Getting Started with Therapy
How do I know if I need therapy?
If you're asking this question, therapy might be helpful. Common signs include: -Feeling stuck in patterns you can't break on your own -Experiencing anxiety, depression, or overwhelming stress -Struggling with relationships, boundaries, or communication -Carrying unresolved pain from your past -Feeling disconnected from yourself or unsure who you are -Wanting to understand yourself better and create lasting change You don't need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Many people start therapy simply because they want support in growing, healing, or navigating life transitions.
What's the difference between therapy and counseling?
While the terms are often used interchangeably, therapy typically goes deeper than counseling. Counseling often focuses on specific current problems and practical coping strategies, while therapy explores root causes—early experiences, family patterns, core beliefs—to create lasting transformation. My approach is psychoanalytical, meaning we dive beneath the surface to understand why patterns exist, not just how to manage symptoms.
How do I schedule my first appointment?
Start by booking a free 15-minute consultation. We'll discuss what you're experiencing, what you're looking for, and whether we're a good fit. If we decide to work together, we'll schedule your first full session from there.
About My Therapy Approach
What is your therapeutic approach?
I'm psychoanalytical at heart, which means I focus on understanding the deeper roots of your struggles—where patterns began, what they're protecting, and how your past influences your present. At the same time, I provide practical tools you can use now: somatic practices, thought-challenging techniques, journaling prompts, and boundary-setting strategies. This dual approach creates both immediate relief and long-term healing.
What does trauma-informed therapy mean?
Trauma-informed therapy recognizes how past experiences—especially traumatic ones—shape how you see yourself, relate to others, and move through the world. It means I create a safe, non-judgmental space where you're not re-traumatized by the therapeutic process itself. I understand nervous system responses, attachment wounds, and how trauma lives in the body, and I adjust my approach accordingly.
What does culturally responsive therapy mean?
Culturally responsive therapy honors your full identity—your race, ethnicity, cultural background, gender, sexuality, religion, immigration experience, and more. I understand that therapy models are often built on Western, individualistic values that don't fit everyone's reality. Your therapy will respect your cultural context, family dynamics, and lived experiences without imposing a one-size-fits-all approach.
Do you assign homework?
Sometimes. I might suggest journaling prompts, somatic practices, or boundary-setting exercises between sessions—but only if it feels supportive, not burdensome. The goal is to help you integrate what we discuss in session into your daily life, not to add stress or pressure.
Online Therapy & Logistics
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Yes. Research consistently shows that online therapy (also called teletherapy or telehealth) is just as effective as in-person therapy for most concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and more. Many clients find online therapy more convenient, comfortable, and accessible than traditional office visits.
What platform do you use for online sessions?
I use a HIPAA-compliant, secure video platform designed specifically for telehealth. You'll receive a link before your session—just click it at your appointment time, and we'll connect. No downloads or special software required.
What do I need for an online therapy session?
-A private, quiet space where you won't be interrupted -A reliable internet connection -A computer, tablet, or smartphone with a camera and microphone -Headphones (optional, but helpful for privacy)
What if I don't live in California or travel a lot?
I'm licensed to provide therapy to residents of California. Due to licensing regulations, I can only see clients who are physically located in California during our sessions. If you're a California resident temporarily traveling out of state, we'll need to pause sessions until you return.
Do you offer in-person therapy?
Yes, I offer limited in-person sessions in Santa Clara, California, in addition to online therapy. Many clients find online therapy more convenient, but I'm happy to meet in person if that feels like a better fit for you. We can discuss your preference during our free consultation.
Therapy Sessions & Process
What happens in the first session?
The first session is about getting to know each other and understanding what brings you to therapy. We'll discuss: -What you're struggling with and what you hope to change -Your history, family background, and relevant experiences -What therapy will look like and how we'll work together -Any questions or concerns you have You won't have to share anything you're not ready to share. The first session is as much about you getting a feel for me and the process as it is about me understanding your needs.
How long are therapy sessions?
Sessions are typically 50 minutes. We'll meet weekly or biweekly depending on your needs and what feels sustainable for you.
How often will we meet?
Most clients benefit from weekly sessions, especially when starting therapy. As you progress, we might shift to biweekly or monthly sessions. Consistency is important for building trust and creating lasting change, so I generally recommend at least weekly sessions initially.
How long will I be in therapy?
Therapy length varies by person and goals. Some people work with me for a few months; others stay for years. I specialize in long-term therapy because deep, sustainable healing takes time. We're not just managing symptoms—we're exploring roots, changing patterns, and building new ways of being. That process unfolds over months to years, not weeks.
Can I stop therapy anytime?
Yes. You're never trapped in therapy. That said, I encourage open conversation if you're thinking about ending. Sometimes the urge to quit comes right before a breakthrough, and talking through it can be valuable. If ending therapy is the right choice, we'll create a plan for closure.
Cost & Insurance
How much does therapy cost?
My fee is $200 per session for individual therapy and $275 for couples . I offer a limited number of sliding scale spots for clients experiencing financial hardship. Payment is due at the time of service.
Do you accept insurance?
I accept Aetna, United Healthcare, Oscar, and Optum. For clients with other insurance, I'm an out-of-network provider and can provide superbills for potential reimbursement.
What's a superbill and how does reimbursement work?
A superbill is an itemized receipt with all the information your insurance company needs to process an out-of-network claim. After each session, I provide you with a superbill that you submit to your insurance. Depending on your plan's out-of-network benefits, they may reimburse you for a portion of the session cost. I recommend calling your insurance to ask about out-of-network mental health benefits before starting therapy. I work with a third-party company called Mentayathat helps you use your out of network benefits to get partial reimbursement for your sessions. If you want to check how much you qualify for you can use this link here: https://app.mentaya.com/public/practices/SlNWWleKx9BcdOL2re3a/eligibility?p=j49TlSPH9GhVXzHIYt5I
Do you offer a sliding scale?
Yes, I offer a limited number of reduced-fee spots for clients who genuinely cannot afford my full fee. Sliding scale availability changes, so please ask during our consultation if cost is a barrier.
Specific Therapy Concerns
I've tried therapy before and it didn't help. Will this be different?
Maybe. Not all therapy is the same, and not all therapists are the right fit for every person. If past therapy felt too surface-level, my depth-oriented approach might resonate more. If past therapists didn't address trauma or cultural context, my trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach might be a better fit. The therapeutic relationship matters enormously—sometimes finding the right therapist makes all the difference.
What if I don't know what to talk about in session?
That's normal and completely fine. I'll guide the conversation, ask questions, and help you explore what's coming up. You don't need to have a script or agenda—just show up and we'll figure it out together.
Will you tell me what to do?
Not exactly. My role isn't to give you answers or tell you how to live your life. It's to help you understand yourself more deeply so you can make your own informed decisions. I'll offer insights, tools, and perspectives, but ultimately, you're the expert on your own life.
What if talking about my problems makes them worse?
This is a common fear. Sometimes things feel harder before they feel better—that's part of the healing process. Avoiding pain doesn't make it go away; it just keeps it buried. In therapy, we create a safe container to explore difficult emotions without being consumed by them. You'll have support, tools, and someone trained to help you process—not just stir things up and leave you to handle it alone.
Do you prescribe medication?
No. I'm a therapist (LMFT), not a psychiatrist, so I don't prescribe medication. However, I work collaboratively with clients who are on medication or considering it. If you're interested in exploring medication as part of your treatment, I can provide referrals to psychiatrists I trust.