Frequently Asked Questions
Women wonder about this a lot. I know you’re probably good at juggling many things. I’m betting you’re pretty responsible too. But the thing is, you don’t have to be responsible for all of it, or put your needs last and minimize your own problems. You matter, just as you are, without comparing yourself to anyone else.
One of my mentors said that true care and responsibility starts with each of us individually, then flows outward to others. You deserve to have that, to put yourself first, feel better and seek more satisfaction. Taking your needs seriously and getting support is a wise choice that validates your commitment to your self-worth.
There’s no right or wrong way to do this or standard you must meet. In the beginning we’ll explore your needs and goals for therapy or coaching. I’ll help you articulate a vision of what you want to accomplish in our work together. Then we’ll develop a plan to get there.
I promise to do my best to support you on your journey, and I’ll check with you often to make sure you’re getting what you need. You’ll be an active participant, and you’ll increase the likelihood of a good outcome by making a commitment, showing up and trusting the process (and yourself!).
Clients often feel a little better soon after beginning. There are very few peaceful, distraction free places where the world slows down and you're fully accepted, deeply listened to and totally supported for an hour or so. In this environment you may be relieved to begin getting things out that have been bottled up for a long time.
In my experience, almost all clients find great benefit in counseling or coaching. They feel significantly happier with themselves, their lives and their relationships. How long that takes is different for everyone, though, depending on the issues and concerns you bring to the table.
My clients generally work with me for at least six months, but there’s no rule about that. Many work with me for longer (and sometimes shorter) stretches of time.
Most experts agree that in the beginning of a helping relationship it’s good to meet every week because progress and transformation happen faster.
That said, I realize you may have financial limitations or other life priorities that make this impossible. So you have the option to schedule your sessions either weekly or every other week. Some clients alternate between a full session one week and a half session, usually by phone, the next week. Or, sometimes clients who see me every other week book a longer session each time.
Whatever you decide on, I’ll try to set up a regular day and time just for you, and I’ll check in frequently to make sure our schedule supports your healing and growth.
My rate is $150 per session, and our sessions will last about 55 to 60 minutes. You can pay by credit/debit card or health savings account. If you need to make other payment arrangements let me know.
Possibly. At this time I'm not on any insurance panels. However, you can ask your insurance plan if they allow you to see therapists outside of their network. If they do, then you would pay me directly and I would give you a statement of services to submit to them, and then they would reimburse you.
Yes, due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, I currently see all clients through video or phone options. Many clients prefer it. Online options can make therapy or coaching more accessible, particularly if you have a very full schedule, caregiving responsibilities, transportation limitations, or you just feel more comfortable this way.
We can meet through live video sessions or phone conversations, and both are confidential.
While online/phone therapy isn’t right for everyone, it’s often a good fit for the areas I focus on: women and self-esteem, general anxiety, worry, stress, grief and life transition, and mild depression.
Online therapy is available to California residents.
Life coaching services by video or phone sessions are available no matter where you’re located.
Not exactly. Although I’m trained in Gottman Method Couples Therapy (Level 1) and am also a Certified Relationship Coach Specialist, I’m committed to helping women 1:1 and in group settings.
My training comes in handy when I’m working with women who are dealing with relationship issues (disconnection, lack of intimacy, fights, anger, resentment, loneliness). It’s kind of like “couples counseling for one.”
While traditional couples counseling is very important, many times your spouse or partner refuses to go. And even if they do, you may need a therapist or coach just for you.
The terms "therapy" and "counseling" are usually used interchangeably, and they're often defined as focusing on the past, healing, insight, and clients with mental health issues and diagnoses. Coaching, on the other hand, is often defined as focusing on the present/future, personal growth, taking actions, and clients who are high functioning.
After practicing as both a licensed counselor/therapist and a board certified coach, I see things a little differently. In the real world, many women who seek counseling or therapy don’t have a mental health diagnosis. And many women who seek coaching don’t feel like they’re high functioning.
So I believe therapy/counseling and coaching are opposite sides of the same helping continuum, rather than separate professions. In my experience, most women are somewhere in the middle of the continuum, not at either end. That’s why I’m committed to offering you the services you need, wherever you fall on the continuum.
During our initial consultation, I'd be happy to talk with you about your particular needs for therapy/counseling, coaching or some integration of the two.
I’d love to answer them. Please visit my contact page to get in touch.