What You Can Expect
How do we get started?
Great! I would love to hear from you. Just TEXT me at: 562-716-1324. I am happy to answer any question you have about how I can help you. If you want help, but are unsure of what therapy entails, please TEXT me to schedule a 15 minute Phone Consultation.
What is a Phone Consultation?
During the 15 minute phone consultation, we will discuss the current issues you are facing and how I can best support you. This will also provide you with the opportunity determine your comfort level with me as synergy with your therapist is a crucial part of the therapeutic process.
Can therapy really help?
Therapy can be very effective, if you are highly motivated to make significant changes in your life. Self-Motivation and Synergy with your therapist are key components to success in therapy.
Does counseling always work?
I wish it did. However, there are no guarantees that therapy will be fully effective. I can say that I will do my very best to help you.
How long are your sessions?
My sessions are usually 50 minutes in length. At times, shorter or longer sessions may be needed.
How often do we meet?
As needed, I will make suggestions on how frequently we should meet. When EMDR is conducted, I usually request that clients meet on a weekly basis to move through the trauma in the most timely manner. I do empower all of my clients to choose the frequency of sessions that works best for their life and budget.
How long does counseling usually last?
It is completely up to you. If things are going well, and you just need a little help to get through a rough time, counseling can be somewhat brief. However, if you are struggling with some tougher issues and you want to get to a better place, it might mean more sessions.
What is the difference between an LMFT and other professionals?
Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) have a master’s degree in social work and help people to achieve more adequate, satisfying, and productive social adjustments.
Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) have a master’s degree and are relationship specialists that are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat: children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, and groups.
Psychologists (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) have doctoral degrees in psychology. In addition to being trained in therapy, some do psychological testing to assist with diagnosis and treatment planning when needed.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors with specialty training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness, which often includes prescribing medication and working closely with the therapist of the patient.
What does M.S., LMFT mean?
M.S. means that I obtained my Masters of Science in Marriage & Family Therapy from the University of La Verne. Prior to obtaining my Masters of Science, I obtained my Bachelor of Science (B.S.) from The University of California, Irvine in Psychology and Social Behavior with a Minor in English.
LMFT means that I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist trained to specialize in relationships, to assess, diagnose, and treat: children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, and groups. Prior to being licensed, I was a Marriage & Family Therapist Intern and was required to complete 3,000 hours of supervised experience in the field. After my 3,000 hours were collected, I successfully passed 2 challenging State Board Competency Examinations administered by the Board of Behavioral Sciences in order to obtain my licensure status.
Do you have a sliding scale?
I am willing to discuss my fee, however I usually do not significantly lower my rate for services. If you need low cost-counseling, there are several clinics in the area:
The Whole Child, Whittier (562) 692-0383
www.intercommunity.org
Biola Counseling Center, La Mirada (562) 903-4800
www.biola.edu
The Gary Center, La Habra (562) 691-3263
www.garycenter.org
What should I expect in my first session?
Before you come to session, you might want to write down any questions or important topics, so you can refer to them during your appointment with me.
During the first session, we will identify areas you are struggling in, areas you want to improve in, and formulate your goals that we will work on in therapy. Throughout the therapeutic process, we will continually revisit the progress toward your goals.