Real answers to the things people actually want to know before starting.
What is Therapy and do I even need it?
Therapy is a private space where you can process your experiences, understand your patterns, and develop new ways of responding to life. It's not about being "broken" or having something "wrong" with you. It's about getting unstuck.
Sure, you could talk to friends or family, or scroll through self-help content. But the therapeutic relationship creates something different—accountability, expertise, and unconditional presence. That combination changes things.
Do you need it? That's your call. But if you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like something's not quite right despite having built a successful life, it's worth exploring.
Sure, but how will it help?
Therapy works by creating space to slow down and examine what's happening beneath the surface. We'll explore the patterns, beliefs, and experiences that are driving your current struggles. You'll develop concrete tools to manage your nervous system, process difficult experiences, and build a life that actually feels good.
The goal isn't to be "fixed." It's to understand yourself deeply and make intentional changes. That means you move from reacting to responding. From managing to living.
I heard therapy was uncomfy - is that true?
Sometimes, yes. If it were comfortable all the time, you probably wouldn't change very much. There are sessions where you may leave feeling worse than when you walked in. Relationships that seemed solid may get shaky. As you develop more self-awareness, you may notice things you don't like — about yourself or others. This is all part of the process. Discomfort isn't a sign something is wrong; it's usually a sign something is shifting.
Cool, but how do I know you can help me?
I don't do fluff. No empty platitudes, no surface-level coping strategies that just help you manage another day. I'm committed to evidence-based approaches, continuous training in trauma research, and proven therapeutic methods. I specialize in EMDR and use a variety of techniques tailored specifically to you.
But more than that, I understand that you're an adult with real responsibilities, real intelligence, and real capacity for change. I treat you that way. You'll get straight talk, genuine support, and tools that actually work.
Awkward question, but what about fees & payment?
Session fee: $200 per 50-minute session.
Sliding Scale: My sliding scale spots are currently full. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please send me a note through the contact page.
If you would like to get connected with a lower cost provider sooner, please reach out to the non-profit I supervise for here:
Southern California Counseling Center
Payment: All major credit cards accepted.
Payment is due at the time of service.
Life changes: If your financial situation shifts during therapy, let's talk about options. I want you to stay in therapy, not drop out.
If you are private pay, you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises
Umm, do you accept insurance?
Insurance: I accept Aetna & United (Optum).
Out-of-network benefits: If your insurance doesn't cover me directly, you likely have out-of-network benefits. I've partnered with Thrizer to make this seamless—you pay only your co-insurance instead of my full fee and waiting for reimbursement. This saves most people 70% upfront.
Uh, what if I have to cancel an appointment?
24-hour cancellation notice is required. If you cancel with less than 24 hours notice, you'll be charged my full $200 fee (yes, even if you're using insurance).
But here's the thing—I don't love cancellation fees. They can damage the relationship. I have ended service relationships because of a lack of understanding. So I'm pretty flexible as long as you're communicating with me. That said, if cancellations become a pattern, I'll start enforcing the fee. Not to be punitive, but because natural consequences help us all learn.
What if I am late?
Life happens. Text or email me and I'll wait. I'd rather see you for 20 minutes than not see you at all. You can also reschedule if that works better. I'm here to work with you, not against you.
What if I need to leave session early?
Same as above. Life happens. Text or email me or let me know in session. I'd rather see you for 20 minutes than not see you at all. You can also reschedule if that works better. Remember, I'm here to work with you, not against you.