Frequently Asked Questions

As an integrative therapist, I believe in a healing journey that goes beyond the one-size-fits-all approach. My practice is founded on the principle that true wellness encompasses not just the mind, but the body and spirit as well. I embrace each client's unique path toward self-discovery, introspection, and growth, covering all aspects: emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual. Through a range of effective and personalized techniques, I aim to guide you on your journey towards holistic healing and self-discovery.

Developed by Dr. Peter Levine, Somatic Experiencing (SE™) offers a holistic method for healing trauma by addressing the body's physiological responses. It aims to alleviate stress symptoms within the nervous system, promoting stability in both body and mind. SE is beneficial for both acute trauma and more complex, developmental trauma stemming from issues of attachment. Therapy sessions might involve a combination of hands-on work, including table and touch techniques, alongside exercises in breathing, movement, and vocalization to process the survival instinct.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a transformative psychotherapy method that helps individuals recover from emotional distress and trauma. Studies have shown that EMDR can achieve results much faster than traditional therapy methods. It operates on the principle that the mind can heal from psychological wounds just as the body recovers from physical injuries. By identifying and addressing blocks in the brain’s information processing system, EMDR assists in activating the natural healing process, enabling quicker relief from emotional pain.

Whether you're suited for EMDR therapy largely hinges on your capacity for self-soothing and employing self-regulation strategies to manage any discomfort. Any client interested in EMDR therapy will first need to be assessed for sufficient nervous system health to undergo the treatment. For clients who are determined to be a good candidate for EMDR therapy, there may be several sessions focused on nervous system regulation techniques to increase capacity for stress prior to the treatment.

Every client is unique. Your history and the intensity of the event that you want to reprocess will determine the course of treatments. Some clients can achieve resolution in just a few sessions while others require ongoing sessions for several months.

I hold in-person psychotherapy, somatic experiencing, and EMDR therapy sessions from my office in Pasadena, CA. For California residents living in other parts of the state, I offer virtual sessions. However, I only offer EMDR therapy in Pasadena at my office.

I am only licensed to conduct therapy in the state of California.

I work with women who are navigating a variety of challenges. If you’re experiencing depression, anxiety, lack of enthusiasm, or difficulty making decisions, there are likely unconscious patterns or belief systems at work below your conscious awareness. Or maybe you’re in the midst of a significant life transition like divorce, career change, or your adult children leaving the nest. My clients are typically eager to approach the difficulties they’re facing with the curiosity and willingness necessary to do deep, transformative work.

My integrative approach to therapy encompasses the mind, body, and spirit of my clients. With an emphasis on awareness of the mind-body connection, I use a combination of depth psychology and somatic experiencing. For clients who are struggling with a particular troubling event from their past, I may use EMDR therapy to help reprocess the event.

Clients can cancel up to 24 hours before their appointment without being charged.  The full fee for the appointment will be charged to the client if cancellation is less than 24 hours prior to the session.

Yes, my fee is $225 per 50 minute session.

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” after our first visit. This document explains how much your mental health care will cost.

You can ask your healthcare provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.