Frequently Asked Questions
General
As a therapist, I have the necessary skills and experience to guide you on the path of self-discovery and acceptance. If you’re struggling with anxiety or depression, trauma, men’s issues, gender or sexuality issues, or relationship struggles, I can provide you with the right tools to support your healing and growth.
Click the link to contact me for a free consultation. This will be an opportunity for us to get to know one another, and I can answer any questions you have about therapy.
I do not submit or process insurance claims with any insurance carriers. However, I do provide you with a monthly Superbill that you can submit to your personal insurance carrier for reimbursement, as almost all carriers have an out-of-network mental health coverage policy. Check with your insurance carrier for reimbursement rates.
Yes, I offer therapy in person at two convenient and accessible office locations, Sherman Oaks and West Hollywood, both with ample street parking.
Individual and Couples therapy is offered online, family is typically only provided in-person.
For Individual Therapy, the number of sessions is different from person to person. Some individuals work on just one presenting issue for a short while, while others continue to explore their goals and challenges in a more longer-term experience.
For Couples and Families, therapy typically lasts between 10-20 sessions. Couples tend to return routinely for check-ins.
I am a licensed therapist specializing in LGBTQ+ Affirmative Emotionally Focused Therapy. My approach to therapy is person-centered, relational, and collaborative. I work with individuals and couples to reduce distress and promote well-being.
Therapy sessions often involve learning new coping skills, communication techniques, and other strategies that promote mental wellness. As people continue with therapy sessions over time, they develop stronger emotional resilience that helps them overcome challenges in life.
As an experienced psychotherapist, I specialize in treating a wide range of issues related to individuals and couples. One common issue that individuals seek treatment for is anxiety and depression. I help my clients overcome their traumas and free themselves from feeling stuck and dissatisfied with their lives and relationships.
I also work with couples experiencing relationship problems, such as communication difficulties, trust issues, lack of sex and intimacy, and infidelity. Many individuals come to me seeking support through major life transitions such as divorce or career changes.
Additionally, as a gay licensed therapist, I have the necessary training and experience to help members of the LGBTQ+ community heal and find their path toward self-discovery, self-acceptance, and self-love.
I have two office locations in the Los Angeles area – Sherman Oaks and West Hollywood. I also provide online therapy (telehealth) to individuals and couples across California.
Yes, I provide online therapy addressed to individuals and couples who are experiencing concerns with sex and intimacy or issues that are impacting the quality of relationship. Emotionally focused therapy can provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals and couples to address their concerns and work towards creating a more fulfilling and satisfying relationship with sex and intimacy. This can be achieved regardless of if this type of mental health service is provided in person or online.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal human emotion that everyone experiences from time to time. However, when anxiety becomes persistent and starts to impact a person’s daily life, it can develop into an anxiety disorder. There are several types of anxiety disorders:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): People with GAD experience excessive and uncontrollable worry about a range of issues, such as work, finances, or relationships. They may also experience physical symptoms such as muscle tension, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping.
- Panic disorder: People with panic disorder experience sudden and intense episodes of fear, known as panic attacks. These episodes may be accompanied by physical symptoms such as chest pain, sweating, and shaking.
- Social anxiety disorder: People with social anxiety disorder experience fear or anxiety in social situations or situations where they feel they may be judged or evaluated. They may avoid social situations altogether or experience significant distress when faced with these situations.
- Specific phobias: People with specific phobias experience an intense and persistent fear of a specific object or situation, such as heights, spiders, or flying.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): People with OCD experience intrusive and unwanted thoughts or obsessions, which lead them to engage in repetitive behaviors or compulsions to relieve anxiety.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): People with PTSD experience anxiety and other symptoms after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as war, natural disasters, or physical or sexual assault.
- Separation anxiety disorder: Separation anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive and inappropriate anxiety related to separation from people to whom the individual has a strong emotional attachment.
Studies have shown that therapy can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and improve overall mental health and well-being. Different treatments for anxiety may be more effective for different individuals and types of anxiety.
It is important to note that the effectiveness of anxiety therapy can depend on a variety of factors, including the severity of symptoms, the individual’s willingness to engage in therapy, and the expertise of the therapist. Additionally, individual outcomes may vary, and some individuals may require ongoing therapy or additional support to manage their symptoms.
CBT is considered the gold standard for treating anxiety. CBT is a therapy approach that focuses on identifying and changing maladaptive cognitive patterns and subsequent behaviors that contribute to anxiety symptoms.
One of the ways that CBT can be helpful for managing anxiety is by helping individuals understand their thinking patterns and unlock new ways of thinking. In CBT, we reframe cognitions, challenge beliefs, and reorient thinking so that a plethora of pathways emerge, not just the path that leads to anxiety.
I help my clients explore and process their thinking patterns, which helps them develop greater insight into their meaning and behaviors.
Trauma
Trauma is caused by a wide range of experiences that overwhelm an individual’s capacity to cope. Traumatic events can occur at any point in a person’s life and can have long-lasting effects on their mental health and well-being. Some common causes of trauma include:
- Physical or sexual abuse
- Accidents and injuries
- Natural disasters
- Military combat
- Life-threatening medical conditions
- Domestic violence
- Loss and grief
- Bullying (school, community, online)
Traumatic experiences can have a range of effects on an individual’s mental and emotional health, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other forms of emotional distress.
In our in-person or online therapy sessions, we will work to create a safe space where you can explore your traumatic memories and emotions without fear of judgment or rejection. Trauma therapy will help you develop a greater sense of self-awareness and learn to regulate your emotions, allowing you to feel more in control of your life and more connected to yourself and others.
Through our trauma therapy program, you can expect to:
Gain a greater understanding of the impact of trauma on your emotional and physical health
Develop strategies to manage the symptoms of trauma, such as flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, and hyperarousal
Learn to regulate your emotions and feel more in control of your emotional responses
Build secure attachments with others, allowing you to feel more connected and supported
Develop a greater sense of agency and control over your life.
Trauma recovery uses a range of techniques to help clients overcome traumatic experiences:
- Attachment-focused techniques can help clients identify and address patterns of attachment that may be contributing to their trauma symptoms.
- Emotional regulation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualization exercises can help clients regulate their emotions and develop a greater sense of control.
- Identifying negative patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that may contribute to their trauma symptoms can help trauma survivors to challenge them and develop more positive and adaptive ways of thinking.
- Narrative techniques involve helping clients reframe their experiences in a more positive light. This can help clients find meaning and purpose in their traumatic experiences and develop a greater sense of resilience.
- My approach to psychotherapy provides access to tools that allow individuals to develop self-compassion and learn to treat themselves with kindness and understanding, so they can be better equipped to manage their mental health disorder.
Men's Issues
Toxic masculinity refers to the harmful cultural norms and expectations that promote a narrow and limiting definition of masculinity. These norms may include beliefs that men should be tough, aggressive, emotionally stoic, and dominant and that any deviation from these norms is a sign of weakness. These societal messages can be harmful to men’s mental health, as they can lead to a sense of shame or inadequacy if men are unable to meet these expectations. Toxic masculinity can manifest in various ways, such as through gender-based violence, homophobia, and a lack of emotional expression or vulnerability. It can also contribute to harmful attitudes toward women and other marginalized groups, perpetuating discrimination and inequality.
Therapy for men helps my clients learn to identify the emotions that underlie their thoughts and behaviors and develop greater emotional awareness and regulation. Together, we can challenge the harmful societal messages surrounding masculinity and develop a more positive and healthy sense of self. By exploring and processing emotions related to your experiences with toxic masculinity, you can learn to develop a greater sense of empathy, communicate more effectively, and build stronger, more fulfilling relationships.
- Acknowledging the need for help in the first place. Many men may feel ashamed or weak for needing therapy, leading them to avoid seeking help altogether.
- Some men find it difficult to access and express their emotions – they are often socialized to suppress their emotions and instead focus on being logical and practical.
- Some men may simply not have the words or vocabulary to express what they are feeling or experience, which can make it even harder to articulate and explain what they are feeling.
- Some traditional forms of therapy may not resonate as well with men as they do with women. For example, group therapy sessions that rely heavily on sharing personal experiences might be less appealing to a man than to a woman.
- Some men might find it hard to find or locate the therapist they prefer. Some men prefer a therapist who also identifies as a man so they feel that someone truly understands what they are going through.
Depression
As a therapist, I often hear this question from individuals who are struggling with their emotions. It’s normal to feel sad from time to time, but depression is a persistent and often debilitating mental health condition. Here are some signs that you may be experiencing depression, rather than just passing sadness:
- Duration: Sadness is a natural emotional response to stressors or negative events in life, but it tends to be temporary. Depression, on the other hand, can last for weeks, months, or even years.
- Intensity: While sadness is a normal emotional experience, depression is characterized by feelings of intense sadness, hopelessness, and despair that can be overwhelming.
- Interference with daily life: Depression can interfere with daily life, affecting work, relationships, and other aspects of life. You may find yourself withdrawing from social activities, struggling to complete daily tasks, or experiencing difficulty concentrating.
- Physical symptoms: Depression can also cause physical symptoms, such as fatigue, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and unexplained aches and pains.
- Suicidal thoughts: Individuals with depression may experience thoughts of death or suicide. If you are experiencing these thoughts, it’s essential to seek help immediately.
Depression is a complex mental health condition that can present itself in various forms. Here are some types of depression:
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Major depression is the most common form of depression. It is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, lack of interest in activities, and other symptoms that can affect an individual’s daily life.
- Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD): PDD, also known as dysthymia, is a form of depression that lasts for at least two years. Individuals with PDD may experience fewer symptoms than those with MDD, but the symptoms can be long-lasting and affect their overall well-being.
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): SAD is a type of depression that occurs during the fall and winter months when there is less sunlight. It can cause feelings of sadness, lack of energy, and changes in appetite.
- Postpartum Depression (PPD): PPD is a form of depression that occurs after childbirth. It can cause feelings of sadness, irritability, and anxiety, and can affect a mother’s ability to bond with her newborn.
- Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar disorder involves cycles of depression and mania, which can include feelings of euphoria, impulsiveness, and increased energy.
- Psychotic Depression: Psychotic depression is a severe form of depression that can include hallucinations, delusions, and other symptoms of psychosis.
As a therapist specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I have a holistic approach to treating depression. I focus on improving thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, how they relate to each other, and how changing the way you evaluate a situation can change your reaction. CBT is designed to alter the damaging negative thinking and feelings that you develop about yourself.
In therapy, we will examine your core beliefs about yourself, the assumptions that you make when interpreting your circumstances, and the negative automatic thoughts that keep you stuck. We might also introduce mindfulness and emotional regulation strategies to keep you grounded.
Couples
As a therapist specializing in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and LGBTQ+ Affirmative Therapy, I approach sex and intimacy from a holistic and client-centered perspective. This means that I will work collaboratively with you to address your specific sexual concerns and goals while taking into consideration your unique experiences and identities. In EFT, the focus is on helping clients understand and regulate their emotions and fostering secure emotional attachment between partners. This approach can be particularly beneficial in sex and intimacy, as emotional intimacy is often closely linked to sexual satisfaction and desire. By helping clients identify and express their emotions, and supporting the development of a secure emotional bond between partners, I can help improve sexual communication, intimacy, and satisfaction.
As a gay therapist specializing in LGBTQ+ Affirmative Therapy, I am sensitive to the unique challenges and experiences faced by individuals who identify as LGBTQ+. This includes an awareness of how societal and cultural factors can impact their sexual identity and expression. Whether we’re talking about individual therapy or couples therapy, I always aim to create a safe and inclusive space for clients to explore their sexual concerns and needs and work collaboratively with them to develop strategies and techniques that take into consideration their identities and experiences. My focus will be on emotional regulation, secure attachment, and client-centered strategies that are sensitive to the needs and experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Emotionally focused couple therapy (EFT) is a powerful and highly effective approach to couples therapy that focuses on the emotional connections between partners. This type of therapeutic intervention is based on the idea that our emotions are at the core of our relationships, and that by understanding and working with these emotions, couples can create a deeper, more meaningful connection with one another.
EFT fundamentally works to change negative patterns of interaction that keep you and your partner stuck in conflict and disconnection. EFT is a structured approach that involves identifying the negative patterns of interaction causing problems in your relationship, managing negative emotions, promoting greater emotional safety and trust, accessing new ways of communicating and responding to one another’s needs and emotions, and creating a plan for maintaining your emotional connection and strengthening your relationship.
EFT is a short-term form of psychotherapy, typically starting with a commitment to 8 sessions, and can go longer depending on the nature of the relationship and degree of distress. Couples typically do see some improvements in their relationships relatively quickly. Studies have found that up to 90% of couples who undergo EFT experience significant long-lasting improvements in their relationships, even after therapy has ended.
EFT is suitable for all types of relationships: heterosexual or same-sex, married, pre-marital or dating, young or old, EFT meets the specific needs and challenges you and your partner face in your relationship.
LGBTQ+
LGBTQ+ Affirmative Psychology recognizes the unique challenges faced by individuals who identify as LGBTQ and seeks to provide support and understanding for them. This form of therapy can be particularly helpful for those struggling with feelings of confusion, self-doubt, or isolation.
One of the key principles of LGBTQ Affirmative Psychology is the idea that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This type of therapy helps individuals to develop resilience and self-advocacy skills, and it can also provide a greater sense of self-awareness and understanding of their own identity.
My focus is on providing a safe, non-judgmental, and accepting environment in which my clients can explore their feelings and experiences. I strive to create a space that is free of stigma, shame, and discrimination so that individuals can develop healthier relationships with themselves and their identities.
LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy can help you gain the confidence and courage to be more vocal about your identity and to advocate for your rights. It can also help you to cope with the stress and anxiety that can come with being an LGBTQ person. You will gain a greater understanding of your identity and learn how to navigate various social and cultural environments.
While the process of transitioning can be one of the most exciting and empowering life stages for gender-diverse and trans people, it can also be an emotionally and physically challenging journey. The gender transition process can involve many different steps, from medical interventions such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to social and lifestyle changes.
I can provide support throughout this process, helping you to navigate the many complex emotions and experiences you may encounter. This could include assisting you in understanding your gender identity, exploring your gender expression, and developing coping skills to manage any distress you may feel. I can also provide counseling and support to family members, helping them to better understand and accept their loved one’s gender identity.