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Common Questions
Is therapy right for me?
People often assume individuals who are going to therapy have “something wrong” with them. In actuality, everyone can benefit from a dedicated space to be authentically themselves and heard.
Therapy is a space for you to journey inwards, process all sides of your emotions, sit with joy and challenges, and learn adaptive skills to benefit your mental health long term. It is the investment in yourself to find the inner light as inevitable life brings bumpy roads. When you have an allocated place for you to feel and heal, you can feel liberated to design the life you want and deserve.
How long will it take?
Clients can be in therapy short-term or long-term, it really depends on your style, schedule, and needs. During our initial sessions, I can share my clinical recommendation for what I presume to be helpful for you to meet your goals.
I work with clients more frequently in the beginning with a focus on a better understanding of your needs and strengthening our relationship. I typically see individuals weekly for 8-10 sessions, then we gradually space out our care as needed depending on your progress. Some clients prefer to see me every 2-3 weeks or months after consideration of their current needs and symptom stabilization.
Is therapy really working?
You will notice progress by meeting your treatment goals. An example of a treatment goal could be that you want to be present with your emotions; with progress, you can quantify improvement by noticing the ability to name your feelings and express them to yourself or those around you.
Additional examples may include, being more present, feeling less depressed, anxious, or worried due to utilizing evidence-based coping strategies, or adapting newfound perspectives from our sessions in your life. I frequently check in with my clients through a Feedback Informed Care model to better understand what clients benefit from in session and explore areas of growth in our professional relationship to get them where they want to be.
What should I expect from the therapy consultation call and the initial appointment?
The complimentary consultation call is a 15-20 minute discussion prior to agreed-upon therapy treatment. Generally, clients want to get to know their therapist before engaging in further services. During the consultation call, I aim to learn about your goals in therapy, current symptoms, or general interest in our work together. A consultation call is not therapy, it is brief and solution-focused to review if establishing care is fitting for you and my practice.
The initial appointment is a crucial part of therapy. The appointment typically lasts 60-70 minutes as we review intake paperwork and review any of your questions prior to the start of our therapeutic relationship. Generally, I take more of a leader by asking questions to get to know you. I complete a comprehensive interview, where I utilize bio-psycho-social intake format to learn about your current symptoms, a timeline of triggers or concerns, and your social, medical, family, and support systems. The thorough assessment, helps me understand you as a whole - not only with things you may feel challenges with. At the end of our session, I will be able to give you a brief summary of my we will work together to review objective treatment goals. Prior to the initial appointment, you are expected to complete all intake forms sent via SimplePractice.
What should I expect from the therapy return sessions?
In my return appointments, clients are asked to bring up topics including successes, challenges, or topics of discussion that have occurred since our last visit. Sometimes clients just show up, ready to have a conversation that is solely focused on them. I aim to have an organic conversation as we work towards processing emotions and practicing adaptive skills. I enjoy creating space for my clients to share authentically whether it be what naturally comes up for them during our time together, reviewing patterns that relate to their treatment goals, or planned topics of discussion for the time together.
Do you only work with women or BIPOC?
No. Mental health illnesses and symptoms do not discriminate, and neither do my services. I have worked with young men, men working in the Silicon Valley tech industry, fathers, and more. I highlight my passion for providing culturally sensitive care for individuals of color as a recognition of common barriers to receiving competent mental health treatment. I make it known that I am an anti-racist provider and my social justice-oriented values will show up in treatment. simultaneously, I provide mental health services to all populations with the knowledge that managing emotions to keep a mentally well mind is important to everyone.
Do you accept insurance?
At this time, my practice is not accepting insurance. I am only accepting private pay clients and clients with Lyra EAP benefits. My fees are set to the industry standard based on my experience and geographic location. I reserve a limited number of spaces for sliding scale-fee clients based on financial needs. Please contact me for current availability.
Let’s chat.
Click below to contact me for a 15-minute complimentary video session.
During our time together, we can review your questions, needs, and schedule to better understand if we are a good fit.
“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”
-Carl Rogers