
Frequently asked questions
WHAT ARE SOME COMMON TYPES OF THERAPY?
You might have heard of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Narrative Therapy, etc. These are all theories that different therapists specialize in practicing. Some are more solutions focused, some are more processing focused, and each has its own benefits and can be helpful to different individuals based on their goals. I can work with you to determine what approach may be the best path forward for you.
WHAT KIND OF THERAPY DO YOU PRACTICE?
My theory of choice is Narrative Therapy, which separates the person from the problem, and allows people to understand the power of narratives in their lives. A simple example may be a narrative casting you as the victim vs. a narrative casting you as in control. However, I am able to draw upon several clinical theories to suit my client’s experiences and goals.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THERAPY AND COUNSELING?
Therapy and counseling tend to be used interchangeably by the public, and most people will understand either term. However, there are some slight differences. Therapy tends to be longer term, focused on processing and understanding, then putting that learning into practice. Counseling tends to be shorter term, focused on coping solutions. There are also differences in credentialing requirements (e.g. LMFT, or Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, vs. LPCC, or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor).
What are your credentials?
I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of California (License #137558). I have a Master’s of Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University, have obtained over 3000 hours of supervised clinical experiance, and passed a licensing exam.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED THERAPY?
Everyone is different, but generally, everyone could benefit from therapy. Some clients schedule regular sessions to process the latest challenges in their lives. Some clients schedule intermittently as new challenges arise they find difficult to navigate. And some have found themselves stuck and needing to process old traumas.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT TO GET OUT OF THERAPY?
As with any practice, what you get out of therapy is proportionate to what you put in, and how honest you are with me and yourself. Regardless, you can expect to feel some comfort in gaining an objective perspective, and likely some insights into how you can understand your experiences and your outlook differently.
WHAT WILL WE TALK ABOUT?
In short, whatever you want! This is your time. Nobody knows you better than you. Since you likely have some goals that you want to get out of therapy, we’ll start there and work backward toward what’s standing in your way, what got you to where you are, and how you can move forward.
WHAT WILL BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL?
Everything, except for disclosures of child abuse, elder abuse, or if you are planning to harm yourselves or others.
What is the cost of therapy?
The fee for each session is $165 per 50 minutes for individual therapy and $185 per 50 minutes for couples therapy.
DO YOU TAKE INSURANCE?
Yes, I use a service called Headway to utilize most major insurance benefits. Learn more here.
DO YOU OFFER VIDEO, PHONE, or in-person SESSIONS?
I offer both in-person and telehealth sessions. For those in the Sacramento area, I have an office downtown on O St.
How long IS A TYPICAL SESSION?
A typical session is 50 minutes and will start promptly at the start of the hour.
HOW MANY SESSIONS CAN I EXPECT?
As many as you need, and can benefit from, in order to achieve demonstrated sustained progress, which generally comes from weekly or bi-weekly sessions.
HOW DO I KNOW IF YOU ARE THE RIGHT FIT?
A therapist-client relationship should be a good fit for both parties, where we both feel comfortable, and that I will be able to help you make clinical progress. To explore further, book a free 20 minute consultation call here.