Treatment Approach & Process
My Philosophy
Positive growth and change have the greatest opportunity to occur when therapy is collaborative and the client is an active participant in their treatment. I’ve also found that positive growth and change happens most when client’s feel motivated to engage in therapy, practice skills between sessions, and are willing to step a bit outside of their comfort zone. My philosophy is also informed by the power of connecting to the common human experience for healing and to cope with suffering.
My Treatment Approach
What I Treat
I have extensive experience and interest in working with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, race and identity related concerns, women’s issues, low self-esteem, trauma, family of origins issues, life change/transition issues, and friendship/romantic relationship issues. I also have experience and interest in working with clients whose main focus of treatment is personal growth.
Who I Treat
I provide individual virtual (video) therapy services for adults ages 18-65. My training and experiences include providing individual therapy to adults in outpatient mental health, including private practice and in university settings. These experiences have offered me rich learning experiences with diverse populations, including adults, young adults, college students, people of color, marginalized communities and those working in the medical field.
How I Treat
I use an integrative approach, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Psychodynamic/Interpersonal Therapy (how your past experiences and relationships connect to your present concerns), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I also integrate culture, identity, and aspects of mindfulness and self-compassion skills into my work with clients.
My therapy services are currently virtual-only and conducted using a secure, HIPAA compliant video platform. If you decide to engage in therapy with me, we’ll schedule an intake session. Every time we meet, you’ll need to make sure you’re located in California at the time of the therapy session, check to make sure you have a good WIFI connection and a private environment free of distractions.
Duration
Typically, I will ask clients to start out their therapy by meeting with me weekly. Meeting on a weekly basis allows for us to get to know one another and build a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship. Your session frequency may remain weekly, or may eventually reduce to bi-weekly (every other week). Session frequency will depend on your individual needs and goals.
TeleTherapy
THERAPY PROCESS
Scheduling a free 15 minute phone consultation is the first step! Before therapy begins, it is important to see if my therapy services are a good fit for you. This is why I do a free 15-minute phone consultation. We’ll briefly talk about your concerns and address any questions you may have. It is possible that either of us decides your needs are not a good fit for my therapy services and that they would likely be best met with another therapist. In this case, I will be happy to offer a therapy referral(s). If you’re interested in working with me, please schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation. To request the consultation, click here to schedule an appointment.
Free Phone Consultation
The first 1-2 appointments are considered “intake sessions.” This is not yet the therapy session. I’ll ask you questions about your background, symptoms, and family and friends (and more). This process will help in creating your treatment plan. This is also another great time for you to ask questions!
The Intake Appointment
In your therapy sessions, I will typically begin by checking in with you to see how you are doing. I’ll also ask you what is on your mind and what you would like to explore today. Sometimes our sessions may be more structured, for instance, when I’m helping you learn a new skill to manage problems better. Other times, it will be less structured like when I’m helping you make connections and build insight.
Therapy has the most benefits when client’s practice skills and reflect on newfound insights between sessions. That is really where the positive growth and change happens!