What’s the difference between coaching and therapy?

It is very important to understand that coaching is NOT therapy. It is more topical in nature and deep work is not within the scope of coaching. Coaching is a type of support that people often find helpful when working on a concrete behavioral goal, such as building more consistency in daily routines, developing self-confidence, or achieving wellness or relational goals.

Coaching loosely pulls from a number of therapeutic modalities without being therapy, including positive psychology, ACT (Acceptance and Commitment therapy), Solution Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. However, coaching does not require formal education or training and is not regulated by any governing body.

Therapy is highly regulated. It requires a masters degree followed by a minimum of 3000 clinical hours and 104 weeks of supervision under a licensed therapist. After completion of these hours, you must pass a national exam before applying for state licensure. Therapists additionally have significant ethical and legal responsibilities towards their clients, including legal duties to warn and protect in the event someone is an immediate danger to themselves or others, mandated reporter requirements, and are also subject to confidentiality and HIPAA laws.

In short, all therapists are coaches. But not all coaches are therapists.

How do I know if you’re the right therapist for me?

Finding the right therapist is probably the most important step in your healing journey. The client-therapist relationship is key to growth, and very little work can be done unless there is rapport, strong trust and attunement. It has to be a vibe. I provide a free 15-minute phone consultation prior to setting up a first visit, so you can ask me questions and hear my thoughts on how we may work together. If I believe I am not the right therapist for what you are looking for, I will give you referrals to one that may be a better fit. I also understand that sometimes it may take a few sessions to determine if I can meet your needs. I strive to tailor each session to meet your goals and am open to your feedback!

How long is each session?

I offer both 50 minute and 80 minute sessions depending on the intensity of treatment desired. For those seeking EMDR therapy, extended sessions of 80 minutes can allow for deeper processing.

How many sessions do I need?

We decide together. It depends on the intensity of symptoms or issues you are seeking to resolve. I can provide brief, solution-focused treatment to address moderate issues in 6-10 sessions. These sessions are usually focused on skill building and problem solving of present issues. For trauma and depth psychotherapy where we delve into deeper emotional or relational patterns, longer term therapy is needed to adequately resolve your issues.

What are your fees?

Initial phone consultation: FREE

Individual Therapy or Coaching (50 minute sessions): $150
Individual Therapy or Coaching (80 minute sessions): $225

Coaching Packages (five 50 minute sessions): $700

Coaching Packages (10 50 minute sessions): $1400

Do you take insurance?

Yes I do!

For HMO plans, please click here to see if I take your insurance.

For PPO plans, I can generate a super bill for reimbursement depending on your out-of-network provider benefits. You are responsible for the full session amount at the time of service.  Because coverage will vary based on your plan, I recommend you call your insurance provider and ask the following questions prior to your first appointment:
• Do I have mental/behavioral health insurance benefits?
• What are my out-of-network provider benefits for mental/behavioral health services?
• What is my deductible and has it been met?
• How many sessions per year does my health insurance cover?
• What is the coverage amount per therapy session?

What forms of payment do you take?

Cash, Check, Venmo, Zelle

What are your missed/cancellation policies?

Notice of cancellation MUST be given at least 24 HOURS in advance of your session. If you cancel less than 24 hours or miss an appointment, you will be charged my full session fee. This is because I have scheduled and held a space exclusively for you, and cannot fill it with short notice. Please note that cancellation fees are not covered by insurance.

What days do you work?

I provide therapy on Thursdays between 12-8PM.

Do you do in person therapy?

Yes I do! I am based in San Diego, and have an office located in the Mission Hills neighborhood. My office is centrally located with easy access to the 5.

Do you do telehealth or video therapy?

Yes I do! While I advocate for in person therapy, as it is more beneficial, telehealth therapy can be beneficial for those who cannot find a therapist in their area with my specialties or for clients who prefer the convenience of meeting with me in the comfort of their own home or whose scheduling or childcare needs change last minute. Additionally, clients who are homebound for a period of time due to health issues, may choose to have sessions online. For those seeking to explore EMDR online, a tablet or computer is needed to most effectively use bilateral stimulation.

Please note that I can only provide video therapy to California residents who are residing in California at the time of therapy.