Therapy Services
Types of therapy: Individuals, Couples, Family, and Groups
Diversity: All genders, ethnicities, religious orientations, and sexual orientations.
Ages: Preteens / Tweens (11 to 13), Teens (14 to 17), Adults, and Elders (65+)
Theoretical Orientation: Eclectic, Gestalt, Humanistic, Mindfulness-based, Cognitive-Behavioral, Play Therapy, Family Systems, Process Oriented, Developmental Model for Couples, the Gottman Model, and Emotionally Focused Therapy.
What is Therapy?
Therapy is a process of solving emotional problems by talking with a person professionally trained to help you achieve a more fulfilling life, marital relationship, or family relationship. The process of change will, in many way, be unique to your particular situation. Who you are will determine the ways in which you go about changing your life. You may simply talk about your experiences, thought and feelings in each sessions and through this process gain greater insight about yourself.
I may make specific suggestions on how to deal with your problem or teach you new skills to cope with the emotional stress of life. I may also use techniques such as role-playing or art therapy to reach these goals. Through the process of defining the problem, understanding the origin of the difficulty and discussing your thoughts and feelings, a change may occur as you learn new skills and develop healthy attitudes about yourself and others. As the client, you have the right to ask me questions about my qualifications, background, and orientation. If at any time during the therapy you have questions about whether or not the therapy is effective, feelings about something I have said or suggested, or if you need clarification of your goals, do not hesitate to bring this up in session. The most important factor in the success of therapy is good communication between therapist and client.
Duration of Therapy
There is no standard length of therapy; it is individually determined based on the issues and concerns that bring you to psychotherapy, and an on-going assessment of your progress made.
Alternative Methods
In addition to psychotherapy, there are alternative methods that can be effective in relieving emotional distress. These can include medication for depression and/or anxiety, hypnosis for phobias, self-help groups, (for example, Alcoholics/Narcotics Anonymous for substance abuse).
Risks and Benefits of Therapy
While it has been repeatedly demonstrated that psychotherapy is of benefit for most people and in most situations, there is no guaranteed outcome. Some possible risks might include: experiencing strong feelings of anger, frustration, sadness, fear, guilt, helplessness, experiencing uncomfortable levels of anxiety and/or depression, experiencing difficulties sleeping, making decisions or difficulties with other people. There can also be unanticipated changes as a result of psychotherapy such as ending a job, or ending a relationship. Expected benefits of psychotherapy can include resolution of the specific concerns that brought you to psychotherapy, improved interpersonal relationships, enhanced work performance, lifting of depression, lessening of anxiety, and increased insight and understanding of your thoughts, feelings, and behavior.
Confidentiality
By law and professional ethics, your sessions are strictly confidential. Except in certain circumstances, no information will be shared with anyone without your written permission. I will ask for your permission if it is necessary for me to contact another professional. Also, some insurance companies require periodic updates. I will only provide this information with your permission. The exceptions to confidentiality that do not require your permission are:
1. When information is ordered by the court pursuant to a legal proceeding.
2. If you are the victim or perpetrator of child abuse or neglect, I am required by law to
report the abuse to the authorities responsible for investigating child abuse.
3. If you are a victim or perpetrator of dependent adult or elder abuse or neglect, I am
required by law to report the abuse to Adult Protective Services or other appropriate
authorities.
4. When there is reasonable suspicion that you are likely to hurt yourself or someone
else unless protective measures are taken, or if you threaten to harm yourself or
someone else, I may be required to call the police, warn the potential victim and/or
take other reasonable steps to prevent the harm.
5. When an insurance company requires disclosure of information before they will
process or pay your claim.
6. When I participate in consultation with other licensed professionals.
Telehealth
Telehealth sessions may be warranted in certain situations, or be provided at your request. Telehealth sessions comprise the use of electronic information and communication technologies by a health care provider to deliver services to an individual when he/she is located at a different site than the provider. The laws that protect privacy and the confidentiality of medical information also apply to telehealth. To protect your data and provide confidential sessions, sessions are conducted using HIPPA compliant internet software. If you elect to use telehealth for therapy sessions, you have the right to withhold or withdraw your consent to the use of telehealth at any time, without affecting your right to future care or treatment.
Session Length
Sessions are 50 minutes in length. It is important for me to end sessions promptly so that I can prepare for the next appointment. You are encouraged to arrive a few minutes before your appointment so that your session may begin at the scheduled time.
Cancellations
24-hour notice is required for cancellations without incurring a charge, unless it is a medical emergency. You can call me 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 650-504-1982 to cancel an appointment by leaving a message.
Emergencies
I am not equipped to handle 24-hour emergencies. If you are in need of immediate attention, please call Enloe Behaivioral Health Services at 530-332-5250, or call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room.
Vacations
I will give you reasonable notice before I go on vacation. Once again, emergencies will be handled by calling your local Mental Health Crisis Unit. If you feel you need continuing therapy during this time, I will make arrangements for someone to cover for me.
Terminating Counseling
You have the right to terminate or take a break from your counseling sessions at any time without permission or agreement. However, if you decide to exercise this option, I encourage you to talk over your decision with me so that sufficient closure can be brought to our work. In your final session you may discuss the progress you have made thus far and explore ways in which you can continue to use the skills and knowledge gained through your therapy. You might also discuss any referrals that you require at that time.
Mental health professionals are ethically required to continue therapeutic relationships only so long as it is reasonably clear that the client is benefiting from the relationship. Therefore, if I believe that you need additional therapy, or if I believe that I can no longer help you with your problem, I will discuss this with you and make an appropriate referral.
What is Therapy?
Therapy is a process of solving emotional problems by talking with a person professionally trained to help you achieve a more fulfilling life, marital relationship, or family relationship. The process of change will, in many way, be unique to your particular situation. Who you are will determine the ways in which you go about changing your life. You may simply talk about your experiences, thought and feelings in each sessions and through this process gain greater insight about yourself.
I may make specific suggestions on how to deal with your problem or teach you new skills to cope with the emotional stress of life. I may also use techniques such as role-playing or art therapy to reach these goals. Through the process of defining the problem, understanding the origin of the difficulty and discussing your thoughts and feelings, a change may occur as you learn new skills and develop healthy attitudes about yourself and others. As the client, you have the right to ask me questions about my qualifications, background, and orientation. If at any time during the therapy you have questions about whether or not the therapy is effective, feelings about something I have said or suggested, or if you need clarification of your goals, do not hesitate to bring this up in session. The most important factor in the success of therapy is good communication between therapist and client.
Duration of Therapy
There is no standard length of therapy; it is individually determined based on the issues and concerns that bring you to psychotherapy, and an on-going assessment of your progress made.
Alternative Methods
In addition to psychotherapy, there are alternative methods that can be effective in relieving emotional distress. These can include medication for depression and/or anxiety, hypnosis for phobias, self-help groups, (for example, Alcoholics/Narcotics Anonymous for substance abuse).
Risks and Benefits of Therapy
While it has been repeatedly demonstrated that psychotherapy is of benefit for most people and in most situations, there is no guaranteed outcome. Some possible risks might include: experiencing strong feelings of anger, frustration, sadness, fear, guilt, helplessness, experiencing uncomfortable levels of anxiety and/or depression, experiencing difficulties sleeping, making decisions or difficulties with other people. There can also be unanticipated changes as a result of psychotherapy such as ending a job, or ending a relationship. Expected benefits of psychotherapy can include resolution of the specific concerns that brought you to psychotherapy, improved interpersonal relationships, enhanced work performance, lifting of depression, lessening of anxiety, and increased insight and understanding of your thoughts, feelings, and behavior.
Confidentiality
By law and professional ethics, your sessions are strictly confidential. Except in certain circumstances, no information will be shared with anyone without your written permission. I will ask for your permission if it is necessary for me to contact another professional. Also, some insurance companies require periodic updates. I will only provide this information with your permission. The exceptions to confidentiality that do not require your permission are:
1. When information is ordered by the court pursuant to a legal proceeding.
2. If you are the victim or perpetrator of child abuse or neglect, I am required by law to
report the abuse to the authorities responsible for investigating child abuse.
3. If you are a victim or perpetrator of dependent adult or elder abuse or neglect, I am
required by law to report the abuse to Adult Protective Services or other appropriate
authorities.
4. When there is reasonable suspicion that you are likely to hurt yourself or someone
else unless protective measures are taken, or if you threaten to harm yourself or
someone else, I may be required to call the police, warn the potential victim and/or
take other reasonable steps to prevent the harm.
5. When an insurance company requires disclosure of information before they will
process or pay your claim.
6. When I participate in consultation with other licensed professionals.
Telehealth
Telehealth sessions may be warranted in certain situations, or be provided at your request. Telehealth sessions comprise the use of electronic information and communication technologies by a health care provider to deliver services to an individual when he/she is located at a different site than the provider. The laws that protect privacy and the confidentiality of medical information also apply to telehealth. To protect your data and provide confidential sessions, sessions are conducted using HIPPA compliant internet software. If you elect to use telehealth for therapy sessions, you have the right to withhold or withdraw your consent to the use of telehealth at any time, without affecting your right to future care or treatment.
Session Length
Sessions are 50 minutes in length. It is important for me to end sessions promptly so that I can prepare for the next appointment. You are encouraged to arrive a few minutes before your appointment so that your session may begin at the scheduled time.
Cancellations
24-hour notice is required for cancellations without incurring a charge, unless it is a medical emergency. You can call me 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 650-504-1982 to cancel an appointment by leaving a message.
Emergencies
I am not equipped to handle 24-hour emergencies. If you are in need of immediate attention, please call Enloe Behaivioral Health Services at 530-332-5250, or call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room.
Vacations
I will give you reasonable notice before I go on vacation. Once again, emergencies will be handled by calling your local Mental Health Crisis Unit. If you feel you need continuing therapy during this time, I will make arrangements for someone to cover for me.
Terminating Counseling
You have the right to terminate or take a break from your counseling sessions at any time without permission or agreement. However, if you decide to exercise this option, I encourage you to talk over your decision with me so that sufficient closure can be brought to our work. In your final session you may discuss the progress you have made thus far and explore ways in which you can continue to use the skills and knowledge gained through your therapy. You might also discuss any referrals that you require at that time.
Mental health professionals are ethically required to continue therapeutic relationships only so long as it is reasonably clear that the client is benefiting from the relationship. Therefore, if I believe that you need additional therapy, or if I believe that I can no longer help you with your problem, I will discuss this with you and make an appropriate referral.