Therapy FAQ
How do I know if I need therapy?
If something is affecting your daily life, relationships, or sense of self, therapy can help. Common signs include persistent sadness, anxiety, anger, or emptiness, trouble managing stress, relationship problems, a major life change, trauma, or feeling stuck despite your best efforts. You don't need to be in crisis to benefit, and reaching out early often makes change easier.
What happens in the first therapy session?
The first session is a conversation. I'll ask what brought you in, what you've tried, and what you'd like to change, and you can ask me anything about how I work. We'll also cover confidentiality, scheduling, and fees. By the end, you should have a sense of whether we're a good fit. Before booking, you can also talk with me during a free 15-minute consultation.
How long does therapy take?
It depends on your goals and what you're working through. Some people find relief from a specific concern in a few months, while long-standing patterns or trauma often take longer. We'll check in regularly on how it's going, and you decide how long to continue.
How often will we meet?
Most people start with weekly 50-minute sessions, which helps build momentum and trust. Some move to every other week as things improve. We'll decide together based on your needs and schedule.
Why am I angry all the time?
Constant anger is often a sign of something underneath it, such as chronic stress, burnout, unresolved trauma, depression, or feeling powerless or unheard. It can also be a learned way of coping that once protected you. Irritability is also a common way depression and stress show up, particularly in men. In therapy, we look at what's driving the anger and how you've learned to handle it, so you can respond to it rather than be run by it.
Why do I feel anxious for no reason?
Anxiety that seems to come from nowhere usually has a source you haven't identified yet, such as past experiences, unspoken worries, stress that has built up over time, or thought patterns running in the background. Sleep, caffeine, and health conditions can contribute too, so it's worth mentioning them to your doctor. In therapy, we explore what your anxiety is connected to, which is often what helps it ease.
How do I know if I have depression or I'm just sad?
Sadness is a normal response to something difficult and usually passes. Depression tends to last two weeks or longer and can include persistent low mood, loss of interest, changes in sleep or appetite, low energy, trouble concentrating, and feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness. A licensed therapist can help you sort out which it is. If you're having thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988 right away.
What's the difference between therapy, counseling, and coaching?
Therapy and counseling overlap, and the terms are often used interchangeably. Both involve working with a licensed professional on emotional and relationship difficulties. Coaching focuses on goals and performance and doesn't treat mental health conditions. I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT #164480), so my work addresses mental health concerns as well as personal growth.
How do I know if therapy is working?
You may notice you understand yourself better, handle difficult moments differently, feel less stuck, or see old patterns shift in your relationships. Progress isn't always steady, and hard stretches are normal. We'll review your goals together from time to time to make sure the work is helping.
Do you offer virtual/online therapy?
Yes. I offer secure online sessions for clients anywhere in California, as well as in-person sessions in Calabasas.
Do you accept insurance?
I don't participate in insurance networks, so I'm an out-of-network provider. I can provide a superbill on request, which you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. It's worth asking your insurer what out-of-network mental health benefits your plan includes.
What are your rates?
I'm committed to finding a rate that works for you, one that's in line with what comparable therapists charge in the Calabasas and Los Angeles area. Sessions are 50 minutes. We'll go over fees during a free 15-minute consultation, so you know exactly what to expect before deciding whether to begin.
Do you offer sliding scale options?
I do offer sliding scale options based on my availability. I'm committed to making my services accessible to those in need. If you're interested, please discuss your circumstances during our initial consultation so we can explore appropriate fee arrangements.
What if I need to cancel a session?
Cancellations need to be made 24 hours prior to the scheduled appointment time. If an appointment is missed or canceled with less than 24-hour notice, you are responsible for full payment of the session.
Do you offer therapy specifically for men?
Yes. Men's mental health is a core focus of my practice. I work with husbands, fathers, and sons on stress and burnout, anger and irritability, relationship struggles, addiction, and finding direction, in an approachable, no-nonsense way. I also work with women, teens, couples, and families. My practice is LGBTQ+ affirming, and all are welcome. I also facilitate men's groups in person in Calabasas with KIN Therapeutic Community.
How do I manage overwhelming emotions?
Overwhelming emotions are usually signals about needs that haven't been heard. In therapy, we work on understanding what triggers them, finding ways to steady yourself in the moment, and processing what's underneath so they stop taking over. Many people find that feeling their emotions, rather than pushing them down, is what makes them more manageable.
Why do I keep repeating the same relationship patterns?
Repeating patterns often trace back to early relationships and the ways you learned to protect yourself or get your needs met. They tend to run automatically until they're noticed. In therapy, we explore where they started and what keeps them going, so you can make different choices with the people in your life.
How can I reduce stress and prevent burnout?
Burnout builds when demands outweigh rest and support for too long. Reducing it usually means looking at your stressors, boundaries, and expectations of yourself, not just adding self-care. In therapy, we identify what's driving the overload and build changes you can sustain, starting with recognizing your early warning signs.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes. What you share in therapy is private and protected by law, with a few exceptions. These include serious risk of harm to yourself or others, suspected abuse of a child or dependent adult, and a legal order. I'll go over this in detail before we begin.
What if I'm in crisis?
I'm not an emergency service and can't offer crisis support between sessions. If you're in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), or call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.