Therapy & Workshops

Individual & Couples Therapy

When we decide that there is something in our life that we would like to be different, we are often unsure about what to do next. Change can be uncomfortable and frustrating. I won’t lie, this will be hard, but you won’t regret it. I try to make therapy comfortable so that you want to come back each week. I promise we laugh a lot too.

Here are some areas I most often work on with clients:

-Pregnancy and postpartum support
-Finding balance and joy in parenting
-Defining identity and values
-Moving through changes in life
-Increasing confidence and reducing doubt/shame
-Improving connection and intimacy in relationships
-Career and life goals
-Feeling enjoyment and satisfaction with life

Corporate & Community Workshops

Workshops are a helpful way to gain introductory knowledge and practical skills to a variety of topics. They are designed to match the experience, interests, and composition of your group. Workshops are custom to fit your group’s need, but always include experiential learning and fun. Please contact me if you have an interest in customizing an experience for you and your peers. 

Topics can include:

–Work/Life Balance
-Relationship Skills
-Self-Care Strategies
-Mind Body Connection
-Mindfulness for Working Professionals

Frequently Asked Questions

Your information is protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) privacy rule. By law, I cannot disclose any information without your written consent. The only exception to this rule would be instances of known abuse of a child, someone elderly, or disabled,  or if a client is in danger to themselves or others.

The first two sessions are assessments – I ask questions to better understand you, your history and your reason for therapy. Sessions are driven by clients – we start with your concerns. I will ask questions, reflect things back, problem-solve with you and most importantly, try to teach you new skills. At times we will practice these skills in session, like deep breathing or goal setting.

A good clinical assessment includes identifying symptoms that may meet criteria for a mental health disorder. We will discuss this together to make sure you completely understand the purpose, meaning, and implications of a diagnosis. Diagnosis is an insurance instrument so I use it as a guide, but it is not the sum of you or your experience.

Absolutely! It can take months, even years, before we are ready to see a therapist. This is hard stuff and I’m a stranger. Most people feel anxious and nervous making the call to set an appointment. Some people may even “no show” their first appointment. That’s why I encourage new clients to call me and chat. The more you get to know me, the more comfortable you will feel beginning therapy.

I love school so I went to grad school twice. MPP represents my Master’s in Public Policy.. LCSW stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker. That means that I have a current license with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences to practice psychotherapy. This license requires a Masters of Social Work, supervised clinical hours, continuing education credits, and clinical examinations. PMH-C is my certification as a Perinatal Mental Health.

No. However, in some cases medication can be helpful and a very useful part of your treatment. If you would benefit from it, I will refer you to a psychiatrist or your PCM. Oftentimes, therapists and prescribers work together to ensure you are receiving the best possible treatment.

Give me a call and we can have a brief phone conversation. I can answer questions you have and you can get a better feel for me. If there is something specific you’d like to know, you can ask. It’s important that you feel comfortable with me before making your first appointment. Some things to keep in mind: How easy am I to talk to? Do I seem like someone you can trust? Do I seem like I understand you?

I prefer to see clients weekly, however there may be times where I ask to meet more frequently if you are in crisis. As you gain skills and symptoms reduce, we will start to space sessions out.

Trained psychotherapists offer insight, information, and a setting that differs from the other relationships in your life. Talking to a professional allows you an unbiased and non-judgmental perspective. My guess is you’ve already been talking to friends and family and you’re still feeling stuck about this issue.

Everyone! Mental health care should be treated like health care.  We shouldn’t leave out our emotions and thoughts just because the stress/pain/hurt isn’t visible. We all need prevention and maintenance to stay healthy. Everyone is welcome, you just have to call.

still not sure what therapy is all about?

That’s okay, call me for a phone consultation to see if therapy could be helpful. 

LET’S TALK