FAQ

Therapy Process Questions:

What can I expect in my first therapy session? Your first session is primarily about getting to know each other and establishing goals for therapy. We’ll discuss what brings you to therapy, your background and history relevant to your concerns, and what you hope to achieve. I’ll explain my approach and how we might work together, and answer any questions you have about the process. This initial session helps us determine if we’re a good fit for working together.

How long does therapy typically last? The duration of therapy varies greatly depending on your specific needs, goals, and the complexity of the issues you’re addressing. Some clients benefit from short-term therapy (8-12 sessions) focused on specific concerns, while others prefer longer-term work for more complex or deep-seated issues. We’ll discuss timeframes during our initial sessions and regularly review your progress to ensure therapy continues to meet your needs.

How often will we meet for therapy sessions? Most clients begin with weekly sessions, which provides momentum and consistency in the therapeutic process. As you progress, we might transition to bi-weekly or monthly sessions. The frequency of sessions is flexible and can be adjusted based on your needs, schedule, and therapeutic goals.

Do you accept insurance for therapy services in Los Angeles? We are currently a private-pay practice, which allows us to focus entirely on your needs without the limitations often imposed by insurance companies. We can provide superbills that you may submit to your insurance for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Please check with your insurance provider about your specific out-of-network benefits for mental health services.

Telehealth Questions:

How does telehealth therapy work? Telehealth therapy takes place through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform. Before our first session, you’ll receive a link and simple instructions for joining. You’ll need a private space, reliable internet connection, and a device with a camera and microphone. The therapy process itself is very similar to in-person therapy—we’ll talk, explore your concerns, and work toward your goals, just through a virtual connection.

Is telehealth therapy as effective as in-person therapy? Research consistently shows that telehealth therapy is equally effective as in-person therapy for most concerns. Many clients find additional benefits to virtual therapy, including increased comfort discussing sensitive topics from their own space, eliminated commute time, and the ability to immediately apply therapeutic insights to their everyday environment.

How do I prepare my space for a telehealth therapy session? Choose a private, quiet location where you won’t be interrupted or overheard. Use headphones for better audio quality and enhanced privacy. Ensure your device is charged and stable. Some clients find it helpful to create a calming environment with comfortable seating, a glass of water nearby, and perhaps a notebook for any insights you want to record.

Specific Therapy Approaches:

What is EMDR therapy and how does it work for trauma? Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy for processing traumatic memories. It uses bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements) while you briefly focus on traumatic memories, helping your brain process these experiences in a new way. This approach can reduce the emotional intensity of traumatic memories and change negative beliefs associated with them. EMDR has been extensively researched and is recognized as an effective treatment for trauma and PTSD.

What is somatic therapy and who can benefit from it? Somatic therapy recognizes that trauma and stress are stored in the body, not just the mind. This approach incorporates awareness of bodily sensations, movement, and breathing to release tension and process difficult experiences. Somatic techniques are particularly helpful for trauma, anxiety, stress, and disconnection from your body. You don’t need any special physical abilities to benefit—the techniques can be adapted for diverse needs and abilities.

How does a Marriage and Family Therapist approach individual therapy differently? As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I bring a systemic perspective to individual therapy. This means I consider not just your immediate symptoms, but the relationships, patterns, and environments that influence your wellbeing. Even when working with an individual, I explore how family dynamics, cultural contexts, and relationship patterns may contribute to your challenges or serve as resources for healing. This broader perspective often leads to more comprehensive and lasting change.

Specific Concerns Questions:

How do you help clients with anxiety? I use a combination of approaches to address anxiety, including cognitive-behavioral techniques to identify and change anxious thought patterns, somatic methods to address the physical manifestations of anxiety, and nervous system regulation strategies to reduce overall stress levels. For anxiety with roots in past experiences, we might incorporate trauma processing through EMDR. Treatment is always personalized to your specific anxiety presentation, triggers, and goals.

What approaches do you use for trauma therapy? I utilize several evidence-based approaches for trauma, with EMDR therapy and somatic techniques as primary methods. EMDR helps process traumatic memories in a structured way, while somatic approaches address how trauma is held in the body. I also incorporate narrative therapy to help you reclaim your story, and nervous system regulation to develop greater resilience and stability. All trauma work is paced according to your comfort level, with emphasis on safety and stabilization before processing trauma.

How does therapy help with chronic illness and pain? Therapy for chronic illness and pain addresses the emotional and psychological aspects of living with ongoing health challenges. We work on acceptance and adjustment to health changes, developing effective coping strategies, managing the uncertainty that often accompanies chronic conditions, and finding meaning beyond your health challenges. Therapy can also address medical trauma, healthcare system navigation, and the impact of your condition on relationships and identity.

Getting Started Questions:

How do I know if you’re the right therapist for me? Finding the right therapeutic fit is essential for effective therapy. The initial consultation gives us both a chance to determine if we’re a good match. I encourage you to consider: Do you feel comfortable talking with me? Do my approaches align with your preferences? Do you feel understood and respected? It’s completely okay to speak with several therapists before making your decision. Trust your instincts about who feels like the best fit for your unique needs.

How do I schedule an initial consultation? You can schedule a consultation by contacting us through our website contact form, emailing directly, or calling our office. During this brief conversation, we’ll discuss what brings you to therapy, answer initial questions about our approach, and determine if we might be a good fit to work together. If so, we’ll schedule your first full session.

What should I do to prepare for my first therapy session? Before your first session, take some time to reflect on what brings you to therapy and what you hope to gain. Consider making notes about your main concerns and questions you have about the process. Complete any intake forms sent to you prior to the session. For telehealth appointments, test your technology in advance and prepare a private, comfortable space. Remember that it’s normal to feel nervous about starting therapy—bringing that nervousness to the session can even be a good starting point for our conversation.