Psychotherapy for Individuals
Some Questions You Might Have About Psychotherapy:
- How do I know if I need therapy?
- What would individual therapy be like?
- I need help, but doesn't dwelling on the pain make it worse?
- What would my commitment be?
- How would I get started?
- What is an MFT?
- Where are you located and how do I contact you?
How do I know if I need therapy?
Is there a way that you feel unfulfilled, depressed, anxious, isolated, driven, or out of touch with yourself that nothing seems to help? Perhaps you have tried to fix things on your own, but that hasn't worked. It may be difficult to talk with those around you about what is troubling you. You may feel criticized, misunderstood, inarticulate, or that you are boring or burdening others. You might notice yourself finding unproductive or destructive ways of coping such as withdrawal, denial, addictions, avoidance or by being overly controlling.
What would individual therapy be like?
We start by addressing what it is that is troubling you, or if you can't pinpoint it, we start with whatever is on your mind. It might seem awkward to be talking to a stranger, but there are a lot of benefits. You are not required to worry about my needs, and my responses will be accepting, interested and non-controlling. You will be encouraged to let me know if ever I feel otherwise to you. My job will be to recognize your uniqueness and understand your dilemmas. As you are moved to open up more, we will collaborate in finding meaning in what you share, and in doing so, uncover what is authentic, creative, joyful and loving inside of you.
I need help, but doesn't dwelling on the pain make it worse?
This is a common misconception. In my experience it is the attempts to deny what is painful that makes life difficult. What we try to control, controls us. It is true that particular phases of therapy can be painful, because of the importance of reclaiming feelings that we once had to distance from. But those who go through that process are grateful that they were willing to do so, and experience themselves in new and life-affirming ways.
That being said, another misconception is that in therapy only painful experiences are talked about. We will also be talking about what is joyful and inspiring. Therapy can be thought of as a process of integrating your experience of life and includes the full range of emotional possibilities.
What would my commitment be?
Therapy is a major commitment, both in terms of time and money. In terms of time you will need to commit to weekly 50 minute sessions. Some clients opt to come more frequently. You may come for as long or as short of a time as you like, but generally if something significant is going to happen for you it would take at least a year or two. My rates are reasonable and will be discussed in the initial contact. However, you should expect to set aside an amount similar to that of a major purchase.
How would I get started?
A consultation can assist you in determining whether therapy might be useful for you. We will explore your present situation, needs and questions and concerns about therapy. We will come to understand whether it would be appropriate for you to enter therapy at this time, and if so what kind of therapy and whether or not we would like to work together. If the answer to this is no, I will provide you with referrals for other therapists.
What is an MFT?
The MFT, or Marriage and Family Therapist, is the license issued by the Board of Behavioral Science of the State of California to therapists who have a Master's degree in Clinical or Counseling Psychology, who have passed both written and oral examinations administered by the Board, and who have completed 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience. License renewal requires 36 hours of continuing education every two years. The license allows the MFT. to call themselves a psychotherapist and provide therapy to individuals, couples, families and children. MFT. used to be referred to as MFCC. (Marriage, Family and Child Counselor). The new license recognizes that we are doing, and are qualified to do, psychotherapy rather than simply counseling.
Where are you located and how do I contact you?
I have offices in San Francisco, Walnut Creek and Berkeley. My phone number is (415) 751-6515 for all offices. If I do not answer in person, please leave a message and I will call you back shortly.
San Francisco Office
121 Clement St.
(415) 751-6515
Walnut Creek Office
1700 Ygnacio Valley Rd. #200
(415) 751-6515
Berkeley/Albany Office
902 Curtis Street
(415) 751-6515