Faq

50 minutes of action-packed adventure!

Usually weekly or bi-weekly sessions are appropriate in the beginning… depending on your needs, symptoms and preferences.

After a thorough evaluation, we will discuss treatment goals and session frequency.

The treatment plan will be revisited all along the way to assess if we are making progress toward your goals and to re-evaluate what is needed.

During the first session, I will ask a lot of questions about your symptoms, your family and relationship history, your previous experiences with therapy, your use of alcohol and drugs. Then we will discuss your goals. After the first few sessions of building rapport and collecting data, we will settle into conversations about your life, your current stressors, and ways to begin to raise your awareness about your self-talk and self-care.

We will discuss the basics of how your thoughts and habits either support your well being or tear it down. I like to find the humor in things, because it tends to normalize how all humans are just doing the best we can at any given time. I always honor the trauma and suffering my clients have experienced and can sit with whatever needs to be brought up and discussed.

If you are looking for a therapist who is interactive and will offer feedback, then my style will probably be a good fit for you. I don’t tell you what to do, but I will reflect what I hear you saying. I will point out if I think you are closing the gap on your goals or are making it wider.

Technology is a big part of my practice, so I often suggest apps for meditation, goal-setting and progress tracking. Audio books are something I recommend to most of my clients, because they can speak to you between sessions and remind you to practice the skills we have explored.

I teach various breathing exercises to help you learn to regulate your central nervous system and learn ways to change your emotional states when you need to self-soothe and regulate your feelings. My goal to help you build a full toolbox of mental health skills so that you can handle your life independently.

Therapy is wonderful, but most people do not need to live their lives in treatment. I am here to empower you to live the life you want to live and to be able to handle whatever comes up along the way. I am always here to support you, too. I have seen clients for many years but not necessarily for weekly therapy. Clients are encouraged to call and drop in if they need a tune-up!

I always welcome and encourage you to speak up about how you are feeling and what you need.

The relationship between therapist and client is based on good communication and trust, and it is a great way to practice your skills in a safe environment.

If you practice your skills in the therapy office, it can be a lot easier to use those skills when the stakes are higher – like at work or with a partner or family member.

Let’s keep the dialogue open.

Generally, all communication between a therapist and a client is protected by law. This means that any information discussed between us is private, confidential, and cannot be revealed to anyone without written permission.

However, there are a few exceptions:

If I believe my client is a danger to self or others, then I may need to breach confidentiality in order to provide protection and safety.

If I believe that a child, an elderly person, or disabled person is being abused, I am required to report this abuse to a state protection agency.

If you initiate litigation that puts your mental status at issue, the defendant may have the right to obtain your psychotherapy records and/or testimony from me. So, disclosure may be required in certain legal proceedings.

Payment is due at the beginning of each session. Cash, check, Venmo, Paypal, Zelle, or credit/debit/HSA cards are accepted.

I do not take insurance per se, but I can provide you with a super-bill at the end of each month to give to your insurance company if you have what is called an “out-of-network” benefit. This is where your insurance company may reimburse you some or all of the fees for psychotherapy sessions. You will need to contact your insurance for information about your specific coverage ahead of time.

I give you 24 hours to cancel without having to pay for the session. If you cancel for any reason less than 24 hours, then you will be billed for the session.

It is expected that you will be consistent with treatment and make therapy a priority and plan it into your schedule for best results.

My office is a few blocks away from everything Palm Springs has to offer. We have great restaurants, bars, museums and shopping. Please do not drink any alcohol or take any drugs (yes, that includes cannabis) prior to therapy sessions. No need to worry about parking because we have a huge complimentary parking lot for easy arrivals or departures for anytime of the day or evening.

I encourage you to enjoy the wide array of food and fun in the neighborhood! Therapy doesn’t have to be all work.

There is Mexican, Indian, Italian, Thai and Chinese food close by and we are only a few blocks away from Arenas Road, Sherman’s Deli, and the Regal Palm Springs Movie Theater. You can check out the treasures at Angel View and Revivals thrift stores or grab a coffee and take in the breathtaking views of sunny Palm Springs.