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  • What is Psychotherapy?
    In pop culture, psychotherapy has often been seen as talk therapy, where a person is sitting or lying on a couch, endlessly talking about their mother while the therapist nods and scribbles in a notepad, and where mental illness is thought to only reside in the mind. But we now understand that not all mental health concerns are illnesses, nor do they just reside “in your mind.” We’ve come to realize that “mental health” is a misnomer and is actually connected to a whole system—physical, emotional, behavioral, and more. Nowadays, therapy goes beyond talking; it incorporates a wide range of techniques that address the whole person and can be tailored to different needs and preferences. For a comprehensive list of these techniques, see the link below.
  • How do I get started?
    Getting started is simple. You can book a free 15min consultation through my website, where we can determine if my therapy approach aligns with your needs and if we both agree it could be helpful for you. From there, we’ll schedule your initial sessions and begin the process of developing your customized treatment plan.
  • How does Psychotherapy Work for Your Practice?
    We start with a consultation call to determine if my therapy approach aligns with your needs and if we both agree it could be helpful for you. If you choose to proceed, you’ll book a session. The first 1-3 sessions focus on understanding why you’re seeking therapy and identifying your goals. During this time, we’ll discuss your concerns, explore your background, and begin crafting a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. These initial sessions are essential for building a strong foundation for your therapeutic journey.
  • What should I expect during the first few sessions?
    The first 1-3 sessions are focused on understanding your reasons for starting therapy and identifying your goals. We will discuss your concerns, explore your background, and begin to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs. These initial sessions are crucial for building a strong foundation for your therapy journey.
  • What if I’m not sure therapy is right for me?
    It’s perfectly okay to have doubts or questions about starting therapy. The initial consultation is a great opportunity to explore these concerns. If we determine that therapy with me isn’t the best fit for your needs, I can recommend other resources or professionals who may be better suited to help you.
  • How will we measure progress in therapy?
    Progress is measured through regular check-ins and evaluations of your treatment plan. Together, we will review how you’re feeling, assess any changes or improvements, and determine if any adjustments need to be made to your approach. This ensures that therapy remains focused on your goals and adapts to your evolving needs.
  • How long will I need to be in therapy?
    The duration of therapy varies depending on your individual goals and the nature of the challenges you’re facing. Some people find that a few sessions of therapy is sufficient, while others may benefit from longer-term support. We will regularly review your progress and discuss the appropriate length of treatment as we move forward.
  • How do I know if therapy is working?
    You can assess the effectiveness of therapy by noticing changes in your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors over time. Signs of progress might include feeling more confident in handling challenges, experiencing fewer or less intense symptoms, or developing healthier coping strategies. It’s important to have ongoing communication with your therapist about your experience. Regularly reviewing your goals and discussing what’s working (or not working) helps ensure that therapy remains focused and effective. Remember, progress can be gradual, and it’s okay to bring up any concerns or questions you may have during the process.
  • What if I feel uncomfortable during therapy?
    Feeling uncomfortable during therapy is not uncommon, especially when discussing difficult topics or exploring deep emotions. If you ever feel uneasy or uncertain, it’s important to share those feelings with me. Therapy should be a safe and supportive space, and it’s my job to ensure that you feel comfortable and understood. I’m here to help you navigate these moments, and we can make adjustments to the approach or pace of therapy to better suit your needs. If you don’t feel comfortable discussing your concerns with me directly, you can also contact the Ohio or California Board of Psychology: • Ohio Board of Psychology • Phone: (614) 466-8808 • Website: psychology.ohio.gov • Email: contact@psychology.ohio.gov • California Board of Psychology • Phone: (916) 574-7720 • Website: psychology.ca.gov • Email: bopmail@dca.ca.gov These boards can provide further guidance and support if you have concerns about your therapy experience.
  • Can therapy help with specific issues like anxiety, depression, or trauma?
    Yes, therapy can be highly effective in addressing specific issues such as anxiety, depression, and trauma. My approach is tailored to each client’s unique challenges and goals. For example, we might use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help reframe negative thought patterns in anxiety and depression, or somatic techniques to address trauma stored in the body. Therapy provides a space to explore and understand these issues, develop coping strategies, and work towards healing. It’s about not just managing symptoms, but also finding ways to improve your overall quality of life.
  • What are your fees and do you accept insurance?
    Hourly rates are set in consideration of the specialized training and expertise required to offer these services. These rates are comparable with those of professionals at a similar level, adjusted for the distinct market conditions and living costs in each state, to ensure clients have access to quality care. $300 California $250 Ohio Sliding Scale: We understand that financial situations vary greatly, and we believe that financial constraints should not be a barrier to accessing therapeutic services. Therefore, if our standard hourly rates are beyond your financial reach, we are open to adjusting our fees to make therapy more accessible for you. We are an "out-of-network provider". Meaning, we do not accept insurance. However, some insurance companies will cover a portion of the cost called "out-of-network benefits". Call your insurance company to find out if you have out-of-network coverage for mental health. Here are a few helpful questions to ask: Does my plan include coverage for out-of-network providers? What is the reimbursement rate? Is approval for therapy services required from my primary care physician? What is the coverage amount per therapy session? How many sessions per calendar year does my plan cover? *Upon request we can provide super-bills, which are invoices specifically for insurance companies.
  • How do you handle confidentiality and privacy?
    The law protects the relationship between a client and a psychologist, and information cannot be disclosed without written permission. Exceptions include: Suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse, for which I am required by law to report to the appropriate authorities immediately. If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s, I must notify the police and inform the intended victim. If a client intends to harm himself or herself, I will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, I will take further measures without their permission that are provided to me by law in order to ensure their safety.
  • What should I do if I need to cancel or reschedule an appointment?
    We have a 48-hour cancellation policy. If you’re unable to attend your session, please notify us at least 48 hours in advance to avoid being charged. If you cancel within the 48-hour window, the full cost of the session will be charged. However, even if it’s late notice, please let us know as soon as possible. Sessions start and end at their scheduled times. If you arrive late, the session will still end at the scheduled time, and you will be charged the full amount for the session. Please note that hour sessions consist of 50 minutes with the therapist. The remaining 10 minutes are reserved for note writing and scheduling as needed.

INDIVIDUAL THERAPY

Understanding the process

Individual therapy typically begins with an initial assessment, where we explore your concerns, goals, and background. Generally speaking, it can take 3-6 sessions to determine if the therapy and/or the therapist is a good fit for your needs. Expect to attend one session per week for at least the first month. As therapy progresses, the frequency and focus of sessions can be adjusted based on your specific goals and progress.

THE PROCESS

HOW DO I KNOW WHEN "I'VE BECOME MY OWN THERAPIST"? 

As you become more familiar with these practices, you’ll find that you gain greater control over what affects you and how you choose to respond. Just like a skilled therapist, you’ll start to instinctively know the best way to handle various challenges. For instance, when stress creeps in, sometimes the wisest choice might be to seek support, like talking to a therapist. Other times, it might be taking a well-deserved day off to unwind in your favorite pajamas at home. The right response often depends on the situation at hand. By applying the skills you learn in therapy, you’ll develop a heightened sense of awareness. Below, you’ll find some key insights that can help you navigate the mental, social, and emotional challenges in your life.

"Diagram illustrating the process of recognizing when you have become your own therapist, highlighting key self-reflection mi

SIGNS OF PROGRESS

  • Self-awareness: Understanding your unique experience as a human being begins with self-awareness. This involves examining your beliefs, values, motivations, and emotions, as well as recognizing your strengths and weaknesses. Self-awareness helps you gain clarity about who you are and why you think and behave the way you do.

  • Emotional intelligence: Developing emotional intelligence is crucial for understanding and managing your emotions and their impact on your life and relationships. It involves recognizing and regulating your own emotions, as well as empathizing with the emotions of others.

  • Self-reflection: Regular self-reflection involves taking the time to think about your experiences, decisions, and actions. It helps you gain insight into your thought patterns and behaviors and enables you to make conscious choices that align with your values and goals.

  • Mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness involves being fully present in the moment and nonjudgmentally observing your thoughts, feelings, and sensations. This can lead to a deeper understanding of your internal world and how it relates to your external experiences.

  • Empathy: Developing empathy involves the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. By empathizing with different perspectives and experiences, you can enhance your relationships and gain a broader understanding of the human condition.

  • Authenticity: Embrace your authentic self by being true to your values, beliefs, and emotions. Avoid the pressure to conform to societal expectations or the expectations of others, as this can lead to a more genuine and fulfilling experience of being human.

  • ​​Learning and growth: Embracing a growth mindset means seeing challenges and setbacks as opportunities for learning and development. Continuously seeking new knowledge and experiences can expand your understanding of yourself and the world around you.

  • Cultivating a healthy relationship with yourself: This includes self-acceptance, self-compassion, and self-care. Treat yourself with the same kindness and consideration you would offer to a friend, and understand that your unique experiences and imperfections are part of what makes you human.

  • Seeking support and guidance: Sometimes, improving your understanding of your unique human experience may require seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist. They can provide insight and guidance to help you navigate challenges and personal growth.

  • Values and purpose: Reflect on your core values and what gives your life meaning and purpose. Aligning your actions with your values can provide a sense of fulfillment and a deeper connection to your unique human experience.

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