What happens when I click that button?

Clicking the button and filling out your contact information will connect you with my admin Shauna. She will set you up with that 15 minute free consultation. She is very friendly and will take good care of you!

Do I see you in your office in San Jose or on telehealth?  

Right now during COVID I am only seeing people via telehealth.  It is confidential and secure.  And if you find you like it, we can continue that way. Otherwise, when it is safe of course, we can begin to meet face to face in the office.  If you have questions or concerns about telehealth feel free to reach out to me here

How long does a counseling session typically last? 

The average session is 50 minutes.  Appointments are paid for at the time of the session.

What happens during the first counseling session? 

The first session is our first time getting to know one another.  You’ll have the time to tell me about what has been happening in your life. You only share what you want to share.  After all, we are just meeting.  And then we will talk about what you would like to have your life look like once therapy is over.  What things have been bugging you that you would like to have stop?  How will you and I know when you are done and ready to leave?  

How do I know if I really need counseling? 

You’re worn out, tired and barely able to face the day. You’re getting tired of helping everyone else and having no one even noticing that you have needs too.  You feel empty and alone.  You wonder if you ever will feel like yourself, the way you used to.  You remember that you used to be happier.  Do you foresee the same thing, the same thoughts and feelings happening tomorrow and the day after that? 

Beginning counseling now can bring the change you have been longing for.  You deserve to feel better, guided by an experienced therapist who knows what to do to get you to that future.  You deserve a life that is grounded and in balance and one where you are appreciated for all you do for others.

How often will I need to come to counseling?

I have found that meeting weekly helps my clients move towards what they truly want and need.  You want counseling to be helpful and moving along to your goals, getting the most out of every session.  For that reason I meet with my clients weekly, usually at a regular repeating time that is set up according to your schedule and mine.  That will be our set weekly appointment.

How long will I need to come to counseling?

This is a difficult question to answer because everyone is different and has different needs.  Whether it is 3 months, 6 months or whenever we will move towards getting what you need to feel like yourself again.  We will keep track of why you came in and how you are improving as we go along.  

That seems like a lot.  Why does it take so long?  What are we doing that whole time?

You have spent a long time building up to feeling this tired, this frustrated, this hurt and you haven’t taken care of your needs in a long time.  At first we will be talking about your needs and what you want counseling to look like.  We will talk about your history, just like a doctor would. I will give you tools to try right away so you can begin to make those first steps toward healing.  

Some sessions will be about what is happening in your life today.  What can you do about those people in your life that bring you sadness or hurt?  Some sessions will be about the things in your life that brought you to where you are.  We may be resolving old wounds or looking at what you were taught, hurts that have gotten you to where you are today. 

Healing takes time. Change takes time.  It is a commitment to yourself so that you can live life in a happier way, being the way you have been longing for.

How much do sessions cost?

My fee is $180 per session.  

Are sessions covered by my insurance?

I am not contracted with any insurance companies.  I do however offer a Superbill, the paperwork needed for you to submit to your insurance for reimbursement.

What if counseling isn’t working? 

There are times when counseling isn’t working and there can be many reasons why.  It could be that you and I are not quite the right fit.  Perhaps you thought it was going to be different than it turns out to be.  Sometimes there are scheduling issues or life gets in the way.

Whatever the reason, I want you to get the healing and the help you need.  If it is not working we can talk about it and make changes.  I may even give you the names of some other therapists that you may find more helpful.  No one therapist is good for everyone, so maybe you need someone different. Your healing is my primary concern and we will work together to get you what you need.

I am ready to start counseling.  What do I do next?

I offer a free 15 minute consultation so that you can see if I am the right fit for you.  Click here to get scheduled and we will move forward from there.