Many people have questions about therapy and that's completely normal. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions that will help you understand holistic therapy and how I can support you.
My practice is nestled in the heart of Hermosa Beach, CA, extending its services to the vibrant communities of Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, and the greater South Bay area. By supporting you to look inward and acknowledging what your body, mind, and soul need, I hope to help you find peace and balance in your life.
Please, take a moment to explore the questions that many find themselves asking at the start of this healing process. And for anything that speaks directly to your unique situation, do not hesitate to reach out. Whether it’s to delve into a pressing question or to schedule a 20-minute consultation, I am here for you.
Are You Currently Accepting New Clients?
I am happy to welcome new clients, schedule and fit permitting. I also understand that life is ever-changing, so I make it a point to provide a range of convenient options on weekdays that might suit your needs.
Do You Take Insurance? How Much Will It Cost?
I choose not to take insurance in my practice to ensure that our collaboration on your journey to wellness is a personal and uninhibited one. This decision allows me to focus solely on what's genuinely best for you without external influences from insurance providers. With your needs in mind, my goal is to provide you with comprehensive and personalized care. If you have a PPO insurance plan, I can provide you with a monthly superbill for potential reimbursement. I also accept Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) to help cover therapy costs.
The rate for a 60-minute session is $320, while 90-minute sessions are available at $480. In certain cases, intensive therapy sessions lasting 3-4 hours per day can be arranged for individuals seeking deeper work within a condensed time frame. I firmly believe therapy is a valuable investment in your overall well-being, with immeasurable benefits as you strive to achieve personal goals and discover the healing you deserve.
Is There an Advantage to Not Using Insurance?
By choosing to be a private pay client and opting out of using insurance for your care, you have the advantage of not having to share your personal health information with a third party. This gives you certain benefits, including:
Unlimited visits, so you can access the care you need without limitations.
No requirement for a mental health diagnosis, allowing you to focus on your well-being without labels.
The freedom to set your priorities and determine the course of your treatment, putting you in control.
Enhanced confidentiality of your health and medical records, ensuring your privacy is protected.
The ability to select the professional who is best suited to meet your specific needs, instead of being limited to a pre-approved list of providers.
Choosing this approach puts you in charge of your healthcare journey and empowers you to prioritize your well-being. This allows me to provide you with the best possible care, free from the limitations and restrictions of insurance companies. Your healing and growth are my top priorities, and I am dedicated to working alongside you on your unique path towards wellness. Let's take this journey together with compassion, empathy, and nurturing support every step of the way. So, if you have any further questions or concerns about insurance or payment options, please don't hesitate to contact me. I am here for you and ready to help in any way I can.
Is There a Fee for Missed Appointments?
Your reserved appointment time is a space held exclusively for you, reflecting both my dedication to your journey and the value of the time we have set aside for your care. I completely understand that life can sometimes be unpredictable, leading to necessary changes in your schedule. If you find you need to cancel or reschedule our session, I kindly ask for 48 hours notice; this consideration allows me to offer the time to someone else who may be in need of support.
If an appointment is missed, or a late cancellation is made within 48 hours of your scheduled time, it is necessary to charge for the session at the standard rate. This policy is in place because that time was held exclusively for you. And without adequate notice, it is often not possible to fill the vacancy. Please note that insurance companies do not cover charges for missed appointments or late cancellations. I encourage you to arrive on time for your sessions as well. If you arrive late, we will still need to end at the scheduled time to extend the same consideration to all clients.
Should these situations arise, my intention is not to cause stress but to uphold mutual respect for the time we've committed to your path of healing. Remember, this journey is a collaboration, and communication is an essential part of the compassionate care I am committed to providing. If you encounter any difficulties with this policy or any other aspect of our work together, please reach out. Your well-being is always my priority, and I am here to navigate any obstacle with understanding and empathy. Let's continue to work together towards your healing and growth, one step at a time. So, please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. I am here for you.
How Long is a Therapy Session? How Often Do I Need to Go?
Therapy sessions are either 60 or 90 minutes long, usually on a weekly basis. Your individual needs, however, guide the frequency of our meetings. Starting weekly helps build a consistent, and supportive therapeutic relationship. As we collaborate, we can adjust the frequency of sessions based on your progress and goals. I understand that life can be unpredictable, so I am flexible and willing to work with your schedule. As we establish our therapeutic relationship, we can discuss the best schedule that resonates with you.
As you begin reaching the goals you've set for yourself, we can move towards meeting less frequently. Or we can stop therapy altogether, knowing that you have developed valuable tools to navigate your journey. This is always the goal of successful therapy - to empower you with the skills and resilience to thrive on your own. My role is to get you in, support you in processing your struggles, and then get you moving on! I will be very open with you and will check in about the frequency of sessions regularly, feedback, goals, and treatment plan realignments. All to ensure YOU feel that our work together is helping you achieve your therapeutic goals.
What Can I Expect in My First Therapy Session?
The first session is an opportunity for us to connect and determine if we're a good match. Individual therapy can be anxiety-provoking. Especially if it's your first time seeking therapy or if you've had negative experiences in the past. You're meeting a stranger and sharing intimate details of your life with them. However, after a few sessions, you may feel entirely different about working together. Understandably, it may take a few sessions to establish rapport and begin feeling comfortable. That's why I encourage you to give our therapeutic relationship some time before deciding if we're a good fit.
Together, we'll explore your motivations for seeking therapy, evaluate your current circumstances, and collaboratively design an initial treatment plan. This session will also create a safe space for you to voice any inquiries or apprehensions you may have. We will start by addressing any concerns you might have regarding confidentiality, ensuring that you feel secure to openly share. I strive to foster an atmosphere where you feel heard, respected, and valued. I intend to build a trusting therapeutic relationship with you. You are the expert on your life, experiences, and emotions.
Through our compassionate dialogue, you'll get the chance to openly share the challenges you're currently facing. I'll ask insightful questions to gain a deep understanding of your unique background, innate strengths, and areas where you envision personal growth. Together, we'll collaborate on creating a tailored path forward, incorporating therapeutic tools and strategies that align with your journey. In every aspect of our session, we will work collaboratively. Before we part ways, we will set a conscious intention for what you'd like to carry forward and apply in your life before our next meeting. I believe open communication and a strong therapeutic connection are essential for success in therapy, and I am committed to providing you with both.
Is What I Say in Therapy Confidential?
Almost! There are rare instances in which I may need to break confidentiality in therapy. This includes situations where there is a serious danger to yourself or someone else if you report suspected abuse or neglect of children, elders (aged 60+), or vulnerable adults, or in certain legal circumstances. Rest assured, I take confidentiality seriously and will discuss it in more detail during our first session. Feel free to ask any questions or share any concerns. Your trust and comfort are important to me, and I want you to feel safe and secure in our therapeutic relationship.
What Happens in Therapy?
In therapy, you will gain a space to share your thoughts and feelings, and in the safety of a non-judgmental space. Together, we will work to explore the root causes of your struggles and develop strategies to overcome them. I will ask you questions to support you in introspection and self-discovery, while also providing guidance and support along the way. At times, you might come to therapy knowing what you want to talk about, and at others, you might discover new topics organically. Or, you may not know what you want to say at all. That's okay too! We will work together at whatever pace feels comfortable for you, always with the intention of helping you grow and heal.
How Long Does Therapy Take to Work?
The timeline for therapy varies for each individual. Some people may see progress after a few sessions, while others may need longer. It all depends on the intensity of your symptoms, your personal goals, and your level of commitment to the therapy process. What's important to remember is that therapy is not a destination- it is a journey.
One that is not linear and may have ups and downs. Therapy focused on addressing a specific ongoing issue may take a shorter amount of time, 12-18 sessions. Whereas therapy focused on personal growth, self-discovery, and healing from past traumas may take longer. Your healing journey is unique and it's important to honor your own pace.
Do You Offer Online Therapy?
Yes, I'm pleased to offer the option of online therapy for those who may find it more convenient or comfortable than attending sessions in person at my Hermosa Beach office. If you are located in California, Colorado, Florida, South Carolina or Kansas—states where I am fully licensed—I can bring the therapeutic experience to you via a secure, HIPAA-compliant video conferencing platform.
Online therapy is a great option when you're unable to attend in-person sessions due to physical limitations, time constraints, or personal preferences. Despite not being in the same room, online therapy offers similar benefits and can be just as effective as traditional in-person therapy. Before our session, I'll send you a link and instructions for connecting with me. Just use your email address, and at the scheduled appointment time, I'll start a video call so we can have a session that feels just as personal as an in-person meeting.
Yet, it's important to approach this option with understanding and awareness of its limitations. There are instances when online therapy may not be suitable, particularly if you are:
Experiencing suicidal thoughts or severe depression.
Frequently in a mental health crisis.
Residing or traveling outside of the states where I am licensed.
Seeking support for complex trauma or similar intensive mental health issues.
In such cases, online therapy may not provide the level of care needed, and I would encourage anyone facing these challenges to seek in-person support.
What Factors Contribute to Effective Therapy?
One of the key things to keep in mind when it comes to therapy is finding a therapist who is the right fit for you. It's important to feel comfortable and safe with your therapist, as well as confident in their ability to address your specific needs. Research also suggests that therapy is most effective when there is a strong connection between you and your therapist, built on trust, respect, and collaboration.
One other important aspect is actively participating in therapy. For therapy to really work, your motivation and commitment are key. To get the most out of your sessions, it's important to be open and honest about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Remember, therapy is a collaborative process, and your therapist can provide valuable support and guidance. But it's ultimately up to you to take action and make positive changes in your daily life and relationships. Think of therapy as a workout for your mind, where the more effort you put in, the more you'll get out of it. Therapy is a journey that involves making small changes daily. Remember, it's about the marathon, not the sprint.
Additionally, I will be closely monitoring your progress. Throughout our sessions, I'll regularly check in with you to see if you're feeling heard and understood, and if the strategies we're using are effective for you. I will collect data from you in the form of questionnaires, surveys, or other assessments to track your progress and make necessary adjustments. If at any time you feel that therapy isn't meeting your needs, I encourage you to share your concerns with me. Sometimes the therapist-client fit may not be quite right, and that's okay. In this case, I am more than happy to provide you with a referral to another therapist who may be better suited for your needs. My ultimate goal is for you to find the support and resources that will help you thrive on your journey towards improved mental health and well-being.
What is Holistic Psychotherapy?
Holistic psychotherapy is an incredible therapy technique that considers the person's mind, body, and spirit. It concentrates on the individual as a whole, rather than solely focusing on their symptoms or specific mental health concerns. This approach acknowledges the interconnectedness of all aspects of a person and aims to address any imbalances or underlying issues that may contribute to their struggles. By working in harmony with the mind, body, and spirit, holistic psychotherapy strives to enhance overall well-being and promote healing. It can benefit anyone looking to improve their overall well-being. This could include individuals seeking personal growth, stress management, relationship improvement, or simply wanting to better understand themselves. Every journey toward healing and growth is unique. Acknowledging you are ready to listen to your mind and body to seek alignment and balance within yourself, is an important first step.
How Do I Begin Therapy?
The first step is often the most difficult, but also the most important. To begin therapy with me, simply reach out and schedule an initial session. You can do this by either calling or emailing me, whichever feels more comfortable for you. During our initial conversation, I will kindly request your email address so you can complete the essential intake paperwork before our initial session. This digital packet includes basic information about you—like your home address, demographic details, and personal history.
This preemptive step is here to ensure that your session time is fully devoted to you and your story, without any logistical distractions. It also allows me to get to know some of your background beforehand. Don't worry, these forms are safely hosted on a secure server, keeping your personal information strictly confidential.
To make that courageous first step, please schedule an appointment here.
