FAQ
I’m in Los Angeles, right in the heart of Atwater Village, above Temple Works on Glendale Blvd.
I also offer telehealth sessions for anyone living in California.
I nod and listen sometimes – but I’m much more active than that!
I work with you to clarify what you actually want and need. I help you stay in an emotional comfort zone, and if you get overwhelmed, I’ve got tons of tools to help you get back in your body. Think collaborative exploration, not silent staring.
I’m trained in Hakomi, which uses gentle mindfulness and can include movement or exploring gestures that come with energetic release. I don’t use touch, but I might suggest props like blankets and cushions or guide you through simple self-touch.
Some sessions might use somatic techniques as skills, whereas others might be entirely somatic-focused. Curious to learn more? to read about my approach.
Read articles about Hakomi here.
Gentleness and comfort are at the heart of my approach. I prioritize creating a safe ‘emotional refuge’ through slowing down, working at your pace, and weaving in nervous system regulation tools throughout each session.
The somatic modality I practice, Hakomi, is inherently relational and grounded in loving presence and compassion. Many clients tell me this feels like exactly the kind of tender, understanding space they’ve been hoping to find for working through complex and traumatic experiences.
Nope! You don’t have to give me all the nitty-gritty details, and you definitely don’t have to rehash everything repeatedly to process trauma. That’s old-school therapy; thankfully, we’ve moved beyond that approach.
I work with individual adults only. My clients often identify as different in some way – whether they’re LGBTQI+, creative, neurodivergent, or highly sensitive.
I don’t work with couples or children, but I have some excellent referrals if needed!
Start by scheduling a free, no-pressure 20-minute consultation. When we talk, I’ll ask you some questions and share more about how I work. You can ask me anything, too – no question is off limits!
If we are a good fit, we’ll discuss scheduling your first session. I’ll also send you consent forms and a mental health questionnaire to fill out beforehand (because paperwork is unavoidable, but I promise to keep it brief).
If, for some reason, we’re not a good fit – for example, I don’t specialize in personality disorders, active eating disorders, or psychosis – I’ll help you find somebody who is. I have many great referrals; you’d be surprised how connected the therapy world is!
In the first session, I’ll ask about your history and what you’ve shared in our consultation and intake form. I also like to dip our toes into something experiential – this depends on your interests. It might include a small art therapy project or a gentle somatic exercise.
The first 3-4 sessions are about getting to know each other, so we go gently and at your pace. I must earn your trust. This means checking in often, encouraging honest feedback, and tracking the therapeutic relationship.
After even the first session or two, my clients often feel more relaxed and centered than when they walked in. By the end of therapy, there’s typically an increase in self-trust, confidence, and inner peace.
And no, therapy doesn’t turn you into a blissed-out Zen master – but it does help you stay centered through the storm!
Sessions are 50 minutes each. Most clients work with me for 9-18 months, although this duration varies based on your needs. Some engagements are shorter, while others are longer-term.
You can choose weekly or bi-weekly sessions. For biweekly or less frequent visits, I require 4-6 initial sessions at a more regular pace so we can get to know each other and build momentum.
I’ve been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Registered Art Therapist (ATR) since 2017. I earned my master’s degree from Loyola Marymount University in 2015. My training in community mental health at Childnet Youth and Family Services, Art Division, and Kayne Eras Center gave me experience with complex cases and intergenerational trauma in multicultural settings.
I also received a grant from LA County for my commitment to cultural diversity and equity in therapy. I also worked with addiction recovery, running art therapy groups in residential treatment at McIntyre House and Clearview Treatment Programs. I regularly attend practice groups and trainings in Hakomi and somatic techniques like polyvagal theory.
My fee is $250/session.
I’m not currently in-network with insurance companies. However, if you have a PPO plan, your insurance may reimburse you for sessions. I’ll provide a “superbill” receipt that you can submit. Questions about this? Call your insurance company and use this insurance helper form that has all the right questions to ask.
Please cancel as soon as you know you can’t make it, or at least 24 hours before your appointment, to avoid a cancellation fee. If I have an opening and you can reschedule it within the same week, we can avoid the fee altogether.
In emergencies – ER visits, illness, flat tires, or life just happening – and because I’m human, I know things come up! We’ll work it out.
If you’re in a crisis, please call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) immediately or head to your nearest emergency room.
For less urgent matters, jot down what’s coming up so we can discuss it in the next session. Occasionally, crises arise, and you do need to talk to me – I can schedule phone check-ins for true emergencies.
Nope! There is no judgment here. But you do need a private space and a device with a good Internet connection.
Of course! I regularly reflect on our work together and definitely think of you when you’re going through tough times. I hold my clients with genuine positive regard. And then I get to yoga! But really, I also do self-care practices.
