FAQs

What is Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is a process of exploring your feelings, thoughts or concerns with a trained professional to improve psycho-emotional health and support well-being. A psychotherapist does not give advice or tell you what to do. Instead they support you in developing an awareness, understanding and acceptance of self which enables you to make your own decisions and choices that are best for you. Psychotherapy may lead to opportunities for growth or change by deepening connection to self and others.

The psychotherapeutic relationship between client and therapist is foundational to the therapeutic work, growth and transformation and therefore it’s Important to find the right match with a therapist for your specific needs. It’s also important that you feel comfortable with your therapist and that you can ask questions. The therapeutic relationship involves professional ethics, confidentiality and boundaries.

Some thoughts and feelings that cause people to seek psychotherapy are;

  • Feeling paralyzed or stuck repeating destructive patterns/nothing will change

  • Fear that you are “broken” and doubt your ability to move forward or feel better

  • Numbness

  • Shame

  • Disconnection

  • Isolation

  • Unstable/out of control/over controlling

  • Difficulty creating or maintaining meaningful relationships

  • Overwhelm

  • Anxiety

The important thing to remember is that you are not alone in your suffering and support is available. 
Some of the rewards of a healing journey are:

  • Feeling/being safe 

  • The ability to be present, focused and engaged in the moment

  • A sense of calm and peace

  • Tapping into your creativity

  • Confidence in your abilities

  • Getting unstuck and moving forward

  • Knowing your inner strength

  • Feeling whole again

  • Decreased stress

  • Increased compassion for self and others

What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses visual and tactile media as self-expression and communication. It involves active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship. The process of art expression is a way to be with and understand your feelings, thoughts, and relationships. Creative expression provides an outlet for complex and confusing feelings, and fosters self-awareness, connection and growth.

Some people may feel a bit daunted by art-making because they have not had a lot of experience with it or feel like they don’t have skills. It can also feel vulnerable being new to therapy and expressing yourself in different ways. Please discuss feelings with your therapist so they can best support you to engage. As long as you are not hurting yourself or someone else in the process, there is no wrong way to express yourself. Anyone can express themselves with art. No previous art making experience or skill is needed to participate in art therapy. Therefore, an open mind and a willingness to engage in the process will help you benefit the most from art therapy.

Art therapy enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities and it is used to support people of all ages and abilities, and at all stages of life. 

What is an MFT?

A Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) is a psychotherapist who works with individuals, couples, families, and groups. MFTs work with members of a family or relationship to support positive change in their interpersonal and relational patterns. They are regulated through state professional licensure. I am licensed in the state of California by the Board of Behavioral Sciences(BBS).

How long does therapy last?

There is no set length of therapy. Due to the varying nature of issues and experiences as well as the individuality of each client, I am unable to predict the length of your therapy or to guarantee a specific outcome or result. Ideally you will discuss with your therapist the many factors that will determine frequency and length of psychotherapeutic services. These factors include need, level of distress and goals.

Do you have a theoretical framework?

I draw from a number of theories and combine approaches to meet you where you are. I often refer to attachment theory, polyvagal theory, interpersonal neurobiology. I am trauma, somatic and IFS/parts informed.

What is your fee?

I believe psychotherapy should not be cost prohibitive and should be accessible to all who want or need it. My fee is based on need, so please get in touch.