ABOUT PSYCHOTHERAPY
It is important for you to be aware that therapy has both benefits and risks. Psychotherapy can be emotionally painful at times. Sometimes you may feel worse before you feel better. This is a natural part of the therapeutic process, and often indicates progress is being made. Risks sometimes include experiencing uncomfortable feelings such as sadness, guilt, anxiety, anger, frustration, loneliness, and helplessness. Psychotherapy can also help in facilitating improved relationships, greater self-confidence and problem resolution. While there are no guarantees, coming to therapy should help you feel better and produce beneficial and noticeable results.
My normal practice is to conduct an initial assessment period lasting several sessions, in which we discuss the nature of your concerns, establish treatment goals, and determine whether I am the appropriate person to provide the services you need at this time.
Modalities that I specialize in and typically use in an eclectic manner include: Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Belief Focused Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Rational Living Therapy (RLT) and Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM).
As a therapist, I am contracted with CalGETs as a provider of up to 16 sessions of free therapy to individuals affected by a gambling disorder. If you or a loved one is struggling with a gambling disorder, please contact me for a free phone consultation and to schedule an appointment.
My normal practice is to conduct an initial assessment period lasting several sessions, in which we discuss the nature of your concerns, establish treatment goals, and determine whether I am the appropriate person to provide the services you need at this time.
Modalities that I specialize in and typically use in an eclectic manner include: Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Belief Focused Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Rational Living Therapy (RLT) and Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM).
As a therapist, I am contracted with CalGETs as a provider of up to 16 sessions of free therapy to individuals affected by a gambling disorder. If you or a loved one is struggling with a gambling disorder, please contact me for a free phone consultation and to schedule an appointment.
WHAT IS EMDR?
Listen to Larisa Traga and Dr. Richard Oelberger explain what EMDR is.
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WHAT IS MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING?
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, guiding style of communication, used to talk about behavior change. An effective guide uses the MI spirit and skills to help people hear themselves talk about the possibilities of change.
Anyone who talks with others about behavior or lifestyle change. Professionals in health care, education, social work, counseling and addiction treatment will find MI effective and rewarding in their work. High quality MI training is critical to the process, so the professional can learn and apply skills that have been shown to be effective in guiding people towards change by reducing ambivalence.
Why? Because it works! MI began with research by Dr. Bill Miller in the field of addiction treatment as he analyzed attributes of effective counselors. Since then, research has shown that an effective MI conversation can improve targeted outcomes in multiple behavioral domains by helping people reduce ambivalence and hear their own thoughts about change. MI has been applied in counseling, health care, education, health coaching and business.
Want to know more? Contact us for research and training options.
Anyone who talks with others about behavior or lifestyle change. Professionals in health care, education, social work, counseling and addiction treatment will find MI effective and rewarding in their work. High quality MI training is critical to the process, so the professional can learn and apply skills that have been shown to be effective in guiding people towards change by reducing ambivalence.
Why? Because it works! MI began with research by Dr. Bill Miller in the field of addiction treatment as he analyzed attributes of effective counselors. Since then, research has shown that an effective MI conversation can improve targeted outcomes in multiple behavioral domains by helping people reduce ambivalence and hear their own thoughts about change. MI has been applied in counseling, health care, education, health coaching and business.
Want to know more? Contact us for research and training options.
APPOINTMENTS & FEES
Sessions are 45-50 minutes long unless otherwise arranged. Generally sessions take place on a weekly basis. Together we will determine how often and when we will meet. Payment is expected at the beginning of each session.
INSURANCE
- We accept Medicare and MediCal
- CalGETs program
INSURANCE REIMBURSEMENT
If applicable, we recommend that you contact your insurance provider to learn about your mental health coverage prior to scheduling your first appointment with me. We are NOT a contracted or in-network provider for most major insurance companies common in this area. Therefore, when contacting your insurance company, please inquire about out-of-network provider reimbursements and your co-payment/deductibles.
CASH RATES
- Initial Intake Assessment = $275
- Individual/Couple/Family Session = $250
CANCELLATION POLICY
We have a 24 hour cancellation policy. This means that if you cannot make it to your scheduled appointment, we request that you notify us at least 24 hours in advance of the cancellation. Without advanced notice, we are unable to use that time for other clients. Insurance companies do not cover missed sessions therefore, you will be billed a no show rate of $80.
THERAPY TESTIMONIALS
Former Client
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I feel like I was in a very safe and comfortable place where I could be myself, experience the process with kindness, patience, and understanding, and grow in many ways. I learned to take care of myself, use my resources, recognize that I am strong and joyful, and feel less anxious and better overall physically. I also learned that everything is not a catastrophe, and I have a better understanding of the relationship between my childhood and my reactions to current life issues.
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