My Approach to Helping
You may be educated, even successful, but in spite of your accomplishments may feel embarrassed that you struggle to feel good about yourself or have difficulties with relationships. I believe it's human to struggle and that we all can benefit from self-exploration.
In my view, your mind is effectively your GPS for living and so you want it to be healthy and bug-free. I can help you get a deeper understanding of you. Your mind. Your psychology. In the context of your family history and cultural experiences. You may desire better self-esteem, or less anxiety, or to feel more comfortable with closeness or vulnerability. Or you may want to improve your communication skills or work on parenting. The better you understand your operating system - your reactions, sensitivities, anxieties, patterns, etc. - the more skillful you'll become in responding to life's inevitable challenges. Everyone in your life benefits. And you do too.
With humor and compassion, alongside extensive training and 20 years of experience in private practice, I'll help you develop the self-awareness, skills and solutions that you need so that you can grow from your struggles and live up to your potential. My approach is flexible and practical, tailored to meet your needs for getting at the root of what makes you tick and is getting in your way.
More Info About My Practice
My Marin office in San Rafael office is just a mile from Highway 101 with free parking. My San Francisco office is a stone's throw from the Presidio in Laurel Heights.
Please see my website for significantly more information about my services, approach, background and fees. I offer a free phone consultation to assess your needs and welcome your inquiry. I look forward to hearing from you.
Important Factors for Choosing a Therapist
I feel for people considering therapy. Something isn't feeling right in your life, you've come to consider getting help, are pushing through our toxic cultural stigma around getting help for a mental health issue. But what kind of help and with whom? Therapy is a commitment of time and resources. Selp-help apps abound alongside new as well as traditional types of therapy, but where is the evidence amidst the claims of effectiveness? As well, there are many, many therapists to choose from of varying skill and effectiveness. Insurance coverage is limited.
The reality is that finding a meet in-person, talk therapist who is the right fit for you is a lot like dating. It's very likely that you'll need to consult with multiple therapists, especially if you're trying to use your in-network insurance benefit as these plans reimburse therapists so little that many skilled and experienced therapists don't bother with insurance.
While this may sound pessimistic, don't despair. I hope this information helps you to be realistic in recognizing that choosing a therapist is a process of finding someone who is the right match for you. It's not uncommon for people to try out therapy with a therapist who was not a good fit for them and then conclude that therapy doesn't really help them. Which sadly may contribute to a sense of hopelessness and resignation.
You should feel comfortable sharing thoughts and feelings with your therapist, and your initial sessions should inspire hope, curiosity and cooperation. Your therapist should offer you something new. If you're feeling too uncomfortable or bored, hopeless or resistant after your first meetings you probably should consider seeking help from someone else with whom you might be a better match. When you do find someone who is a good fit, it can be a truly life-changing and rewarding experience! Good luck!
Clinicians who offer sliding scale payment structures may offer lower or reduced fees based on an individual's ability to pay. Please contact this clinician for more details regarding their fees or sliding scale policy.