Question 1

What is counseling or psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Traditionally, counseling has been viewed more as giving advice and solving problems in the here and now.
 
Psychotherapy has been viewed as a more in-depth emotional process where a person works on learning about herself or himself.  
 
Today, counseling and psychotherapy are often used interchangeably along with the word therapy.  I think of counseling and psychotherapy as one way a person chooses to address personal problems, challenges and difficulties in their life.  
 
Counseling and psychotherapy works best when the client meets with the counselor or psychotherapist at regularly scheduled times.  
 
Most people see a counselor or psychotherapist at least once per week.

Question 2

What types of therapy do you offer?

Accepted Answer

I provide a variety of therapeutic options tailored to meet individual, couple, and family needs:

• Individual Therapy: One-on-one sessions focusing on personal challenges and growth. 
 • Marriage & Relationship Therapy: Addressing issues within romantic partnerships to enhance communication and connection.
 • Family Therapy: Working with families to improve dynamics and resolve conflicts.
 • Online Counseling: Flexible therapy sessions conducted virtually for clients in California, Washington State, New York, Nevada, and British Columbia, Canada. 
 • Consultation: Professional guidance for small and medium-sized businesses to improve employee morale and resolve interpersonal conflicts.

For more details, please visit our Counseling Options page.(https://www.westcoastpsychotherapy.com/counseling-options)

Question 3

How long will psychotherapy or counseling take?

Accepted Answer

This is probably one of the most frequently asked questions.  There is a lot research available to indicate how many sessions it takes to treat a particular problem.  
 
However, my experience has been that most clients do not fit into the research categories.  For example, there are studies that indicate that anxiety should be treated in 12 to 16 sessions.  
 
A large number of these studies or examples do not include people with multiple problems.  For example a study on using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with children who are afraid to go to school generally does not include students who are afraid to go to school, who live in a "rough" neighborhood and whose parents are getting divorced and often verbally fight.  
 
The approach I recommend is to discuss the expected length of time you will be in counseling or psychotherapy with your potential counselor or psychotherapist as many things go into determining how long you will be in counseling and psychotherapy.  S/he will likely recommend a course of treatment that is appropriate for your goals.

Question 4

What therapeutic approaches or theories do you use when providing therapy?

Accepted Answer

I employ a variety of therapeutic approaches tailored to each client’s unique needs:

• Psychodynamic Psychotherapy: Explores how past experiences, including childhood, influence current thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This insight-oriented therapy helps develop effective coping mechanisms. 
 • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns to promote positive behavioral changes. It’s particularly effective for treating anxiety disorders.
 • Gottman Method Couples Therapy:(https://www.westcoastpsychotherapy.com/gottman-method-couples-therapy) A research-based approach that enhances relationship stability and satisfaction through improved communication, increased intimacy, and effective conflict resolution.
 • Brainspotting:(https://www.westcoastpsychotherapy.com/brainspotting) A cutting-edge modality that uses eye positions to access and process deep-seated emotions and traumas, facilitating profound healing and recovery.

For more detailed information on each approach, please visit my Counseling Style page.(https://www.westcoastpsychotherapy.com/counseling-style)

Question 5

How much does therapy cost?

Accepted Answer

Therapy costs vary based on the type of service:

• Individual Counseling: $295 per session.
 • Marriage/Relationship Counseling / Couples Therapy: $450 for a 90-minute session.
 • Group Counseling: $130 per session.

For detailed information, please refer to our Counseling Fees and Insurance page.(https://www.westcoastpsychotherapy.com/counseling-fees)

Question 6

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

I accept the following insurance plans:

• Anthem
 • Medicare
 • Wellfleet/Blue Shield of California (SHIP for UC Berkeley students only)
No other Blue Shield plans and no other insurances are accepted.

For those who do not have the insurances above, I can provide a “superbill” that you may submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement, depending on your out-of-network benefits. It’s advisable to contact your insurance provider to understand your coverage.

For more details, please visit the Counseling Fees page.(https://www.westcoastpsychotherapy.com/counseling-fees)

Question 7

Are you able to see people with really busy schedules?

Accepted Answer

I will do my best to accomodate your schedule but remember you're making a committment to yourself as well as to your counselor or psychotherapist.  
 
It would be best to set aside the time for your appointments. Currently, I have a very limited number of appointments available.I only provide urgent appointments for current clients.  I also offer Saturday morning appointments for couples.

Question 8

Do you prescribe medications?

Accepted Answer

I do not prescribe medications.  The only professionals that are able to prescribe medications are medical doctors, nurse practitioners and physician assistants.  
 
Psychiatric medications are best managed by a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner.

Question 9

I am still not sure that I need or want counseling or psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

This decision is ultimately up to you.  I can have a brief 10 minute phone conversation (https://www.westcoastpsychotherapy.com/contact)to help you determine if you would like to schedule an appointment with me.  
 
If you decide to come in for an initial session we can further discuss your concerns and uncertainty. Hopefully, you will have a clearer idea if counseling or psychotherapy with me would be helpful by the end of the first session.  Give it a try and see what happens.

Question 10

I think a friend or relative may need counseling or psychotherapy.  What should I do?

Accepted Answer

You can begin by talking with the person about your concerns and suggest counseling or psychotherapy as one of the methods that can be used to address the concerns that you have about the person.  
 
The person should then be the one to actively explore counseling or psychotherapy options.  If the person is not willing to actively do this then counseling or psychotherapy is most likely not a priority for her or him at this time.

Question 11

How do I schedule an appointment?

Accepted Answer

Scheduling a session is simple. You can reach out using the contact form,(https://www.westcoastpsychotherapy.com/contact) or call me directly at 510-213-9284. I offer a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation so we can briefly discuss your needs, answer any questions, and determine if working together feels like the right fit.

Frequently Asked Quesitons

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Take the Next Step

Whether you’re looking for individual support, couples therapy, or a more intensive approach, I’m here to help. If you still have questions or want to schedule a consultation, I invite you to reach out.