About
100% of my clients report they feel heard and respected. I help young professionals create more satisfying lives.
We all need a good ear. Listening deeply is very satisfying to me. I am enriched being with you as you grow into who/how/what you want to be.
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Reviews
Rita C.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
We start with a free 15-minute phone consultation so I can understand what you want to get out of therapy. Then, I send you an Intake Questionnaire to gather more details and information. In that way, we can get started right away in your first meeting. There, we discuss your goals for therapy when we meet, I listen to how I can help, and then we agree on the next steps. I assign home practice between sessions because changing behavior, thoughts, and attitudes take time and reinforcement.
During your first video meeting, I ask enough questions to get a feel about your current needs. I fill in more information about your history and current situation over the next few sessions.
At the conclusion of the first session, I share my perspective on the best course for your treatment. With your input, we develop goals for your therapy.
I use more than one approach which means my therapy is eclectic. You might need a different approach at different appointments. The modalities I use have all been validated by science as effective in affecting change. People feel relief. The methods are ACT, IPT, and transpersonal.
The length of treatment varies. Short-term therapy might last 12 to 16 sessions. Long-term counseling is available for more complex and long-standing issues.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Licensed as an LMFT in 1991
MA in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology, 1986
BA in Psychology, UCLA, 1973
Care Manager for UnitedHealthcare, 7 years
School Counselor, 3 years
Facilitator of Bipolar Education Groups, 1 year
Master's Thesis: Treating Adult Children of Alcoholics
Trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, and Life Coaching.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your services? If so, please share the details here.
My fee is $175 for a 50-minute session.
I accept OPTUM and AETNA insurance.
How did you get started in this business?
During a deeply emotional and difficult time in my life, I felt my learnings could be useful to others. I found an MFT Counseling program at JFKU and enrolled. In retrospect, I remembered that during my high school days, I submitted my college essays with the stated goal to become a school counselor (which I did), and now it's time to work as a therapist in private practice
What types of customers have you worked with?
Teens
Young Adults
20-Somethings
Adults
Folks diagnosed with Bipolar
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I challenged a client about the thinking pattern which caused her great distress. At first, she couldn't see my point. After a few minutes, she 100% changed her perspective. A little smile showed on her face. She looked down for a moment, looked up, rolled her eyes, and said, "OK, OK. But that was a trick question." We had a good chuckle together. We shared a moment where the veil dropped and two people met in the middle.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a pro in your area of expertise?
Interview more than one provider. Utilize the "free consultation" offered and talk to 3 providers until you find the one you click the best with. More than any of the specialties and words you read under a bio, the relationship is where the magic happens. Oh, be sure to contact me for a free consult when you are ready.
What questions should customers think through before talking to pros about their needs?
How can you help me?
What are your fees and policies?
What methods do you use, in easy-to-understand terms?
What else is important for me to know when deciding to work with you?