What kinds of problems do you treat?

I specialize in treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and other trauma-based problems. However, I am trained as a generalist and have had over 30 years of experience treating most psychological problems common to adults including mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder), anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, phobias), relationship problems, adjustment disorders, and problems associated with phase-of-life transitions (parenting, divorce, grief, etc.)

What counts as a “trauma-based problem”?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a psychological disorder caused by direct or indirect exposure to a traumatic experience. Typical symptoms may include startle response, hypervigilance, flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, nightmares, emotional numbing, avoidance, blaming self for having caused the trauma, difficulty sleeping, and detachment. However, not all traumatized clients manifest their problems as PTSD or exhibit symptoms that meet the diagnostic criteria of PTSD. Other problems such as panic attacks, excessive worry, social anxiety, feelings of worthlessness, shame, distrust, depressed mood, fear of abandonment, low self-confidence, unhealthy relationship patterns, and somatic symptoms may also be the direct consequences of trauma. PTSD and other problems that can be directly traced back to a traumatic “root” are potentially treatable with EMDR.

If you are interested in whether you are a good candidate for EMDR, please watch my informative YouTube video on EMDR. I can determine your candidacy for EMDR through an intake session by assessing your problems and causative factors, history, therapeutic readiness, and goals.

How does EMDR work? What is the therapeutic role of the eye movements?

EMDR is a therapeutic modality that addresses trauma-related problems and their emotional, cognitive, and somatic consequences. Despite the many studies over the past 30+ years, the neurobiological mechanisms of EMDR are still not fully understood. At one point, it was believed that the eye movements mimicked the REM phase of sleep, when dreaming and unconscious emotions are processed. However, side-to-side eye movements are not the only effective mechanistic actions of EMDR; auditory and tactile bilateral stimulation (bilateral sounds and touch, respectively) also work to process traumatic memories. As a result, it is believed that left and right bilateral stimulation to the brain are the key mechanistic features of EMDR that produces the calming response.

In spite of the speculative nature of how it works, we do know that EMDR works extremely well to resolve trauma-based problems. To learn more, please refer to the EMDR Institute’s research overview.

How will I know if EMDR is working? How many sessions does it take to see results? What if my trauma is complex?

EMDR’s effects are usually felt immediately and dramatically with a sensation of relief. Reducing disturbance of the traumatic memory, increasing positive beliefs about the self in regards to the traumatic memory, and feeling calm about the traumatic memory are EMDR’s session goals. The vast majority of clients experience these results at the end of each EMDR session.

In comparison, goals such as fully resolving PTSD, improving self confidence, reducing reactions to triggers, decreasing shame and guilt, improving self-esteem, decreasing unhealthy patterns in relationships, decreasing social anxiety, etc. are examples of treatment goals for EMDR. Depending on the complexity of your trauma history and your treatment goals, it may be necessary to complete several EMDR sessions to fully accomplish your treatment goals since complex trauma processing usually requires more than one session. Although I cannot predict the exact number of sessions it will take to help you achieve your treatment goals at the outset of EMDR therapy, my aim is to treat your problems as effectively and as efficiently as possible.

Do you accept clients who are not EMDR candidates?

At this time due to the small size of my practice, I am accepting clients who are primarily seeking help for their trauma-based problems and who are good candidates for EMDR.

What is your fee? Do you accept insurance? Do you have a sliding scale?

My fee is $225 per 50 minute session. I accept checks and electronic payments. I do not accept insurance; however, if your insurance provides out-of-network reimbursement, I am happy to provide you with the necessary paperwork for you to submit for reimbursement from your insurance company. I am not able to offer a sliding scale fee at this time.

What is your appointment availability in the evening?

I have some evening appointment hours. Please inquire about my availability.

Are all of your sessions offered remotely?

Yes, due to COVID- 19, all sessions are provided through a HIPAA-compliant (encrypted), secure video portal. While the unfortunate conditions of the pandemic have necessitated the remote sessions, many clients find that they prefer the ease and convenience of having psychotherapy sessions from their own homes. Another benefit of remote sessions is that attaining services is no longer limited by distance, so long as you live in California.

Is remote psychotherapy effective? How does EMDR work when done remotely?

According to research, general psychotherapy can be provided as effectively through a video appointment as it is provided in person. Remote EMDR can be done either through auditory bilateral stimulation (free app, EMDR Kit) or through tactile bilateral stimulation (self-tapping).

What are the next steps if I want more information or if I want to make an appointment?

Please feel free to reach out through the website form under “Contact me” and ask me questions via email. If you prefer to speak by phone, I can provide a 15-minute initial phone consultation at no charge.