FAQs

Who do you usually see in counseling? 

I mostly see singles and couples. 

What kinds of issues do individuals come to you for?

I frequently see single people who are working on relationships issues. You may be trying to figure out how to have a good relationship or wondering how you can fix your current relationship. Or maybe you aren’t sure if you should stay or go.

We usually explore how your relationship patterns fit with your childhood and family-of-origin patterns. You can read more about how Individual Counseling works HERE.

What kinds of issues do couples come to you for?

Couples are often struggling with communication or fighting* a lot. You know that you really love each other but you can’t figure out how to get back to a good place. When you’re “triggered,” you may say things that you regret.

That’s why it’s so important to explore your childhood and family-of-origin relationship triggers. You can read more about how Couples Counseling works HERE.

Or you may be on the verge of getting a divorce and you want to see if you can save your marriage. You are not alone and it is not hopeless.

(*Note: If fighting has ever become physical between you, safety is the top priority. Therefore, I do not do couples counseling. I recommend contacting the Coalition for Family Harmony.)

Do you do premarital counseling?

Yes, I help couples who are planning to move in together or get married. It’s really important to help you prepare so you are off to a good start.

Do you help people with anxiety or depression?

Yes, if you are struggling in relationships, you may be experiencing anxiety, depression, or both.

Do you work with any other issues?

Yes, I also provide grief counseling. Because once you have good love, losing the person you love is often the hardest thing you will ever experience.

What kind of therapist are you?

I am a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have been licensed since 1991.

What is your educational background? 

In addition to my Marriage and Family Therapy Masters education, training, and licensure, I also have a Doctorate in Marriage and Family Studies. You can read more about this, including my doctoral research about women’s work and family roles HERE.

What kinds of University Teaching did you do? 

I was full-time Assistant Professor of Undergraduate Psychology for 9 years.

I also taught Masters students who were becoming Marriage and Family Therapists for 7 years.

You can read more about the courses I taught HERE.

How did you end up in the Wall Street Journal, LA Parent Magazine, and Cosmopolitan?

I have had the honor of contributing to multiple newspapers, radio shows, and online magazines. It is really fun to share with reporters who want to help their readers/listeners understand how relationships work.

You can view additional Press HERE.

Do you ever share with our local community?

Yes, I had a Finding Mr/Ms Right Meetup at E.P. Foster Library here in Ventura for many years. I have loved sharing about psychology and relationships for the past 30 years. You can view a complete list of presentations and workshops HERE.

How did you write finding Mr. Right?

It was a compilation of blog articles and other stories from my workshops, presentations and teaching.

Do you offer any other services besides talk counseling?

Yes, I am also a Certified Hypnotherapist and a Certified Guided Imagery Practitioner.

These other (optional) approaches often provide new insight and healing.

Do you accept insurance? 

I am not on any insurance plans. If you would like a therapist who accepts your insurance, I suggest reaching out to your insurance company directly. Or you can go to CounselingCalifornia.com and filter for your insurance company under Payment Options.

What is the cost for individual counseling?

The cost for a 50-minute session of individual counseling is $195.

What is the cost for couples counseling?

Couples usually need longer sessions. The cost for a 60-minute session of couples counseling is $225.

How often do we meet? 

We usually meet once a week in the beginning.  Otherwise, it can be really hard for you to wait longer than a week in between your sessions.

How long does counseling typically last? 

That is completely up to you. It depends how much you want to explore and how much better you want to feel. Once we get going, you and I will have a sense of when you are doing better and we don’t need to meet as often. And once you are in a good place and don’t need me anymore, we can start wrapping up your sessions. But, of course, you are free to stop your sessions any time you want.

Do you offer a free phone consultation?

Yes. We can chat on the phone for 10-15 minutes to see if we might be a good fit.

Are you doing in-person sessions?

Yes! I am very happy to be back in the office.

Which days are you in the office? 

I am in the office Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.

Where is your office located?

I’m at 260 Maple Court Suite 127 in Ventura, around the corner from the Pacific View mall. The buildings on our street all look alike. My building is at the end of the cul-de-sac on the right hand side.

How can I reach you?

The easiest way to get in touch is to just call me on my cell (805) 585-0838.

You can also complete the Contact form HERE.