Adolescents, Adults, Couples and Groups

I help adults who feel overwhelmed, emotionally shut down, lonely, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, relationship struggles, or burnout, I will work with you to uncover what’s underneath and help you start feeling more like yourself again.

I also work with adolescents on a limited basis, depending on fit and availability. Teens today face unique pressures — academic stress, social anxiety, identity exploration, and emotional overwhelm, often without knowing how to talk about it. If your teen is struggling or seems disconnected, therapy can offer a safe space for them to open up, learn emotional tools, and feel more grounded in themselves.

You don’t need to be in crisis to start therapy. If you’ve been thinking “I feel numb and unmotivated,” “why is life so hard,” or “I just want to feel better,” therapy can help. It’s a space to explore what’s happening internally — even when you don’t have the words yet.

The first session is a gentle starting point. I will ask about what’s been going on, what brought you in, and what you hope to get out of therapy. You don’t need to prepare anything — we’ll go at your pace.

This depends on many factors, among them: the type of problem you’re facing, temperament and personality, external and internal support for the changes you want to make, and your capacity, willingness and readiness to confront reality as it is.

I generally recommend that you give therapy at least 6 months to see how you feel and whether you are making the progress you’d like. Long-term growth and change can take several years. It’s important to discuss frustration and discouragement with your therapist.

Things you may experience over time are: a greater sense of ease, more flexibility in your responses to stress, and renewed interest in relationships and the world around you. Improved self-confidence, less tension and increased capacity for joy, along with lower tolerance for drama and unsatisfying/harmful situations, are also signs that therapy is working.

One thing to keep in mind when starting therapy is that you may feel uncomfortable and “weird” at times. This is normal and an expected part of the process, and will eventually pass as you start living the life you want.

There’s so much you can do! Mindfulness, self-care, journaling, walking, being in nature, connecting to people and activities you love, engaging your curiosity by trying something new, are all ways to improve your quality of life and support your healing. Learning some basics about therapy and psychology can also be helpful. Here are some ways you can help yourself.

It’s important that whatever you do (especially when starting something new), there isn’t much upfront “cost” in terms of money, time and/or energy. Keep it simple.

Body (or somatic) psychotherapy can be seen as the bridge between psychology and the physiological sciences, specifically, your brain and nervous system. Body psychotherapists observe and listen to how you are living or not living in your body, helping you to see and understand the “story of your symptoms” as you embody them. Learn more about somatic therapy here.

Yes, I accept Tricare, Aetna, and Optum/UBH. However, I am not taking new clients with these plans as of July 2026. Please inquire about my waitlist. I also accept Medicare and Contra Costa County Medi Cal and have openings for new clients.

My self-pay fee for a 55 minute session with individuals is $240. For relationship therapy, the cost is $275. Groups are $50-75. Sliding scale may be an option.

Upon request, I can provide a superbill for you to submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement.

Every plan is different. I recommend calling your insurance provider and asking:

• Do you reimburse for out-of-network mental health services?

• What percentage of the session cost is covered?  Or is there a fixed reimbursement per session?

• Is there a deductible I need to meet first?

I work Mondays through Thursdays, generally between 9am and 6pm (hours may differ slightly depending on the day). In-person appointments are available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays only.

People come to me seeking someone who is not only highly trained and experienced, but also empathetic, kind and honest - someone who has done their own work and can join them in theirs. I get to the heart of the matter with compassion and clarity, and offer a space where you can feel safe, understood and free to show up as your true self. I love helping people get to know themselves in a new way and consider myself a privileged witness to your growth.