That’s a great question. You may know that something in your life is “just not right.” Or you may feel that “things could be better” but you don’t know how to make them better... or why you feel that way.  You may have recently experienced changes - in your work environment, your family relationships, your health - that have added unwanted stress and conflict. When it’s difficult to sort things out, counseling can help you clarify the issues, discuss solutions and begin a journey of healing and a happier life experience.
Therapy can improve the quality of your life and relationships, and the positive effects can bring greater peace, joy and a more balanced perspective.

You can always call 911 and explain your situation. Or you can talk to someone at the following numbers anytime day or night:

• In Alameda County the 24-hour Crisis Line is 1-800-309-2131

• The Parental Stress Hotline is 1-510-893-5444.

• In Contra Costa County the Crisis Hotline is 1-800-833-2900.

It’s an exciting beginning on the road to feeling better. Some people feel a little nervous, but rest assured I will go at your pace. As usual in today’s world, there’s a little paperwork that needs to be done: two forms to fill out, so please plan to arrive 5-10 minutes early or download the forms and complete them prior to coming in. When you arrive at the office, please take a seat in the waiting area. Within minutes I will be there to greet you and invite you into the counseling room. First, we will review the forms and then I invite you to share in more detail what brought you to counseling. And the journey begins ... providing support and seeking solutions to your concerns.

Each session is 50-55 minutes for adults, couples or families. Sessions with teens are usually 45-50 minutes. Some families may chose a longer session of ninety minutes to allow family members more time for individual input and shared discussion. The fee for a longer session is prorated.

At the onset, it is best to come in every week. I invite you to make a time commitment, but the length of therapy varies depending on your needs and goals. Experience shows it takes some time to explore your concerns and work together to make the changes you desire. It might be for a few months, however some people find they are feeling better sooner and switch to every other week. Therapy is an investment in you. Whether it is for two months or six months, making a consistent time commitment will bring forth the best results. My goal is to help you (in the shortest time frame possible) develop strategies that sustain you. Feel free to ask any questions at your first session.

Yes, I currently provide services for older children and teens. I have many years of experience with both age groups and find great satisfaction in helping children and adolescents learn new social and relational skills, as well as gain more self-assurance about their own abilities to handle stress and challenging situations. Play therapy is the best mode of treatment to help your child address and resolve problems. Through play, children learn about themselves and learn how to better communicate with others, how to express their feelings and how to modify their behavior. Psychosocial difficulties can be addressed and a child can learn new ways of working through problems that supports his/her optimal development. Play therapy with children and teens can also increase problem-solving abilities and promote positive change with anxious or irrational thinking. It can help build empathy and respect for others, increase responsibility for behaviors, improve insight, and assist a child with overcoming low self-esteem.

I offer compassionate mental health services to individuals and families to help them overcome a variety of psychological concerns.
My specialties involve these areas: 1) training people of all ages how to overcome low self-esteem and lead happier, more productive lives; 2) improving mental health for children and families; 3) my passion for group therapy, where I actively engage a group, so clients can work through issues in a supportive environment and experience accelerated personal growth.  My focus with different groups includes women’s issues, grief work and eating disorders; 4) grief counseling - supporting clients as they emotionally heal after the loss of a loved one; and 5) helping clients gain peace and strength in coping with chronic illness.

In general you will start to feel better. Together we will review your progress every few weeks and discuss what’s going well and where else you want the focus to be. One way you know you are getting better is when the symptoms or issues that brought you here have decreased. When you experience more peace, greater joy, increased connection with others, or fewer troubling thoughts and feelings, you can be assured you are making progress.

I accept checks, cash, Debit, Visa, Discover or MasterCard.  Payment is due at the time of each session. 
Sliding scale is provided on a limited basis for private pay clients.  Time in therapy is truly an investment in you. My aim is to be efficient and focused on your goals, so that your time and money are well spent.

Yes I do.  I am a provider for Blue Cross and Blue Shield.  Any co-payments will need to be paid at the time of service.  I will then bill for reimbursement.