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FAQs
How do I choose a therapist?
The process of finding an effective therapist for you or a loved one can seem daunting. Outcome studies show that good chemistry between a therapist and client is important to achieve optimum success.
Important questions to ask yourself include:
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What do I hope to gain from therapy?
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Will this therapist help me do that?
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Am I comfortable with this therapist?
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Do I feel assured that this therapist is qualified and experienced with the types of issues or concerns I am facing?
Important questions to ask a potential therapist include:
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What is your training, license, experience and commitment to professional development?
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What areas do you specialize in?
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What can I expect from our sessions?
You’ve taken the most important step by deciding to pursue therapy. Take your time to choose the right therapist for you.
What is your training, license, experience and commitment to professional development?
I am a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) in both Colorado and California and received my Masters in Counseling Psychology at Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, CA. My education and training prepared me to work as a psychotherapist with individuals, couples, families and children.
I am constantly taking classes/workshops and reading to expand my knowledge and expertise. You will find more information about my professional and personal experiences on my website page My Background.
What is your specialty?
I specialize in Couples Counseling and working with Adult Individuals who are experiencing depression, anxiety, grief and relationship problems. I also have over 20 years experience providing Counseling for Parents.
I do not work directly with children and am happy to make a referral if you are seeking a therapist for your child or children.
How long are the sessions?
Individual Therapy sessions are typically 50 minutes long. Couples Counseling and Counseling for Parents are 60 minutes but can be scheduled for 90 minutes. All sessions can be extended if requested with advance notice and the fee is pro-rated accordingly.
What type of therapy is best for me? Individual or Couples?
It depends on the reasons you are seeking therapy. Relationship problems are addressed in both Individual Therapy and Couples Counseling.
When you are most concerned about your children, Counseling for Parents is often a good choice. However, people often discuss issues involving their children in Individual Therapy as well. For more information, please read How Therapy Works.
We will also discuss this when you call for a free, 20-minute consultation.
How often do we meet?
In the beginning, it is important to meet weekly so I have an opportunity to get to know you and fully understand what is happening in your life. I also want to make sure we are both clear on your goals and expectations. Meeting weekly will give you a better chance to successfully address the issues that brought you in, begin to make some changes, and to receive support in those early days.
Once your goals are met and you are feeling better, my primary job is done. Some people, when they reach this point, still choose to meet every other week to get support as they maintain and reinforce their new skills and behaviors.
Others will decide that continued weekly therapy is beneficial to address deeper, longer-standing issues or explore continued personal growth.
I encourage frequent conversations about how your therapy is working, or not, so that we can make any needed adjustments. Remember, this is a collaborative experience.
How many sessions will it take to feel better?
This is a very common question and also a difficult one to answer. It depends greatly on what issues bring you in and also what are your goals. We will talk about this during the initial phone consultation and also during the first 1-4 sessions so you have an idea of what to expect going forward.
Will therapy work for me?
Research, as well as my experience, shows that therapy does work for most people. Many clients report relief from depression, anxiety, relationship problems and other common issues. Therapy is also a means of personal growth and exploration.
Depending on your situation, we will discuss whether medication might be a helpful adjunct. However, that is a personal decision that only you can make and I will always respect your choice.
It’s important to state that therapy is not a passive experience. Taking responsibility and actively participating in your therapy will positively impact the changes you want to see and your healing.
I have a hard time talking, how does therapy work for me?
Believe it or not, most people have a difficult time talking and sharing their most vulnerable feelings and thoughts. Therapy is about creating a safe place so that you are able to be open and honest, and trust that your therapist will hold your confidences in a respectful and caring way. The therapist-client relationship in and of itself offers a healing experience.
What is your cancellation policy?
A cancellation less than 24 hours before your appointment is charged at the full fee, except in cases of serious illness or medical emergency. Phone or online appointments may be utilized in these cases to keep the appointment and avoid the late cancellation charge.