FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where are you located?
My office is located in the Santa Fe Business center off Calle Magdalena and across from the Methodist Church. Drive all the way to the back. There’s typically parking in front of the building or just on the side of it. If your session is after 5, you’ll have to wait until I let you into the building. I may have a session before you but please be confident your session will start on time.
What are your office hours?
Hours vary day to day, but generally speaking I offer appointments between 9 am and 7 pm week days.
How often do I need to go to therapy?
I encourage you to make an initial commitment to come weekly for sessions. The first session or two is typically very focused on gathering your history and creating goals for your work. Following that, we move into skills and exploring what will work best for you to get you the relief you need. This is tough to do if attendance is not consistent.
As we move into the heavier work of therapy (and it can be a lot of work), I will sometimes suggest we space appointments out to every other week. This gives you time to reflect on what we are discussing and do any exercises I’ve assigned. Usually after 3-6 months clients move to monthly check-ins or as needed check-in sessions.
Do you have experience working with same-sex couples?
I have worked with quite a few same-sex clients over the years, and I do my best to always stay on top of important trends and pertinent research so I can best serve my clients.
How do I make an appointment?
If you want to use the contact form here to get started, that will work; but most people will call to see about setting up a first appointment. During that call, I’m happy to answer any questions you may have and work with you to find a time that is convenient for you.
How long are sessions?
A session runs a therapeutic hour which is 50 minutes.
What is your cancellation policy?
With your permission, I typically send a reminder text for the day of your session. I require a 24-hour notice to cancel or reschedule your appointment. If you do not cancel with a 24-hour notice, I do charge the full fee for the missed session.
Do you accept insurance?
I do not accept insurance, and I have several reasons for this. My main concern when it comes to using insurance is that insurance companies require a diagnosis. Therapy is a coping technique that can help people through tough situations, and a diagnosis is not always appropriate. Some insurance companies offer out-of-network benefits, and I am happy to help you access those benefits if appropriate.
What brand of tissue do you use?
Usually it’s Kleenex brand, but in the decorative container. It’s helpful to note, I will never offer you a tissue. The tissues are located in two different places in my office; if you want me to hand you one, I’m happy to do so when asked.
Why won’t you offer me a tissue?
Feelings happen and physical responses such as tears often go along with those. Me handing you a tissue you didn’t ask for sends the message, “Ok, stop crying now” and that’s not a message I will send you; that said…the tissues are usually within reach.
Do you offer faith-based counseling?
Yes, I do. In both individual or couples’ sessions, we can discuss how your faith impacts the situation at hand. I identify as Christian, but I consider it my job to educate myself about many different faith backgrounds and will happily include your faith in our sessions.
What if I don’t want faith-based counseling?
If you don’t want your spirituality discussed in our sessions, we will not make it a focal point.
What do I need to know about therapy?
Therapy is not magic. It takes commitment and hard work. Like most things in life, you will only get out of it what you are willing to put into it. If you are committed to the process, you will see change.
How are you different from other Therapists?
Therapists all have their unique style and approach to working with clients. I can tell you I am not a warm and fuzzy type. I respect my clients and meet them where they are. I often use direct messages and humor (as appropriate). I don’t mince words and respect the courage it takes to face and make changes in life..
What are your professional qualifications?
I’ve been working with clients therapeutically since 2004. I spent four years working with individuals affected by domestic violence; six years working with children and their families; three years working directly with military service members and their families.
Wanting to work with the clients who can benefit from my services the most, I opened my office in 2014.
Education:
- University of la Verne
- California State University Northridge
- The Don Quixote language school in Salamanca, Spain
- Community college graduate
I am trained in TfCBT and the Gottman couples counseling approach. I am a Gottman Certified Bringing Baby Home Educator. These programs allow me to work with you in a modality that best suits you and your situation.
I take a narrative approach and a short-term, solution-focused approach which basically means I believe we all are telling stories and addressing that story can bring about understanding. I structure sessions so we can notice change quickly.
Do you have much experience working with people in the aviation field?
I have worked with people from all walks of life but my time working with the military gave me quite a bit of experience working with pilots and other people connected to the aviation field.
What if I’m out of state?
I am licensed to do therapy in the state of CA. If you are out of state, I can still work with you. My records would simply need to indicate our session was a “coaching session” rather than a typical counseling session and it would not be able to be submitted to your insurance company.
Can I curse in session?
Sure. Doesn’t offend me…and sometimes there are select words that address things best. The exception to this would be in any couples or family sessions when curse words can escalate other participants.