Counseling FAQs

Who do you usually see in counseling? 

I help married couples who want to strengthen their relationship and save their marriage. I also help individuals working on relationship issues. 

How do you help married couples? 

Most couples struggle with communication. Or they’re fighting* a lot and feeling disconnected from each other. A lot of people are on the verge of divorce by the time they call for help.

You may even be wondering if its too late – if you can still save your marriage. You probably really love each other but you can’t figure out how to get back to a good place. Because when you’re “triggered,” you do or say things that you regret.

That’s why it’s so important to explore your childhood and family-of-origin relationship triggers. You can read more about Marriage Counseling HERE.

(*Note: If fighting has ever become physical between you, safety is the top priority. Therefore, I do not do couples counseling. I recommend contacting the Coalition for Family Harmony.)

Do you do premarital counseling?

Yes, I help couples who are planning to move in together or get married. It’s really important to help you prepare so you are off to a good start. We talk about money, roles (who does what around the house etc.), sex, kids, in-laws/families-of-origin, and religion if that’s important to you. We’ll also talk about the issues specific to you and your relationship.

How do you help individuals? 

I often see single women (and men too 🙂 who are working on relationships issues.

You may be trying to figure out how to find someone good to share your life with. You want to break your pattern of choosing men (women)  who don’t treat you right.

You may also need support as you decide whether or not to stay in your current relationship.

We can explore how your relationship patterns fit with your childhood and family-of-origin patterns and what you can do to attract and have the kind of relationship you really want. You can read more about Relationship Counseling HERE.

Do you help people with anxiety or depression?

Yes, if you are struggling in relationships, you may be experiencing anxiety, depression, or both. You can read more about How Counseling Works HERE.

Do you work with any other issues?

Yes, I also provide grief counseling. Because once you’ve found someone to love who really loves you, losing them is often the hardest thing you’ll ever experience.

What kind of therapist are you?

I’m a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I’ve been licensed since 1991.

What is your educational background? 

In addition to my Marriage and Family Therapy Masters education, training, and licensure, I also have a Doctorate in Marriage and Family Studies. You can read more about this, including my doctoral research about women’s work and family roles HERE.

What kinds of University Teaching did you do? 

I was full-time Assistant Professor of Undergraduate Psychology for 9 years.

I also taught Masters students who were becoming Marriage and Family Therapists for 7 years.

You can read more about the courses I taught HERE.

How did you end up in the Wall Street Journal, LA Parent Magazine, and Cosmopolitan?

I’ve had the honor of contributing to multiple newspapers, radio shows, and online magazines. It is really fun to share with reporters who want to help their readers/listeners understand how relationships work.

You can view additional Press HERE.

Do you ever share with our local community?

Yes, I had a Finding Mr/Ms Right Meetup at E.P. Foster Library here in Ventura for several years. I have loved sharing about psychology and relationships for the past 30 years. You can view a complete list of presentations and workshops HERE.

How did you write finding Mr. Right?

It was a compilation of blog articles and other stories from my workshops, presentations and teaching.

Do you offer any other services besides talk counseling?

Yes, I am also a Certified Hypnotherapist and a Certified Guided Imagery Practitioner.

These other (optional) approaches often provide new insight and healing.

Do you accept insurance? 

I’m not on any insurance plans. If you’d like a therapist who accepts your insurance, I suggest reaching out to your insurance company directly. Or you can go to CounselingCalifornia.com and filter for your insurance company under Payment Options.

What is the cost for individual counseling?

The cost for a 50-minute session of individual counseling is $225.

What is the cost for couples counseling?

Couples benefit from longer sessions. The cost for a 60-minute session of couples counseling is $275. 

How often do we meet? 

We usually meet once a week.  Otherwise, it can be really hard for you to wait longer than a week in between your sessions.

What happens in the first session?

The first one or two sessions are mostly background and history. I find I can be more helpful if I get the big picture first.

How long does counseling typically last? 

That is completely up to you. It depends how much you want to explore and how much better you want to feel. It usually takes a few months for us to get to know each other – I’m getting to know you and figuring out your relationship patterns. And you’re learning to trust me. After that therapy really starts to click.

We usually have a sense when you’re in a good place and it’s time to start  wrapping up. But, of course, you are free to stop any time you want. 

Do you offer a free phone consultation?

Yes. We can chat on the phone for 10-15 minutes to see how I can help and if we’re a good fit. 

Are you doing in-person sessions?

Yes! All my sessions are in-person.

Which days are you in the office? 

I am in the office Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursday afternoons.

Where is your office located?

I’m at 260 Maple Court Suite 127 in Ventura, around the corner from the Pacific View mall. The buildings on our street all look alike. My building is at the end of the cul-de-sac on the right hand side.

How can I reach you?

The easiest way to get in touch is to just call me on my cell (805) 585-0838.

You can also complete the Contact form HERE.