What is Therapy?

Therapy, psychotherapy or counseling are all terms relating to the process of meeting a therapist to resolve problematic issues, such as emotional distress, relationship difficulties, codependency, difficulties coping with divorce or life-transitions, compulsive behaviors, depression and everyday stressors that trigger anxiety.

Why Should I Participate In Therapy?

The overall goal of individualized therapy is to get in touch with an individual’s behaviors and emotions. People who choose therapy are often everyday people looking for help for a variety of challenges. This can include coping with unexpected life transitions—such as unemployment, parenthood, the death of a family member or friend, marriage, divorce or even simple life choices—to more severe issues, including depression, thoughts of suicide, compulsion, anger, schizophrenia and bipolar and various other mental disorders. If you identify with two or more of the following statements, then therapy may be the right choice for you:

  • The way I feel is affecting my sleep, appetite or my relationships.
  • I feel like harming myself or others.
  • I have a family member who feels like harming themselves or others.
  • I cannot get through the day without using food, alcohol, sex and drugs to make me feel better.
  • No matter how hard I try, I cannot seem to be happy. There is something wrong and I can’t quite put my finger on it.
  • I am stuck. I feel like my life is stuck and I can’t seem to move forward. I need help getting my life on the right track.

What Happens In Therapy?

The process of seeking therapy is often overwhelming. Finding the right therapist is imperative for effective treatment. One of the primary goals of therapy is to have an open line of communication between the client and therapist. Therefore, an individual must find a therapist that he or she feels safe and comfortable with.

After choosing a therapist that is right for you, your first appointment will be what therapists call an “intake” session. An intake session begins with getting to know the client and his or her expectations. The therapist might even administer a simple questionnaire to assess the client’s personality, goals and medical history. Once goals are establish, the therapist will then schedule subsequent appointments if necessary.

What About Medication vs. Psychotherapy?

Medications are certainly helpful for reducing symptoms of certain disorders and anxieties, but should not be a substitute for therapy. Again, the goal of therapy is to find support for emotional issues. Substituting medication for therapy disrupts the communication that would normally occur between a client and therapist and may hinder the healing process. Unless otherwise specified by a therapist, therapy should be obtained in conjunction with medications.

During a client’s first therapy session, a therapist will ask for medical history and a list of current medications. Depending on the severity of the condition, a therapist might refer a client to a psychiatrist for medication. Some states allow therapists to administer certain medications directly without referring clients to a psychiatrist. Ask a therapist for more information.

In therapy you can:

  • Increase your self-awareness
  • Develop more confidence and self-esteem
  • Learn to manage anxiety and painful emotions in a healthy way
  • Leave behind self-defeating patterns of behavior
  • Heal relationship injuries
  • Experience self-growth and balance in your life
  • Increase kindness and compassion toward yourself and toward your partner
  • Have deeper intimacy and greater satisfaction in your relationship

Alternative Languages:

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Fees

I invite you to please call me to discuss my current fee, as reduced fees are available during specific appointment times and on a limited basis.

Insurance

I am currently credentialed with Anthem Commercial, Anthem Medi-Cal, and Cigna Insurance.

I also could provide you with a super bill as an out-of-network provider to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Please ask your insurance about your mental health benefits for out-of-network mental health providers.

Payment

Cash, check and major credit cards are accepted for payment.

Cancellation Policy

If you cannot show up for your scheduled appointment, please notify me at least 24 hours in advance to avoid fees.