed to go faster than feels manageable.
My role is to help create a space where difficult experiences can be approached thoughtfully and at a pace that feels supportive. Many people find that when emotions are explored in a safe and structured way, they begin to feel less overwhelming.
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Many people who reach out have already done therapy at some point in their lives. Sometimes earlier therapy was helpful but didn’t fully address certain experiences or patterns.
Approaches such as EMDR and Internal Family Systems can help people work with deeper emotional experiences in ways that may feel different from previous therapy.
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The relationship between therapist and client is one of the most important parts of therapy.
A free 15-minute phone consultation gives us the opportunity to briefly connect, talk about what you're looking for, and see whether working together feels like a good fit. You’re welcome to ask questions and get a sense of how I approach the work.
If it feels right, we can talk about next steps. If not, I’m happy to point you toward other resources that might be helpful.
Still Have Questions?
I encourage you to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation so we can briefly connect and see if working together feels like a good fit.
