Frequently Asked Questions
There is never a bad time to better ourselves with insight.If your asking yourself if it is time to seek professional help or if someone is suggesting it to you, it's probably a good time to start looking for a therapist to help you get through your personal struggle or relationship hurdle.
I obtained my Bachelor of Arts from The University of Hartford in Connecticut, I then went on the receive my Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from the Institute Of Transpersonal Psychology in Palo Alto California.
My professional experience is extensive as I have been working in this field for over 25 years.I started by working in an acute in patient locked psych facility as an intern. Since then I have worked with many non profits specializing in populations such as: developmentally disabled: children and adults, homeless adults and families, chronically mentally ill, and young children zero-five.
I have a diverse training in many modalities and have an eclectic approach and style towards health, wholeness, and therapy. Typically I gravitate towards using the Enneagram a lot with my clients. I also have a huge sandplay collection and use sandplay with both adults and children. I also have recently begun incorporating expressive arts with clients that I see individually who feel it many be helpful as an option.
I have a “tell it as it is” straightforward style and approach to therapy. I believe in life we all need to make our own happiness and not wait for happiness to find us. I therefore have a supportive, empowering and encouraging relationship with my clients to give them that gentle push they need to find their own sense of inner peace and happiness and create the life they want to have.
My office is located in the Arsenal section of Benicia California. The address is 1350 Hayes Street, Suite B-3. My office is on the main floor, first office on your left, as you enter the building from the main entrance.
I typically see clients Tuesday-Thursdays 9-7 with a few additional times on Monday and Fridays.
This is something we normally talk about in the first session and its normally best if answered by you. Most people typically make this decision by assessing a few personal pieces of information unique that person including time available, budget, and strength or desire to achieve one’s goals or achieving a desired level of inner peace. It is not uncommon to start seeing me once a week and as time moves on go to every other week if desired by the client. It is also not uncommon to add sessions if a crisis arises and you feel you may need more time.
I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation to see if this is the right fit for you and to go over any logistical questions you may have before the first session so you feel comfortable.
Not all personalities are a fit. It is really important to choose a therapist you can feel comfortable to open up to and feel vulnerable with so that you can explore your inner most sacred feeling with and heal.
MA for me refers to Masters in Arts. LMFT means Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
Typically about 10 minutes filling out paperwork such as agreements and background information so that you can share with me your history a little bit.
Self-Help is a great start and I highly suggest it, but what you gain by seeing a therapist is an outside perspective and valuable feedback that you can give to yourself. Also, you gain someone who is trained with specialized skills to be able to help.
People need to reschedule all the time for various reasons, usually if you know ahead of time you can tell me in a session and we can plan it out, otherwise just call, text or email me within 24 hours of the scheduled appointment and I will try to fit you in somewhere else.
Life happens all the time and we need to reschedule, just give me a text, call or email 24 hours before session and we can easily reschedule with no problems.