• I’ve never been in therapy before. What’s the first session like?

The first session is called an intake.  I usually meet with the parent(s) and the teen together for a few minutes.  We go over confidentiality agreements and your rights as a client.  I ask what has brought you into therapy and listen to both parent(s) and teen.  I take notes during this session because I want to understand not only what’s going on in your family, but what other factors are in your life. Then I usually meet with the teen alone in order to better understand the teen’s perspective. I will end with either meeting with the parent(s) alone or with the parent(s) and teen together again.  All sessions are an hour long.

• How often do I come and for how long?

You come every week. Think of therapy as a gym for your psyche. I am going to coach you, but you are going to do the work. And, just as when you begin to work out at the gym, it will take about 5 to 6 weeks to judge whether your psyche is beginning to get into ‘shape.’ I advise new clients to be gentle with themselves about the process. It is a very brave thing to begin therapy!  You are going to consciously ‘stretch’ yourself to become a stronger person – and I will be there to ‘spot’ you every session.

• Do you do free talks for teens or parents?

Yes!  Everything from Drugs 101 to the Ten Commandments of Parenting Your Teen.  Again, call me at (323) 363-9646

•  How much do you charge and do you take insurance?

I charge $120.00 for each session. I do not take insurance, but am happy to provide you with a monthly bill you can present to your insurance for reimbursement. 

•  What if I'm an adult?  Would you be my therapist?

Absolutely! I'm not a teen either, so we have a lot in common!  About a third of my practice are adults struggling with adult issues (divorce, parenting, transitions).