Individual Therapy
My orientation to therapy can best be described as Connectional, Contextual, and Creative. I like to look at the "big picture" without ignoring critical details and see how seemingly unrelated facts, stories and theories can connect together in creative, meaningful ways. I see therapy as a collaborative art-form rooted in contextual behavioral science.
Connectional: Relationship is Key to Wellness
In psychotherapy, there are those who believe that "relationships" are key to the therapeutic process. I agree. I believe that we are part of an interconnected web of relationships. And so our sessions become a microcosm of this interconnected world in which we all live. Through the therapist and client relationship, you can test out your thoughts and express your emotions and receive support and valuable feedback which you can take back into the world.
Contextual: Skills and Tiny Steps
As the relationship grows and issues emerge, I selectively use "evidence-based" (or scientifically supported) approaches to help my clients cope with specific concerns. Depending on the problem, these might involve learning a specific set of skills such as mindfulness and breathing techniques to cope with anxiety, monitoring and recording one's thoughts on the weekly mood log, or taking some "bold risks" such as asking someone out on a date. Among the many evidence-based therapies out there such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Behavioral Activation, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, my favorite is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Creative: You are a Masterpiece
Ultimately, I believe that the ultimate source of healing lies within you. You have a creative spark deep inside your mind that is waiting to be awakened and cultivated.
Group Therapy
8 Week online support and skills group
Learn how to tap into your innate wisdom and cultivate skills for self and collective empowerment. Practice and explore in topicas of self-cultivation, family roots, sexuality, self-care, and more.
Thursdays from 7pm - 8:30 pm PST
$400 *limited sliding scale spots available
The next session begins in the Spring. Contact us below for more information.
Trainings + Consultation
I offer clinical supervision and consultation for clinicians. I regularly provide trainings (online and in-person) in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and clinical Relational Frame Theory.
Recent training titles / presentations include:
* Using the ACT Matrix tool for Anti-Racism Work (presented to faculty / staff at UCSF, 2020, 2021)
* The ABC's of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (presented to Behavioral Health Services in San Francisco, 2022)
* Learning to Speak RFT (presented at the ACBS World Conference, San Francisco, in 2022)
* Magic ACT (presented at the ACBS World Conference, 2019, 2021)
FAQs
WHAT IS THERAPY?
Therapy is the process where individuals, couples, or groups receive help from professional, licensed mental health practitioners (usually possessing a minimum of a Master's degree and thousands of hours of supervised clinical work) for the purpose of psychological and interpersonal healing and growth.
"The application of marriage and family therapy principles and methods includes, but is not limited to, the use of applied psychotherapeutic techniques, to enable individuals to mature and grow within marriage and the family, the provision of explanations and interpretations of the psychosexual and psychosocial aspects of relationships, and the use, application, and integration of the coursework and training required by Sections 4980.37, 4980.40, and 4980.41."
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM THE FIRST SESSION?
Our first few sessions (1 to 2 sessions) will involve an assessment to see what your needs are. By the end of the session(s), we will have an idea of what your needs are including a general plan for treatment. This will also be a good time for both of us to decide if we are a good fit. If we decide that I am not the best person, I will do what I can do to refer you to another therapist who may be more suitable.
WHAT IS THE FREQUENCY AND LENGTH OF SESSIONS?
Typically we would be meeting once a week. Standard therapy is 50 minutes long.
It is difficult to predict how long it would take for you to complete therapy because it really depends on your situation, your treatment goals, and the speed of your recovery. It can take as little as a few weeks to several months. Some choose to stay for years. We will work together to establish your therapy goals, and we will continue to modify and adjust our treatment approach as needed. We will also track your progress periodically to assess whether you are achieving your goals.
WHAT DO YOU SPECIALIZE IN?
I am a member of the Association of Contextual Behavioral Science, an organization devoted to the advancement of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), an evidence-based psychological approach that has been shown to be effective with a wide range of human problems including anxiety, depression, trauma, addictions, relationship issues, chronic pain, and more. It is really a transdiagnostic approach that goes beyond labeling and categorizing people. More information about ACT can be found on the ACBS website.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR THERAPEUTIC INTERESTS?
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Self-Cultivation (inner work, self-improvement, emotional intelligence)
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Clarifying and Practicing one's Values
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Life Transitions (grief, caregiving, changes)
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Anxiety (social anxiety, lack of self-confidence, constant "worrying")
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Addictions (substance abuse, compulsive sexual acting out & pornography, and gambling)
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Creativity as a vehicle for healing
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Trauma (immigration, emotional abuse, and religious abuse)
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Religious & spiritual issues (use of spiritual resources, anxiety/depression due to crisis of faith)
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Cultural Identity (bicultural identity development, overcoming internalized racism)
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Depression (non-suicidal)
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How healing intersects with social justice
Office Policy
IS EVERYTHING CONFIDENTIAL THAT WE DISCUSS?
All information and issues discussed in therapy are absolutely confidential and cannot be disclosed to anyone without your written permission except where such disclosure is required by law.
HOW DO I SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT?
You can make an appointment by filling out a form online, via e-mail, or by calling me at (415) 515-0227. Please leave your day and evening phone numbers including the best times to reach you. I will return your call within 24 hours.
HOW ARE FEES DETERMINED?
Fees for therapy are generally based on the therapist's education, level of experience, expertise, location, and setting. In cases involving economic hardship, I am open to discussing how we might adjust the fee on the basis of what we can mutually agree upon.
CAN I USE MY HEALTH INSURANCE?
At this time I am an in-network provider for Anthem Blue Cross and Cigna. For all others, I can provide super bills for our sessions which you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL AN APPOINTMENT?
Please contact me at least 24 hours prior to postponing or canceling your appointment. I reserve the right to charge for no-shows and cancellations with less than 24 hours notice.
Rates
STANDARD FEES:
Please contact me via e-mail or phone to inquire about my fees. My fees reflect the competitive range of rates charged by clinicians in the Bay Area.
Payment for services are expected at the time they are provided. Checks, credit cards, cash are accepted.
ACCEPTED INSURANCES:
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Cigna
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Anthem Blue Cross
CANCELATION POLICY:
Please contact me at least 24 hours prior to postponing or canceling your appointment. I reserve the right to charge for no-shows and cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice.