FAQs

Why do people go to therapy? 

People come into therapy for many different reasons, but at the heart of it, most are looking for clarity, support, and relief. Some are navigating a major life change—such as a breakup, a loss, a transition in career, or the shifting roles of parenthood. Others are struggling with stress, anxiety, low mood, or a general sense that life feels heavier than it should. Many people arrive feeling confused by their emotions, carrying pain they can’t fully explain, or noticing patterns they want to finally understand and change.

Couples often seek therapy when communication has become strained, arguments feel circular, emotional connection has weakened, or trust has been impacted. Some come in hoping to rebuild closeness, others to navigate recurring conflict more kindly, and many simply want to feel like they’re on the same team again.

Whether you’re seeking space for your own healing or support in strengthening a relationship, therapy offers a place to be heard without judgment, to understand yourself more deeply, and to find a way forward that feels more grounded and hopeful. Ultimately, people come to therapy because they want to feel better—and they want someone who truly understands their experience walking alongside them as they do.

What can I expect in the first session?

For many people who have never been to therapy, the process can feel unfamiliar. At its core, therapy offers a structured, confidential space where you can speak openly about your experiences without judgment or expectation. In our work together, you can expect thoughtful questions, grounded guidance, and a pace that respects both your comfort and your goals. We will explore the patterns, stresses, and concerns that bring you here, while also identifying the strengths and resources you already hold. Over time, this process helps you gain clarity, improve emotional resilience, and make more intentional choices in your life and relationships.

Each session is a collaborative effort. You do not need to arrive with anything prepared; your role is simply to show up as you are. My role is to help you make sense of what you’re experiencing, offer clinically informed perspectives, and support you in navigating challenges that may feel overwhelming on your own. Whether you’re coming to therapy to manage anxiety or stress, improve communication in your relationships, navigate a life transition, or better understand yourself, the therapeutic process is designed to provide steadiness, insight, and meaningful change. If you’re considering starting therapy, this can be the first step toward feeling more grounded, supported, and aligned in your life.

What benefits can I expect from working with a therapist?

Therapy offers many potential benefits, though—as with any meaningful process—outcomes vary from person to person. The progress you make depends on your readiness to engage, your openness to reflection, and how you apply what you learn outside of our sessions. While no therapist can guarantee specific results, many people find that psychotherapy provides clarity, support, and noticeable shifts in how they think, feel, and relate to others.

Common benefits of therapy include gaining a deeper understanding of yourself, your values, and the patterns that shape your life. Many clients strengthen their communication skills, improve their relationships, and develop healthier ways of managing stress, anxiety, and other challenging emotions. Therapy can help you navigate conflict more effectively, break out of unhelpful cycles, and approach problems with new perspectives and tools. Over time, these changes often lead to increased confidence, improved well-being, and a greater sense of alignment in daily life.

Fees and Good Faith Estimate

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services. You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.

Is therapy confidential?

All communications between you and your therapist will be held in strict confidence, unless you provide written permission to release information about your treatment. If you participate in marital or family therapy, your therapist will not disclose confidential information about your treatment unless all person(s) who participated in the treatment with you provide their written authorization to release. (In addition, your therapist will not disclose information communicated privately by one family member, to any other family member without written permission.)

There are exceptions to confidentiality. For example, therapists are required to report instances of suspected child, dependent adult or elder abuse. Therapists may also be required or permitted to break confidentiality when they have determined that a patient presents a serious danger of physical violence to another person or when a patient is dangerous to him or herself.

How do I file a complaint?

The Board of Behavioral Sciences receives and responds to complaints regarding services provided within the scope of practice of Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. You may contact the board online at www.bbs.ca.gov or by calling       916-574-7830.