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Green Leaves

Common Questions

Is online therapy as effective as traditional, in-person therapy?

Recent studies have found that online therapy (also called tele-therapy) effectively treats anxiety and depression as much as in-person therapy using Cognitive-Behavior Therapy methods, which is what I primarily use. Over the past decade, I have worked with clients both in-person and by video and can attest to the same significant results in my practice.

How can you help me?

I use research-based strategies through Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy to help you work through your most challenging life changes. I can provide a non-judgemental space to support you with problem-solving, communication skills, enhancing coping strategies for issues such as anxiety, grief, stress management, relationship challenges, depression, and creative blocks. I can help provide a different perspective on difficult problems while guiding you to use your strengths in areas that you may feel weaker in. Some ways that our therapy can support you could be in managing your personal growth, interpersonal relationships, and daily life concerns to work with what you’re holding onto and ultimately be able to let go. 

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Some of the benefits can include:

 

  • Gaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values

  • Developing skills for improving transitions with relationships, jobs or relocation

  • Finding peace from within to the concerns that led you to therapy

  • Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety

  • Better managing of powerful emotions such as grief, anger and depression

  • Improving communication, listening, and decision-making skills

  • Updating old behavior patterns and developing new ones

  • Discovering new ways to solve and resolve problems at work, with family or friends

  • Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

What clients do you work with?

​I provide individual therapy with adults residing in California. My expertise is in major life transitions, such as a break-up, divorce, recent or upcoming move, loss of pet or loved one, and emotions that arise from them, such as anxiety, stress, self-worth and loneliness.

How long are the sessions?

Sessions are typically 50-minutes in length.

How often would we meet and how long will it take?

To begin, we will meet once per week to gain some momentum and progress. In some instances it might be recommended to meet more than once per week if appropriate. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time counseling can take to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek counseling in the first place. As our work progresses and your goals are met, we can discuss tapering sessions less frequently as needed.

Would we meet in person, by phone or video?

I only offer virtual therapy via Zoom, which is a HIPAA-compliant platform.

Will my privacy be protected?

Your privacy is very important to me. I used Zoom for video sessions, Square for payments and Google Workspace, all of which are HIPAA-compliant platforms with Business Associate Agreements to handle protected health information. While it is not possible to protect confidentiality transmitted electronically (i.e., e-mail, cell phone, or other online equipment), records are maintained and safely stored on a secure encrypted flash drive. Any information you provide is used solely for the stated purpose unless you agree in advance to additional use (for example, you may be asked if you would like to be added to an email list). You may request at any time to be removed from a list.

How can I best prepare for our sessions?

It’s important to think about what you want to gain from working together. Prioritizing your concerns or having a general idea of what you’d like to address can be most helpful. Many clients find it beneficial to write down their goals ahead of time.

Do you accept insurance?

I have chosen not to work with insurance companies so that I can focus on providing confidential services, which is not guaranteed with insurance carriers. The services I provide can be reimbursable through insurance on an out-of-network basis. To see if this option is available to you, please contact your insurance company and inquire about “mental health out-of-network benefits.”

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Should you decide to submit for reimbursement, you would pay me directly for the services and I will provide you with an itemized bill to submit to your insurance carrier as an out of network provider so you can submit the claim to your insurance company to be reimbursed directly to you.

Do you work with parents?

Yes! I offer short-term (bi-weekly 5 sessions) parenting coaching for parents of toddlers to teens through my practice Motivational Parenting. Coaching is more directive and solution-focused towards achieving your parenting goals. Feel free to learn more about my coaching services through my coaching website www.motivationalparenting.com.

Do you work with couples?

Unfortunately, I only work with individuals. I would recommend searching online for a couples therapist that would be the best fit for you.

I want to get started, what are the next steps?

Great! I’d love to first meet you over the phone to make sure we’re a good fit. I provide an initial complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to learn more about your situation, as well as to share about what methods I use to help. It also gives you a sense of my personality and what it’s like to work with me. By the end of the call, you should have a good idea of whether you'd want to work together, and it gives me information on how to either I can meet your needs or, if not, provide you appropriate referrals of who can help. 

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Please contact me to book a 15-minute phone consultation. Alternatively, feel free to call or text (415) 501-9773 to schedule an initial consultation.

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