Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where are you located?

399 Taylor Blvd., Suite 210

Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

My office is in the first building as you drive into the parking lot. There is free off-street parking. Go to the second lot and enter at the front of the building. As you enter the building, make a left turn to take the elevators. Exiting the elevator on the second floor, go left then turn right. Office is at the end of the hall. Office is handicap accessible.

2. What kinds of issues do you address with your clients?

I work with people who struggle with depression, anxiety, PTSD, phobias, veterans who have seen combat, trauma from community violence, natural disasters, spiritual crisis, co-dependency, anger issues and people who experience a general dissatisfaction with their life and need therapy to figure out their next step.

3. Do you work with individuals, couples and families?

I work with adult individuals only. You can bring your partner to a session if necessary, but the primary focus is adult individuals.

4. Do you accept insurance?

I have a contract with Psychiatric Alternatives and only accept insurance clients through them. I work with a limited number of insurance patients; if I have I reached that limit, I will only accept private pay clients.

5. What is your cancellation policy?

I require a 48-business-hour notice or clients will be charged for their missed session. For example, if the appointment is on Monday, the notice is given on Thursday.

6. What forms of payment do you accept?

I accept cash, check or credit cards.

7. How do I get started?

Contacting me by email or phone is the first step. You will get an opportunity to explain your situation and see if we are a good team. Then we can schedule an appointment at that time. The first session or two will focus on gathering important clinical information.

8. How long are my therapy sessions?

Sessions last for 45 to 50 minutes. If you can, come willing to work on important issues. Usually a brief check-in helps people to settle into the session, but the primary focus will be how you are relating to your situation and life.

9. Office hours?

I work from 12 noon until 7 pm. Monday through Thursday and 10 am to 3pm on Friday.

10. What type of degree do you have to practice therapy?

I have a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and have worked in the field of psychology since 2007.

11. What are the risks of doing therapy?

Therapy tends to connect people with intense negative feelings. If that happens, you will be supported in session to manage those feelings in a productive and healthy manner. People often experience emotional freedom after those experiences, a sense of relief.

In therapy, those are interesting moments. But the real work is integrating changes in a sustainable way and exploring how the emotional shift impacts self-perception, world views and current possibilities. Then, appropriate actions that will support the change that wants to occur.

12. What else can I try to help me help myself?

As a therapist, my goal for you is to thrive. That’s my honest agenda, and, yes, I have one. Therapy with me includes learning skills you can use in your life to help facilitate integration, insight and self-healing. Use what appeals to you, and you will gain more freedom.

When the issues become manageable for you to handle, then it’s time to reconsider your need for therapy. You always have the option to come back when you need more support.

13. How do I know you are the right therapist for me?

Indicators that a therapist is the right one for you are: You feel comfortable talking to them because you feel understood, there is a sense of safety because the boundaries are clear and professional, they have the experience and skill set to address your concerns. And, bottom line, you have a sense that you will get value from your therapeutic relationship with them.

14. Do you offer group therapy?

I do not offer group therapy.

15. What do you enjoy about being a therapist?

I love making a contribution to people and working with them through struggles. It is a process where people can really learn to be themselves in the context of their life. It is about getting to a place of profound acceptance and love. Others may not, cannot or will not give that to you, but you can give it to yourself – and it still feels good.