What are you wondering about?
Understanding the Process
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My approach, which is a form of psychoanalytic therapy, may be a good fit if you’re curious about yourself and interested in understanding your inner life more deeply. It tends to resonate with people who want to slow down, reflect, and look beneath the surface of symptoms to the patterns, relationships, and meanings that shape their experience. It is especially beneficial when problems are experienced as long-standing or repetitive. For example, having a history of vague anxiety or depression; feeling that you can’t be “yourself” or act spontaneously; falling into one unsatisfying relationship after another; struggling with an overall sense of dissatisfaction with life; wishing for a more expansive way of being.
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The decision to enter therapy is a serious commitment on the part of both therapist and patient. I see my role as providing consistent attention and attunement — essentially, creating an environment where you can explore and learn about yourself. As the patient, you will get the most out of the experience if you honor your own commitment to the work by attending sessions regularly and doing your best to speak freely, especially when it is difficult or when what you are feeling has something to do with your experience of me or the therapy process.
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To build a consistent and meaningful therapeutic process, I meet with individuals at least once per week. I may recommend more frequent sessions to address significant needs and facilitate deeper and more meaningful progress. Patients who have sessions at least twice a week may be offered a lower fee in order to reduce the financial burden of deeper work.
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This is such a natural question! The way I work, we practice being with whatever is present in the moment, with no preparation required. Think of it as an invitation to speak freely, whatever is on your mind. By following your thoughts, feelings, and even times when it is difficult to report what is on your mind, we allow your inner wisdom to emerge. Often, the moments where folks feel they have “nothing to say” are exactly where the most meaningful insights begin to surface. We will navigate that space together.
Logistics
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My fee is $250 for a 50-minute session of individual psychotherapy. I am often able to provide a sliding scale based on financial need and frequency of sessions (i.e., a lower rate for more frequent sessions). If you are in need of a lower fee, please let me know and we can discuss whether I have a sliding scale spot available or connect you with a referral for lower-cost care.
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I provide therapy in-person and via telehealth, through Zoom or over the phone, in the state of California. Though telehealth boosts accessibility and flexibility in accessing care, I believe in-person therapy provides the greatest benefits, so I would encourage you to consider coming in person.
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I am not currently paneled with any insurance plans. However, if you are using a plan that accepts out-of-network providers, you may be able to get reimbursed for your sessions with me by requesting monthly statements to submit to your insurance company. Many patients do receive full or partial reimbursement depending on their coverage.
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I view parents as vital partners in understanding a teen’s world. Our work typically begins with a few dedicated parent sessions so I can learn about your perspective, your child’s history, and your concerns. As the treatment progresses, we will remain in contact as needed.
A Note on Confidentiality: For therapy to be effective, your teen needs to feel they have a private space to speak. I honor this privacy, but will always be in touch if I am concerned about your child’s safety.
Getting Started
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Finding a good fit is often a “gut feeling” discovered through the experience of talking together. Beyond feeling heard and respected, you should feel a sense of safety that allows you to be honest, as well as a growing curiosity about your own inner life. In our first few sessions, we will both be assessing this dynamic; I am looking to ensure my expertise and approach aligns with your needs, while you are seeing if you feel comfortable and understood. If, as we get to know one another, it feels like a different practitioner or a different approach would serve you better, we can talk about that and get your connected with someone who feels like a better fit.
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If you’re interested in seeing if we may be a good fit for therapy, the first step is to reach out so we can schedule a 15-minute phone call or a first session.