Frequently Asked Questions
How are you responding to racial injustice and the current uprisings?
I will always be doing the work on a personal and professional level to check my privilege and bias as a white presenting person. My primary concern for my clients is that they have access to therapy that is in line with their actual needs on a holistic level. My goal as a therapist has always been to offer therapy that is not perpetuating systemic harm. I went into this profession as a calling to continue the work of my Ancestors. Please start a conversation if you need more information and also read what I have outlined throughout the website to familiarize yourself with my approach. I will continue to post offerings and encourage you to check back.
How are you changing your services in response to the pandemic?
I have been a telehealth therapist for most of my career on some level, but formally for 2 years now. I have the equipment, training, experience and skills needed to be an effective therapist through distance. I would recommend to anyone seeking telehealth services that they inquire about training and technology for understanding about how the therapist is managing concerns of privacy, confidentiality, and crisis.
Are you licensed?
I am licensed in the state of California as a Marriage and Family Therapist. If you are in need of psychotherapy services and live in CA I do offer sessions via telehealth - please contact me if interested. I am also a registered as an expressive arts therapist with the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association.
How do I find the right type of counseling or therapy support?
Finding the right support takes time. The relationship is a large part of feeling safe and comfortable. The approach is also important. I highly recommend this article as a wonderful overview of the types of support out there and what might be right for you. My approach is rooted in both post modern wellness practices, using mindfulness, expressive arts, and narrative based tools to support you. Brief consultations are coaching oriented, while Wellness consultations are more of a hybrid between coaching and lifestyle therapy. Ultimately I believe that through a good connection, we can work together to create a path to wellness that is a fit for you.
How do I know if we are a good match without committing too much time and money?
Good question! We can certainly meet for a 20-30 minute informational session free of charge. I would also recommend the article linked in the question above.
What is expressive arts therapy?
Expressive Arts Therapy (EXA) is a type of therapy that uses a variety of artistic techniques as an intervention to support change/wellness. EXA utilizes creativity in addition to dialogue. EXA differs from art therapy in the sense that it is "intermodal", reaching toward multiple creative arts to expand an emotion or feeling. For example, one might begin with a guided visualization practice then move into drawing, journaling, music, or poetry. Expressive therapies connect to the right brain where the language of images, ideas, and creative expression exist. (This is especially useful when working with clients, of all ages, who have experienced trauma.) Ultimately, through metaphor, art and creativity, a trained therapist can help clients connect with and give voice to their emotions, as well as help them learn coping skills and support self-esteem. EXA therapist tend to offer a variety of creative methods, however each partitioner has a different approach. For my practice I believe metaphor is just as powerful as other modes of expression. The music you listen to is equally useful as a pen on paper. Rituals and movement practices also offer creative energy. I work with each client to determine what is comfortable and accessible to invite into our meetings.
What is narrative practice?
Narrative therapy seeks to be a respectful, non-blaming approach to counseling and community work, which centers people as the experts in their own lives. It views problems as separate from people and assumes people have many skills, competencies, beliefs, values, commitments and abilities that will assist them to reduce the influence of problems in their lives. Learn more here.
Why do you mention grief, I am not experiencing a loss?
Good question. My practice is continually growing, deepening and therefore this conversation is too. What began as a desire to support those in a formal grief process grew into a holistic practice where grief is part of the larger systemic picture of life in a postcolonial world. Grief is often assigned to the experience of death and dying, however from my cultural lens/experience, grief is embedded in the spiritual, ancestral, human existential experience and is part of all life cycles. In short, grief comes with a loss of any type (interpersonal, existential, or physical), and is ultimately a relational separation resulting in an experience of unbalance or disharmony. My intention is to utilize creativity to be with the disruption of grief while working to regain balance.
What is Telehealth?
The terms telehealth, telebehavioral health and telemedicine are often used interchangeably, but telehealth has evolved to encapsulate a broader array of digital healthcare activities and support services. Simply stated, telehealth is any health related service offered through distance tools such as telephone, video conference, or messaging services.
How does telehealth work?
I subscribe to a HIPPA compliant telehealth service so you don't have to worry about privacy issues. Once we set up an agreement for services, I will send you a link to join a session at the appointed date and time. From there all you need is a comfortable, private space, with internet that is compatible with 10mps. Once you join the session, we will be able to communicate via voice and video for the duration of the session. Alternatively we can "meet" via telephone, in which case I will call you at the appointed day and time.
Do you offer text and email therapy?
I do not offer text and email therapy as a main form of communication. I offer video conference and phone options as a primary meeting point unless there is an accessibility concern. Please open a conversation with me if you are not able to access video conference tools.
How does expressive arts and narrative practice work through telehealth?
There truly is no substitute for the benefits of meeting in person. Believe it or not, the virtual exchange can still be effective, productive, and result in the change you are seeking. I have the benefit of experience and creativity on my side when it comes to discovering new ways to have meaningful exchanges via video contact. All I ask of clients is to be open minded. I usually request that clients have a journal and writing/coloring supplies on hand when we meet. As we get to know each other, the way we work will unfold organically. What I offer you is an opportunity to explore new ways of meeting yourself. Being an "artist" is not required and not expected - all humans have creative solutions within.
What is your fee per service?
Wellness consultations are meant to be longer term and the cost is dependent on how long we meet, what you can realistically afford, and what limits I have set within the fee scale. My baseline fee per hour is $150 for individuals and $200 for couples. If this is not a manageable fee, I offer limited lower fees spots as well as a sliding scale. For all clients who can pay the full fee, a portion will go toward supporting a low fee client. You can also sponsor a no-fee spot through an additional donation should you have the means. All fees are negotiated at the time we agree to begin working together. Brief consultation fees are listed in the descriptions here.
I will always be doing the work on a personal and professional level to check my privilege and bias as a white presenting person. My primary concern for my clients is that they have access to therapy that is in line with their actual needs on a holistic level. My goal as a therapist has always been to offer therapy that is not perpetuating systemic harm. I went into this profession as a calling to continue the work of my Ancestors. Please start a conversation if you need more information and also read what I have outlined throughout the website to familiarize yourself with my approach. I will continue to post offerings and encourage you to check back.
How are you changing your services in response to the pandemic?
I have been a telehealth therapist for most of my career on some level, but formally for 2 years now. I have the equipment, training, experience and skills needed to be an effective therapist through distance. I would recommend to anyone seeking telehealth services that they inquire about training and technology for understanding about how the therapist is managing concerns of privacy, confidentiality, and crisis.
Are you licensed?
I am licensed in the state of California as a Marriage and Family Therapist. If you are in need of psychotherapy services and live in CA I do offer sessions via telehealth - please contact me if interested. I am also a registered as an expressive arts therapist with the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association.
How do I find the right type of counseling or therapy support?
Finding the right support takes time. The relationship is a large part of feeling safe and comfortable. The approach is also important. I highly recommend this article as a wonderful overview of the types of support out there and what might be right for you. My approach is rooted in both post modern wellness practices, using mindfulness, expressive arts, and narrative based tools to support you. Brief consultations are coaching oriented, while Wellness consultations are more of a hybrid between coaching and lifestyle therapy. Ultimately I believe that through a good connection, we can work together to create a path to wellness that is a fit for you.
How do I know if we are a good match without committing too much time and money?
Good question! We can certainly meet for a 20-30 minute informational session free of charge. I would also recommend the article linked in the question above.
What is expressive arts therapy?
Expressive Arts Therapy (EXA) is a type of therapy that uses a variety of artistic techniques as an intervention to support change/wellness. EXA utilizes creativity in addition to dialogue. EXA differs from art therapy in the sense that it is "intermodal", reaching toward multiple creative arts to expand an emotion or feeling. For example, one might begin with a guided visualization practice then move into drawing, journaling, music, or poetry. Expressive therapies connect to the right brain where the language of images, ideas, and creative expression exist. (This is especially useful when working with clients, of all ages, who have experienced trauma.) Ultimately, through metaphor, art and creativity, a trained therapist can help clients connect with and give voice to their emotions, as well as help them learn coping skills and support self-esteem. EXA therapist tend to offer a variety of creative methods, however each partitioner has a different approach. For my practice I believe metaphor is just as powerful as other modes of expression. The music you listen to is equally useful as a pen on paper. Rituals and movement practices also offer creative energy. I work with each client to determine what is comfortable and accessible to invite into our meetings.
What is narrative practice?
Narrative therapy seeks to be a respectful, non-blaming approach to counseling and community work, which centers people as the experts in their own lives. It views problems as separate from people and assumes people have many skills, competencies, beliefs, values, commitments and abilities that will assist them to reduce the influence of problems in their lives. Learn more here.
Why do you mention grief, I am not experiencing a loss?
Good question. My practice is continually growing, deepening and therefore this conversation is too. What began as a desire to support those in a formal grief process grew into a holistic practice where grief is part of the larger systemic picture of life in a postcolonial world. Grief is often assigned to the experience of death and dying, however from my cultural lens/experience, grief is embedded in the spiritual, ancestral, human existential experience and is part of all life cycles. In short, grief comes with a loss of any type (interpersonal, existential, or physical), and is ultimately a relational separation resulting in an experience of unbalance or disharmony. My intention is to utilize creativity to be with the disruption of grief while working to regain balance.
What is Telehealth?
The terms telehealth, telebehavioral health and telemedicine are often used interchangeably, but telehealth has evolved to encapsulate a broader array of digital healthcare activities and support services. Simply stated, telehealth is any health related service offered through distance tools such as telephone, video conference, or messaging services.
How does telehealth work?
I subscribe to a HIPPA compliant telehealth service so you don't have to worry about privacy issues. Once we set up an agreement for services, I will send you a link to join a session at the appointed date and time. From there all you need is a comfortable, private space, with internet that is compatible with 10mps. Once you join the session, we will be able to communicate via voice and video for the duration of the session. Alternatively we can "meet" via telephone, in which case I will call you at the appointed day and time.
Do you offer text and email therapy?
I do not offer text and email therapy as a main form of communication. I offer video conference and phone options as a primary meeting point unless there is an accessibility concern. Please open a conversation with me if you are not able to access video conference tools.
How does expressive arts and narrative practice work through telehealth?
There truly is no substitute for the benefits of meeting in person. Believe it or not, the virtual exchange can still be effective, productive, and result in the change you are seeking. I have the benefit of experience and creativity on my side when it comes to discovering new ways to have meaningful exchanges via video contact. All I ask of clients is to be open minded. I usually request that clients have a journal and writing/coloring supplies on hand when we meet. As we get to know each other, the way we work will unfold organically. What I offer you is an opportunity to explore new ways of meeting yourself. Being an "artist" is not required and not expected - all humans have creative solutions within.
What is your fee per service?
Wellness consultations are meant to be longer term and the cost is dependent on how long we meet, what you can realistically afford, and what limits I have set within the fee scale. My baseline fee per hour is $150 for individuals and $200 for couples. If this is not a manageable fee, I offer limited lower fees spots as well as a sliding scale. For all clients who can pay the full fee, a portion will go toward supporting a low fee client. You can also sponsor a no-fee spot through an additional donation should you have the means. All fees are negotiated at the time we agree to begin working together. Brief consultation fees are listed in the descriptions here.