Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a process in which a client works in close collaboration with a mental health practitioner to reduce distressing emotional experiences (i.e. depression and anxiety); to change behaviors (i.e. substance use and anger outbursts); and to improve relationships, work, and other life activities. The structure of therapy varies significantly according to the style of the therapist and the particular difficulty being treated. My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and individually tailored to my clients’ unique strengths and life issues. As a psychologist, I also find it very important to draw upon recent developments in psychological science in order to most effectively serve the treatment needs of my clients. Please view my web pages on individual therapy and couples therapy for more detailed information about my approach to treatment.
It is very normal to feel nervous before going to your first therapy session. I have found that clients quickly begin to feel more relaxed and comfortable once we meet face-to-face and begin to discuss their psychological concerns. During the first session, I typically ask for a brief description of the reasons for which you are seeking psychotherapy. There are some forms we need to fill out that inform you about my practice. The primary goals during the first meeting are to begin to develop a mutual understanding of the causes of your distress, and determine if we are an appropriate match to address your psychological issue.
The length of treatment varies significantly according to the nature of your psychological issue and your goals. Some circumscribed problems can be treated in a relatively brief time period (i.e. 8-12 sessions), while other, more long-standing, issues require a longer time commitment. I find that most clients begin to feel relief from distress within the first 5 to 9 sessions; however, often continue to engage in therapy for longer time periods to address underlying issues. During initial meetings, I will offer my impressions of your treatments needs and anticipated length of therapy. A discussion of financial and time considerations is always an important aspect of developing a mutually agreed-upon psychotherapy plan.
The benefits of therapy are vast, and have been demonstrated in literally hundreds of treatment studies. The specific gains which one can expect depend upon the difficulty being treated, length of therapy, and treatment goals. Many clients experience a marked reduction in symptoms including anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties, and anger. Therapy often increases self-esteem, self-awareness, and knowledge of one's goals and values. Therapy may improve productivity, direction, and interpersonal effectiveness in work. Many individuals experience growth in relationships including a fuller capability to love and feel connection, improved communication, enhanced joy in intimacy, and increased satisfaction and effectiveness in parenting.
Psychologists in California do not currently prescribe medications; however, I have a working knowledge of medication and work in close collaboration with psychiatrists when medication is needed. While medication is strongly recommended for certain mental conditions, in other cases it is a very personal and delicate decision. During therapy, I will frequently offer my impressions on the value of medication to treat your unique psychological issue.
I am not currently providing therapy on any insurance panels. I work with insurance panels as an out-of-network provider, and can offer you billing paperwork to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. If you are unclear about your insurance policy, I will be happy to help you find out which mental health services are covered.
About Therapy
Psychotherapy is a process in which a client works in close collaboration with a mental health practitioner to reduce distressing emotional experiences (i.e. depression and anxiety); to change behaviors (i.e. substance use and anger outbursts); and to improve relationships, work, and other life activities. The structure of therapy varies significantly according to the style of the therapist and the particular difficulty being treated. My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and individually tailored to my clients’ unique strengths and life issues. As a psychologist, I also find it very important to draw upon recent developments in psychological science in order to most effectively serve the treatment needs of my clients. Please view my web pages on individual therapy and couples therapy for more detailed information about my approach to treatment.
It is very normal to feel nervous before going to your first therapy session. I have found that clients quickly begin to feel more relaxed and comfortable once we meet face-to-face and begin to discuss their psychological concerns. During the first session, I typically ask for a brief description of the reasons for which you are seeking psychotherapy. There are some forms we need to fill out that inform you about my practice. The primary goals during the first meeting are to begin to develop a mutual understanding of the causes of your distress, and determine if we are an appropriate match to address your psychological issue.
The length of treatment varies significantly according to the nature of your psychological issue and your goals. Some circumscribed problems can be treated in a relatively brief time period (i.e. 8-12 sessions), while other, more long-standing, issues require a longer time commitment. I find that most clients begin to feel relief from distress within the first 5 to 9 sessions; however, often continue to engage in therapy for longer time periods to address underlying issues. During initial meetings, I will offer my impressions of your treatments needs and anticipated length of therapy. A discussion of financial and time considerations is always an important aspect of developing a mutually agreed-upon psychotherapy plan.
The benefits of therapy are vast, and have been demonstrated in literally hundreds of treatment studies. The specific gains which one can expect depend upon the difficulty being treated, length of therapy, and treatment goals. Many clients experience a marked reduction in symptoms including anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties, and anger. Therapy often increases self-esteem, self-awareness, and knowledge of one's goals and values. Therapy may improve productivity, direction, and interpersonal effectiveness in work. Many individuals experience growth in relationships including a fuller capability to love and feel connection, improved communication, enhanced joy in intimacy, and increased satisfaction and effectiveness in parenting.
Psychologists in California do not currently prescribe medications; however, I have a working knowledge of medication and work in close collaboration with psychiatrists when medication is needed. While medication is strongly recommended for certain mental conditions, in other cases it is a very personal and delicate decision. During therapy, I will frequently offer my impressions on the value of medication to treat your unique psychological issue.
I am not currently providing therapy on any insurance panels. I work with insurance panels as an out-of-network provider, and can offer you billing paperwork to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. If you are unclear about your insurance policy, I will be happy to help you find out which mental health services are covered.