
Honest answers, before your first session.
Starting therapy can feel like a big step — especially when you’re not sure what to expect. Here are the questions I’m asked most often, from what sessions look like to how insurance works.

Safe, welcoming space
You’ll be met with warmth, respect, and zero judgment — always.
Tailored to you
Sessions are customized to your goals, pace, and what you’re working through.
Confidential by design
What you share stays between us, protected by strict ethical and legal standards.
Everything you might be wondering, in one place.
Filter by category or browse them all. Tap a question to reveal the answer — and if something you need isn’t here, reach out any time.
Tuesdays 8:00am - 5:30pm and Thursdays 1:00pm - 4:00pm, by appointment, at my Petaluma office.
I am an in-network provider with Medicare (no Medicare Advantage Plans, no Kaiser Medicare), Aetna, Medi-Cal Carelon Behavioral Health, and Kaiser Carelon Behavioral Health for psychotherapy. For all other carriers I am out-of-network and am happy to provide a superbill for reimbursement.
Please note that neurofeedback and biofeedback are not covered by insurance.Initial intake: $250. Ongoing session: $200. Payment is due at the time of service (cash, check, or credit card). Please see Rates & Insurance for full details.
Yes, I have a limited number of sliding scale slots available for individuals with demonstrated financial need. Although I cannot always accommodate lower fee sessions, I do what I can to make services available to those who would otherwise be unable to access them.
Therapy can be helpful for anyone experiencing emotional distress, disruptive mental health symptoms, life transitions, relationship challenges, or a desire for personal growth. You do not need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Many people seek therapy to gain insight, develop coping skills, and improve their relationships and overall well-being. An initial consultation can help determine whether the therapy I offer is a good fit for your needs.
Prior to your first session you will be asked to complete some paperwork online. The first session is typically focused on getting to know you and understanding your reasons for seeking services. We will review your concerns, symptoms, goals, personal history, and your relationships. This session is also an opportunity for you to ask questions and determine whether my services are a good fit for you. Together, we will discuss a plan for moving forward.
The length of therapy varies depending on your goals, concerns, and individual circumstances. Some people attend therapy for a few months to address a specific issue, while others choose longer-term therapy for deeper personal growth and ongoing support. Progress is reviewed regularly to ensure therapy continues to meet your needs. I will work collaboratively with you to determine an appropriate course of treatment.
Choosing a therapist is an important decision, and many clients seek a clinician who offers both depth of experience and a personalized approach to care. With more than 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and older adults across a variety of clinical settings, I bring a broad and well-rounded perspective to the therapeutic process. My approach integrates evidence-based psychotherapy with depth psychotherapy, somatic and mind-body therapies, and an understanding of nervous system regulation to support lasting change rather than symptom management alone. I have particular expertise in anxiety, trauma, emotional dysregulation, shame, men's issues, and LGBTQ+ concerns, and I strive to create a safe, affirming, and collaborative therapeutic environment. In addition to my clinical work, I am a licensed psychologist, tenured university professor who trains aspiring therapists, a published scholar, and clinical supervisor who remains actively engaged in the ongoing study and advancement of psychotherapy. Above all, I believe that meaningful healing occurs within a trusting therapeutic relationship — one that helps you better understand yourself, reconnect with your strengths, and move toward a more fulfilling life.
I have a 72-hour cancellation policy. Sessions canceled within 72 hours of the appointment time, or for which a client "no shows," are charged in full.
Neurofeedback is a drug-free way to help your brain regulate itself. Small sensors on the scalp read your brainwave activity in real time and give your brain gentle feedback — through sights, sounds, or touch — so it can practice calmer, more balanced patterns. Most people simply sit comfortably during a session. For a step-by-step walkthrough of how it works and what to expect in my office, see How neurofeedback works on the Neurofeedback service page.

Choosing to ask for support is not a sign of weakness — it’s one of the most human, courageous things you can do.
Everything shared in therapy is confidential, protected, and handled with the care it deserves.

Let’s talk it through — on your schedule.
Book a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation and I’ll answer any lingering questions, so you can decide with clarity whether we’re a good fit.
Call directly
(707) 529-3021Prefer to write? Send a private message through the contact page and I’ll get back to you shortly.

