Are we a match?

 Finding the right therapist and best care for you is critical. There are a few legal requirements as well as areas of specialization that can help determine if we may be a match.

Please carefully review all points below, answering the following 5 questions honestly to yourself. If you are unable to meet the criteria in any one section, unfortunately, we’re not a match at this time. Please see my Referrals and Resources page for additional support and information that may be a better match.

1. Are you currently living in and physically located in California, and can commit to regular, weekly therapy on a Monday or Tuesday, within office hours of 10am-4pm? (Some weekend/evenings may be agreed upon as available, but current openings limited to M/T, approx. 10-4).  Yes/No

 2. Do you have access to private, reliable internet for Teletherapy, and can we arrange private phone calls if needed? If in-person sessions are agreed upon, can you arrange reliable transportation for regular, weekly sessions in the East Bay? Yes/No

3. My services are “private pay” within an agreed upon sliding scale ($195-$250 per 50 minutes, and/or pro-rated per extended sessions, Intakes, couples/families, etc.). I don’t take insurance but may be able to create a SuperBill with sufficient info. Does this work for you and can you pay an agreed upon weekly fee that meets above criteria? Yes/No

 4. Are you seeking 1) personal therapy for mild or moderate symptoms or challenges, OR 2) seeking personal/spiritual growth, OR 3) professional consultation, AND you are NOT experiencing severe or extreme symptoms, ie., you are NOT at risk for and have NOT recently experienced psychiatric hospitalization, psychosis, substance addiction, self/other harm and are not suicidal? Yes/No 

(My part-time practice is unable to provide adequate care for those with more severe needs at this time. If you are in immediate danger, please call 911 or text 988 for crisis support, or see Referrals and Resources if your symptoms are post-acute or recurring). 

 5. Are you seeking general, MFT-level psychotherapy support and/or, are an adult seeking Psychedelic Preparation, Integration, or Risk/Harm Reduction as adjunct to  Ketamine/esketamine or other legal treatment, or wishing to process previously experienced expansive states, including ‘bad trips’, journeywork or spiritual emergencies? Yes/No 

Please Note: I do not support, advise on or make referrals for substances or processes, i.e., microdosing psychedelics or other unregulated work that remains illegal in CA.

If you’re in need of emergency support, please call 911 or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

If you live in Alameda Co. CA. and would like to speak with someone directly, please call 1.800.309.2131 for Alameda Co. Crisis Line https://www.crisissupport.org/contact-us/

You can get the most from my practice if you are currently able to commit to the agreed-upon regimen, including frequency, fee, and personal accountability to explore.

This may require spending some time in between sessions to “work the work” in various ways. With assignments ranging from simple daydreaming or reflecting upon the previous session by journaling, to seeing a recommended movie or listening to a song we’ve discussed, you arrive ready to inquire. Or, perhaps you’re ready to pursue more expansive expressions like creative writing, poetry, or a solo performance piece. Although this homework-style, arts-based methodology is influenced by a relational, cognitive behavioral/ CBT approach, I tend to follow the client’s interests and desires, so together, we devise creative strategies that are clinically relevant, stimulating, often fun, and almost always rewarding.

As with any personal healthcare endeavor, doing something almost always reveals some benefits or worthwhile discoveries versus doing nothing or the “same old thing”. That said, while embarking upon professional psychotherapy can be immediately soothing, there are risks associated with the potential to explore or feel more deeply; you may experience some emotional pain or confusion before noticing more sustainable benefits or relief. It is an investment of many resources, to be embarked upon from an informed place, while simultaneously committing to and believing in the process, with patience and curiosity to explore potential benefits and communicate questions along the way.