Common Questions
How do I know if I need therapy?
People often wonder if they need therapy — but we don’t usually ask the same about exercise or eating well. Emotional and mental health are just as important as physical health, and tending to them can be life-changing, even if you're not in crisis. If you’ve landed on this page, something in you may already be searching for support. That in itself is worth listening to. You’re welcome to reach out — this might be the first step toward feeling more grounded, connected, and alive.
I’ve never talked to anyone about this. Doesn’t asking for help mean I’m weak?
Quite the opposite. Reaching out requires strength and self-awareness. It takes courage to name what’s hard and to invite someone in. You already have inner resources — they just may not be accessible right now. Therapy can help you reconnect with your strengths, explore new ways of approaching challenges, and listen to yourself with greater clarity and compassion. My job is to offer insight, practical tools, and a safe, nonjudgmental space so you can rediscover your own wisdom — the part of you that might feel buried, but is still very much alive.
Why talk to a therapist instead of a friend or family member?
Therapists are trained to listen in a specific way — with care, without judgment, and without an agenda. I’ve spent thousands of hours learning how to help people make sense of their experiences, shift patterns, and heal. Unlike talking to a friend or relative, therapy offers you complete confidentiality and a relationship that’s entirely focused on your well-being. You don’t have to worry about anyone else’s reactions or feelings. This is your time.
What should I expect in the first session?
Our first meeting is a chance for me to get to know you — what’s bothering you most, what’s been going on lately, and what you hope for. We’ll begin to clarify your goals and see how therapy might help. Together, we’ll come up with a plan and check in as we go to see what’s working and what might need adjusting.
How long is a session?
Most individual, couple, or family sessions are 50 minutes long. Occasionally, I offer 90-minute or back-to-back sessions if there’s something time-sensitive that needs more space. Group sessions typically last 90 minutes.
Can’t I just take medication instead of going to therapy?
Medication can be helpful — and for some people, it’s a key part of feeling better. But medication alone often isn’t enough. It might reduce symptoms, but it doesn’t get to the root of what’s going on or help you develop long-term tools for change. Therapy offers something different: a place to understand yourself more deeply, change the patterns that are keeping you stuck, and find a more meaningful way forward. If medication does seem appropriate, I can work collaboratively with your psychiatrist or primary care provider to support your overall care. Think of medication as the fuel — therapy is the map, the steering, and the journey.
What do I have to do in sessions?
You don’t have to have all the answers. You just need to show up — with honesty, openness, and a willingness to explore. The structure of our work will depend on your specific goals and needs. Sometimes I’ll suggest something to reflect on between sessions, or offer practices to try out in daily life. Therapy is most effective when you’re actively engaged both inside and outside the room.
How long will therapy take?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some people come for a few months to work through a specific issue; others stay longer as they deepen their growth and self-understanding. It depends on your goals, your life circumstances, and what feels meaningful to you. We’ll talk about this together, so the pace and focus feel right for you.
How can I get the most out of therapy?
Your commitment is the key. The clients who grow the most are the ones who come with openness, curiosity, and a willingness to engage — even when it’s uncomfortable. The work we do in session is important, but what you do between sessions — reflecting, trying new strategies, noticing your patterns — is just as essential. I’ll walk beside you, but you’re the one steering the course.
What’s the best way for my partner and me to approach therapy — together or individually?
If you and your partner both want to work on your relationship, I recommend starting therapy together. If later on one of you wants to continue individually, we can discuss shifting the focus with everyone’s consent. If only one partner is open to therapy, you can still come on your own. People often find that even individual work can improve their relationships, especially when it leads to new insights and communication skills.
I feel like I’ve lost myself. Can therapy help me get back on track?
Absolutely. Whether you’re grieving a loss, navigating a big transition, or slowly waking up to a life that doesn’t feel like your own anymore, therapy can help you reconnect with who you are — and who you want to become. With support and reflection, you can reclaim your sense of purpose, rebuild self-trust, and start to feel like yourself again — or maybe even for the first time.
Who I Work With
I work with individuals, couples, and groups both in person (in Santa Monica) and via telehealth.
I specialize in working with people struggling with:
Anxiety, including generalized anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
Disordered eating, including Binge Eating Disorder, Anorexia, Bulimia, orthorexia, and other complex food-body relationships
Perfectionism, codependency, and compulsive behaviors, often driven by shame or a sense of “not being enough”
Grief and loss, whether it’s the death of a loved one or the loss of a job, identity, or dream
Chronic or major health conditions, such as autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal issues, thyroid conditions, and obesity — with a focus on mind-body integration, resilience, and support
My Approach
My work draws from evidence-based approaches including:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Somatic and mindfulness-based techniques
I have advanced training in therapy for Binge Eating Disorder, shame-informed care, and Nutritional & Integrative Medicine for Mental Health Professionals. I also collaborate with medical professionals when appropriate, ensuring you get holistic, whole-person care.
As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I support clients in building more fulfilling relationships — with loved ones, with their work, and most importantly, with themselves. After all, how we treat ourselves shapes how we show up in every area of life.