• Frequently Asked Questions

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    What is the cost of working with you?

    Individual Sessions

    $ 85 for 50 minute session

    $ 125 for 80 minute session (couples)

    Monthly Subscriptions

    $140 for (2) 50 minute sessions per month

    $ 175 for (2) 80 minute sessions per month (couples)

    $ 195 for (4) 50 minute sessions per month

    $ 285 for (4) 80 minute session per month (couples)

    Small Group Rates

    $ 80 monthly subscription rate for a Small Group membership that meets twice monthly for 90 minutes (based on availability).

    Do you take insurance?

    Not at present.

    How often will we meet?

    It is most common in the beginning to meet weekly for the first 4-6 weeks and then many clients reduce to meeting twice monthly or even once montly after that, depending on how they progress.  Consistent attendance yields the best results.  

    Depending on your specific needs, our work together can be short-term addressing a specific issue (6-10 sessions), or longer-term (20 sessions) depending on if it is a more difficult patterns or there is a desire for more personal growth and development.

    Do you have evenings or weekends available?

    Yes! We offer evening sessions with a last session is at 8 pm (PST) as well as weekend appointments.  

    Most people find they can fit the free 30 minute consult during daytime working hours. Couples can call in from different remote locations for this consultation.  If you decide to become a client, you can schedule an appointment time that is most convenient to you.

    What is the cancellation policy?

    If it is less than 24 hours until your appointment, you’ll need to contact your therapist and let them know you cannot make it.   We require at least 24 hours advanced notice of cancellation for all types of appointments including free consultations. You will be charged the full session fee for appointments canceled or rescheduled with less than 24 hours advanced notice.

    The reason for this cancellation policy is because we have reserved this time to meet with you and it is nearly impossible for us to re-book the open appointment, with less than 24 hours advance notice.  

    If I need to cancel or reschedule, how do I do that?

    If it is more than 24 hours until your appointment, you can use change/cancel appointment button directly on the link provided in the confirmation email you got when you scheduled the appointment.

    If it is less than 24 hours until your appointment, please note that you will be charged the full session fee for the canceled or rescheduled appointment.  If you are rescheduling a free consultation with less than 24 hours advance notice, you will be charged $50 to the card you put on file when booking the appointment. 

    What services do you provide?

    We provide individual and couples therapy and coaching via an HIPAA compliant online video service called Simple Practice. Sessions are typically once per week with the option to reduce to bi-weekly or monthly. We’ll also discuss potential resources to include online self-study programs, books to augment therapy, podcasts and virtual classes available through online webinars.

    Do you offer in person sessions?

    No.  Currently, all sessions are completed online using a secure encrypted video chat. 

    The good news is that research is showing that online services are just as effective as in person sessions.  In fact, most of our clients love the increased ability to be more discreet, have increased privacy, more convenience in terms of being able to connect from places they feel comfortable, flexible scheduling and no hassle with traffic, parking, time or costs (i.e. childcare) that are normally associated with getting to therapy.  

    Is online counseling just as good as in person therapy?

    Yes!  Online therapy has been proven through research to be is just as effective as meeting in person.  The video format allows for each therapist to observe and maintain all of the subtle non-verbal nuances of the interpersonal interaction – the body language, facial expressions, and unspoken interpersonal interactions.  In fact, both therapist and clients are reporting that they are pleasantly surprised by the new format and, if given the choice, would continue with a virtual experience.  

    Can my partner and I do counseling from two different locations?

    Yes.  That is one of the many benefits of online therapy.  The link that is sent out with the appointment confirmation email can be used from different locations and sync our experience together into one virtual platform.

    What qualifies you to do therapy?

    Our therapists have specialized and extensive education and training.  Our therapists have a masters degree in psychology with over 4000 hours of supervised experience with clients before getting licensed.  Every licensed clinician has passed rigorous licensing exams and are regulated by a board that ensures they maintain the highest ethical standards.

    Our therapists are seasoned and experienced a minimum of a decade of expertise working with clients just like you.  They are highly skilled therapists with advanced trainings in therapy practices, techniques, and interventions that work.  We hire dedicated clinicians with specialized training, proven histories of effectiveness, research based informed skill sets and who continue to develop their skills and abilities through continuing education and training – all to serve the needs of our clients.

    Does what we talk about in session remain confidential?

    Confidentiality is one issue that many clients are concerned about.  We believe it is one of the most important components for building trust between a client and therapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but in session. What you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone as outlined in the Informed Consent form.  We will review informed consent during the first session so that there is a clear understanding of this topic.  

    There are times when confidentiality can be broken.  The first is when the client requests it and signs a written lease.  For example, you may want your therapist to collaborate with another care provider and/or to share information and update someone in your healthcare provider circle (Physician, Attorney, Psychiatrist) to help coordinate services and/or care.  By law, we cannot and do not release this information, without obtaining your written permission through a Release of Information form (ROI).   The second time when confidentiality can be broken is by state law.  State law and professional ethics require us to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:  (1)  If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threatened to harm another person.  (2)  There is reasonable suspicion of past or present abuse or neglect of children and/or elder dependent abuse.  In these cases, therapists are required to report to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on type of information provided by the client or collateral sources.

    What are the counseling sessions like?

    Counseling sessions are all unique because every client is different.  Our therapists strive to create a comfortable, judgement free zone, where you feel comfortable discussing the issue(s) that brought you into therapy.  In general, each session is an opportunity for you to talk about what is bothering you, what is working for you and what is not.  To explore the events happening in your life in a meaningful manner, intentionally looking at any relevant aspects, personal history, progress towards goals, areas in need of change and/or the application of new insight, skills and interventions designed to create positive change, progress, and positive outcomes.

    How do we know if we need couples therapy?

    Well, the average couple waits 7 years to start couple’s therapy.  So, if you are looking into therapy and asking these questions…our answer is YES!  We are hoping you are here and ready to catch things earlier than later!  

    Most couples wait way longer than they need to, to seek out help.  In this field of therapy, the sooner the better.  Every delay just gives more time for negative sentiment override (NSO) to develop; for criticism, contempt and stonewalling to build in the communication patterns; and for husbands and wives to lose the amazing quality of influence.  This doesn’t mean it’s too late or impossible  — it just means that the sooner you get help – the better the chances are that you can save your relationship and create something amazing again.

    How can therapy help me?  Why should I do it?

    There are numerous benefits for clients working with a therapist.  Therapists are specially trained to provide support, problem-solving skills, motivation, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief and stress.  Therapists help clients to achieve personal growth, manage interpersonal relationships, navigate family patterns, work through relationship issues, and solve other difficult problems.  A therapist can help their clients manage the many stressors of life and offer a new perspective with insights that lead to solutions and resolutions.  Some ways that this can be achieved is through helping clients to:

     

    ·       Gain a better understanding of yourself

    ·       Clarify values, goals and future ambitions

    ·       Learn new communication and conflict resolutions skills for improving your relationships

    ·       Find resolution to the issues or concerns that led to therapy

    ·       Develop resiliency and new skills to cope with stress and anxiety

    ·       Manage anger and process grief and/or depression

    ·       Create new behavior patterns for a more fulfilled life

    ·       Discover new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage

    ·       Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence