What to Expect

Therapy opens our minds, improves our relationships, and helps us to live the happiest, most fulfilled life we can. I believe everyone can benefit from therapy. But, sometimes it takes a lot of courage to make the call and show up to your first appointment. So, I’ve put together some information to take the guess work out of it, so you know what to expect.

Free 20 Minute Phone or Zoom Consultation

I recommend starting with a complimentary 20 minute phone or Zoom consultation in which I will answer any questions you have and we can see if we’re a good fit. If I’m not the best fit for you, I can provide referrals to other therapists in my network. Schedule your free consultation now.

What if I’m Ready to Schedule Now?

If you don’t want to connect first for a free 20 minute consultation and are ready to schedule your first appointment now, you can book now.

Complete Intake Forms

After you schedule your initial appointment, I will send you an email through my secure, encrypted, HIPPA compliant practice management software, Simple Practice. Just click the link in the email and choose a password to access your client portal. Once in the client portal, you will be asked to enter some information and to complete your new client paperwork electronically. Please complete this paperwork at least 24 hours prior to your first appointment. Allow 20-30 minutes to complete the paperwork.

Therapy In-Person or Online

I offer therapy in-person at my office in Mission Valley or online via a secure, encrypted, HIPPA compliant Telehealth platform. I’m also happy to do a hybrid of the two. While online therapy can be just as effective as in-person, when possible, I encourage clients to come in-person. There’s something impactful about being together in the same room that often makes a difference in the work. I charge the same fee for in-person and online therapy.

First Appointment

I’ll start the session by discussing confidentuality and what to expect in our work together. Next, I ask you to share a little about your relationship history, what’s going well and what’s hurting in your relationship right now as well as what you want to accomplish through our work together. My hope is to create a warm and inviting environment where you can begin to feel safe and secure with me and establish trust.

The Process

When I work with couples, I use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), because it is believed it to be the most effective couples therapy process. When I work with individuals I draw on Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Psychodynamic Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and a variety of other therapies I’ve been trained in.