Why is it not about trying harder? If it were about trying harder, you would have gotten what you want by now. If you are like most of my clients, you've been trying really hard for a long time and it just isn't working. You are smart enough, good enough, loveable enough but you may be exhausted by the struggle of trying to "get it right." I suspect that you have already lived like a Super Hero. Your answers are not going to be about trying any harder.that is overwhelming. The true answer is to find the freedom and ease, not struggle; to be aligned with what works for you. You can learn to do what comes most naturally, reflexively and effortlessly. That freedom and ease happens when you live from the inside out, rather than the outside in. Back to top
	What is your therapeutic approach? My basic principle is that it is the relationship that we create between us that is healing and transformative. I believe that you are the expert in your life and I am here to join you as you walk down your path. I will support, challenge, articulate and share your process while being transparent, authentic and open in our therapeutic relationship. I am very multi-faceted in my counseling work and I have loads of helpful tools, talents and skills to assist you. I want you to develop insight and self awareness as well as be able to take action to improve your life and relationships. I am fascinated by the many stories that our minds create and how even when they are untrue, these stories influence us and may hurt us. I will support you as you challenge and dissolve those false beliefs, especially the scary ones. I will help you analyze situations in your personal and professional life and develop strategies that work for you. I also have a breadth of knowledge of the psychological and spiritual truths contained in varied teachings, myths, fairy tales, art and symbols throughout the world and over time. These story forms (from the Ugly Duckling to Avatar) are impactful on our psyches and can be useful if properly understood and integrated. Back to top
	Is medication a substitute for counseling? In some cases, a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. Working with your doctor, you can determine what is best for you. It is well-established that the long term solution to emotional and relational issues and the distress that they cause cannot be solved solely through the use of medication. Instead of just treating a symptom (such as anxiety), counseling addresses the cause of the problem as well as the behavior that may be maintaining the pattern. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness. Back to top
	Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems. Seeking counseling is an individual choice and people come to a therapist for vastly different reasons. Most of my clients have relatively functional lives but everyone goes through challenging situations or hits "bumps in the road" that just feel too big to handle alone or without another perspective. You may have successfully navigated other difficulties but there is nothing wrong with seeking extra support when you need it. In fact, counseling usually works best for those who have enough self awareness to realize that they could have more happiness with some help. It is actually a courageous step that many are afraid to make. Back to top
	What is the best way to make an appointment? You will get an appointment set up more quickly if you call me at 949.922.7800. I realize that many people would prefer to email me or text me and I do respond promptly; however, before I make an initial appointment for you, I will need to talk with you to ensure that I can address your concerns appropriately. Back to top
	What is your schedule and how long are the sessions? I see clients Monday through Thursday with appointments available throughout the day and evening. Individual sessions are generally 45 - 50 minutes in length. I see couples for an initial 75 minute meeting. If we find that you prefer longer sessions, I can create that opportunity in my schedule. Back to top
	Where are you located? My office is located in Newport Beach at 1151 Dove Street, Suite 245 near the John Wayne Airport at the intersection of Jamboree and MacArthur. See my Contact page for directions. Back to top
	What happens at the first appointment? I have you complete some paperwork in the lobby before our meeting. After we are in my office, I really want to know what is going on with you. What is not working for you in your life? What do you want? Many clients tell me that they feel some relief after the first session because they began to speak their truth to a caring person. This is the opportunity to decide if you feel comfortable with me and for me to provide a safe, supportive environment for you. If you have concerns at any time, please discuss them with me since you will gain the most benefit when you feel comfortable in our therapeutic relationship. Back to top
	How often would we be meeting? At the beginning, I recommend that we meet weekly to address the issues that bring you to counseling so that you can feel some relief and we can create a working relationship. As we progress together, we can explore a schedule that best meets your needs. If you are in crisis, additional sessions may be helpful to support you and help you cope with the crisis. Back to top
	How many sessions will I need? I cannot guarantee that your concerns will be resolved in a specific number of sessions or how long your counseling will last. It will depend on your presenting concerns, how long the problems have existed, how willing you are to do the work and what issues arise in the therapy process. Usually, we can sense together when your counseling is coming to an end. At that point, we can look at where you are and whether your life is working for you. A good indication is whether you now answer "no" to the client questions in this website. You may find that you need to end counseling earlier than expected. That's alright. You can always call me if you find that you want to return in the future and we can determine what is best for you at that point in time. Back to top
	Are sessions available over the phone? I am willing to conduct sessions by phone. Phone sessions are the most productive and helpful after we have formed our connection with a number of face-to-face meetings. Most of my clients intersperse phone sessions with in-person sessions. Working over the phone requires more effort from both of us since neither of us will have visual cues. You have to describe your current feelings verbally since I won't be able to see your expression or body language. I also will be limited to verbal feedback. However, even with the limitations, clients appreciate the availability of phone sessions and we can do good work. Remember that I cannot assure confidentiality with the use of cell phones. Back to top
	Do you accept insurance? I am not contracted with any insurance panels. I have chosen not to get on insurance panels because I believe there are currently too many risks and drawbacks when using insurance in counseling. I want to protect confidentiality, maintain the integrity of your therapeutic goals, and not pathologize your situation. I want to work on the issues that are important to you, not what the insurance company believes is best for you or what is included in the coverage. If your insurance covers out-of-network benefits, I will be happy to provide you with the paperwork that you can submit for reimbursement if you qualify. I understand that therapy can seem expensive and requires a financial commitment but your true happiness is a great return on the investment. Back to top
	What are your payment options? Payment is due at the time of the session. I accept cash, checks, MasterCard and Visa. Back to top
	What if I have additional questions? Contact me today at 949.922.7800 or visit my Contact page to email me. Back to top