What will happen when I am in therapy?
By the time we are sitting together in the room for the first time, we will have already talked a bit about what brings you to therapy. We will begin to sort through some of your thoughts, feelings, and beliefs that are not serving the change you want to make. If you have been in therapy before, I would want to know how that went for you. We will uncover obstacles in the way of changing the direction you want to go. We will create a plan that puts into practice specific ways to manage these thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. In essence, I will encourage you to reflect, shift, and change through this early discovery period. You will be able to let go of beliefs that keep your life feeling stuck in a pattern that no longer serves you.
For you, defining your needs may come clear and easy; for others, there can be uncertainty defining the needs that best serve change. No matter where you fall on that spectrum, your needs can be met without giving up who you are as a confident, motivated and able person with a new or strengthened plan for a life that represents who you are now. Therapy is a new learning about yourself. This kind of learning comes with the discovery of what works personally, in family, in the community, and finally in the world. You are an individual with strengths which you have called upon during your most challenging times. We will discover and rely on those strengths to build the change you want to make.
Where do I start?
By now, maybe you have explored my website. After you reach me at my contact me, we will schedule a free 15-20 minute phone consultation. This is an important call where we can ask each other questions about how it would feel to do this work together.
As an Individual and Couples therapist, I welcome all races, culture, sexual orientations and religious affiliations into my practice.
See Get Started for details about the process.
How often do we meet?
Sessions take place weekly at a regularly scheduled time. Depending on my availability, I see clients in the morning through evening in Oakland, CA.
What is the cost?
Individual therapy: $175.00 for a 50 minute session
Couples therapy: $190.00 for a 50 minute session
At various times, I have a few sliding scale fee slots available.
I do not accept insurance. For out-of-network insurance companies, I will offer all the information your current insurer requires for reimbursement.
How long will I be in therapy?
That depends on what you have brought to therapy and what type of therapy you have been receiving in the past. Some very specific goals such as fear of public speaking or fear of flying, are appropriate for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and an agreed upon number of sessions, say, 10-20 on a weekly basis is usually the case.
If goals are being reached, then your work would be complete and so would our work together. Some therapy takes longer because it is more self-exploratory. This type of therapy is designed to uncover how you got to be who you are and what meaning you have put to your behavior that has affected the way you have been living your life.
How does online therapy work?
Online tele-therapy is conducted through either telephone sessions or a HIPAA compliant video platform (encrypted and secure internet connections set forth by law). I offer Video therapy for clients who are not able to come to my office for in-person sessions. More about online therapy