If this is your first time attending therapy, I realize that the process might sound a bit obscure and daunting. Many people maintain the idea that therapy is for the seriously mentally ill and involves lying down on a couch. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Therapy can be beneficial for almost anyone and is most often utilized by people looking to navigate a particularly difficult time in their lives.

My treatment approach involves working interactively and collaboratively with my clients to develop goals and desired outcomes. I am here to provide a space where you can freely discuss your thoughts and feelings, without judgment, and also to help be a catalyst that mobilizes you to make the changes that you entered therapy to make.

During the initial session we will meet for a longer period of time, usually 65-70 minutes, so that I am able to gather a well-rounded picture of you and your background and to better formulate a treatment plan. All subsequent sessions are 45-50 minutes long. We will usually meet once a week unless agreed upon otherwise due to your unique needs and finances.

During therapy sessions we will work on agreed upon treatment goals and discuss the barriers to meeting your goals. While therapy is a collaborative process involving both you and me, ultimately the change and progress you see depends on your commitment to implementing the goals and ideas discussed in therapy.

The law protects the relationship between a client and a psychotherapist, and in general, information cannot be disclosed without your written permission. However, there are some exceptions to this general rule which are:

• Suspected child abuse, dependent adult or elder abuse. I am required by law to report these occurrences to the appropriate authorities immediately.
• If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s or property, I must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
• If a client intends to harm himself or herself, I will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, I will take further measures without their permission that are provided to me by law in order to ensure their safety.

The various degrees and terms used to describe practitioners of therapy can appear confusing. The terms “counselor”, “therapist”, or “psychotherapist” are used among anyone providing therapy and do not denote any specific degree, licensure or training.

A psychiatrist is a professional who has a medical degree (M.D.) and has specialized in in treating mental illness. A psychiatrist will typically spend 4 years in medical school and then several years completing an internship and residency. Psychiatrists must also pass their medical board exams. Psychiatrists typically prescribe medications to treat mental illness and may perform some therapy.

A psychologist may possess one of three degrees: Ph.D, Psy.D or Ed.D. A Ph.D is a doctorate in philosophy, which is often research oriented. A Psy.D is a doctorate in psychology, which is clinically and practice oriented. An Ed.D is a doctorate in education and implies training in educational/learning psychology. Psychologists typically spend 4-6 years in school, complete doctoral research or a dissertation, and complete an internship. All licensed psychologists must have completed at least 3,000 hours of clinical experience and passed the national and state examination for practice in psychology. Psychologists can perform psychotherapy and conduct assessments using psychological instruments.

A masters level therapist may be either an LMFT or an LCSW. LMFT stands for licensed marriage and family therapist and which requires a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (usually about 2 years of school), 3000 hours of clinical experience and passing exams. LMFT’s treatment focus is relationship oriented and takes into account individual, couple and family dynamics. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is licensed by the state of California, which requires a masters degree in social work (usually about 2 years), 3200 hours of supervised work experience, and passing exams. LCSW’s are trained to provide social and clinical services.

There are also a number of unlicensed professionals practicing therapy under the supervision of a licensed provider.

An MFT or CSW intern must be supervised by a licensed professional in order to provide services without a license. You may also come across the title “Registered Psychologist” or “Registered Psychological Assistant”. A Registered Psychologist possesses a doctoral degree which qualifies for licensure and must have accrued at least 1500 hours of supervised experience. A Registered Psychological Assistant has not yet completed a doctoral degree. Both titles require the supervision of a licensed professional in order to provide services.