FAQS
WHAT IS PSYCHOTHERAPY?
Psychotherapy is one approach to focusing on the problems of life for the purpose of change and involves the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental and emotional disorders. Most people who participate in behavioral or mental health treatment benefit from it. The success or failure of this approach rests heavily on the nature of the psychotherapist-patient relationship and like most kinds of health care this treatment requires active effort by the client for maximum benefit. During this collaborative process, the therapist helps the client to learn better ways of dealing with the fundamental problems and conflicts of life with which we are all confronted and must deal with in the course of our existence. The therapeutic learning process occurs on many levels and is often associated with risks. For example, the therapy process may involve experiencing some uncomfortable feelings, engaging in difficult interactions, or facing difficult aspects of your life. ​When emotions are associated with intellectual learning there is a greater likelihood of change and most people find the benefits of psychotherapy outweigh any such risks. In fact, sometimes there can be more risks associated with not participating in therapy. Psychotherapy is hard work, and no cures can be guaranteed.
WHAT SERVICES ARE OFFERED?
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Life Coaching
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Brief and long-term individual therapy
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Couples and Family Psychotherapy
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Consultation
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Critical Incident Debriefing
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Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)
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Dialectical Behavioral therapy
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Groups
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Black Women Support
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Survivors of Intimate Partner Abuse
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Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
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Classes
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Depression Support
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Anger Management
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Couples Communication
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Retreats​
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Managing Trauma​
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Black Women's Wellness
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Couples Communication
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WHAT SPECIFIC PROBLEMS DO YOU TREAT?
Treatment provided for adult individuals and couples experiencing most clinical problems including:
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Trauma
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Identity and Self Esteem Issues
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Chemical Dependency
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Adjustment Disorders
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Psychosomatic Disorders
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Anger management
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Stress Reduction
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Pain Management
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Divorce/Step-parenting
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Parenting
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Chronic Illness
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Bereavement and Loss
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Relationships issues
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Communication problems
Help is available for individuals, couples and families at all stages of attachment, separation/divorce and reorganization. I work extensively with victims/survivors of abuse and violent crimes. If you don't see your exact problem listed here, please contact the office.
WHAT TYPES OF THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTION ARE AVAILABLE?
I have training and experience with many forms of therapeutic intervention. These include psychodynamic psychotherapy, narrative therapy, multicultural psychotherapy, various behavioral and cognitive therapies, and EMDR. Sessions are available for both short term management of a crisis or intermediate to long term therapy. Group and classes are also available.
ARE THE SESSIONS CONFIDENTIAL?
While information discussed during your therapy session is often confidential, there are some specific circumstances when California law requires the release of certain psychiatric information. Some very important exceptions to this rule are: 1. If you are involved in certain legal actions in which your emotional or mental state is an issue, we may be required by law to release information from your psychiatric records to parties involved in that legal action. Any time you are asked to sign a release of information, talk with your therapist if you have concerns about what is in your record. 2. If the therapist learns that there exists a serious threat to any person or entity. This includes threats to yourself. 3. If there is "reasonable" cause to suspect child or elder abuse. 4. Some information will be given to your insurance company after you sign the release portion of any insurance form.
HOW LONG IS THERAPY?
Therapy can be as brief as a few session to help bring clarity to a particular issue or can be for many years. The length of the treatment often depends on the preexisting issues, the goals of the person and their willingness to participate in the therapeutic process.
IS THERAPY COVERED BY MY HEALTH INSURANCE CARRIER?
Many health insurance carriers often cover all or part of the psychotherapy session, however, each plan has a different benefit including the number and frequency of your sessions. You will need to check with your individual mental health plan. I am listed on numerous plans and will work with others; you will need to call the office to inquire. There are advantages to using your insurance; there is reimbursement for part or your entire therapy bill. However, there are disadvantages as well. These include the loss of confidentiality, the loss of control of treatment and the effect of having a psychiatric diagnosis. In order for coverage to be approved, there is often information that is required to be provided to your health or managed care carrier. These might include a diagnosis, history and/or treatment plans. The company that manages your care will often require authorizations and/or provide a limit to the number of sessions. When the number or frequency of your sessions depends upon the company managing your care, it places your treatment out of our control. Treatment works best when both therapist and patient make the decisions.