Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions I get asked about working together.
If you don’t see your question or are ready to schedule a free consultation, contact me.
Where are you located?
I offer in-person sessions at my office. Here is the address:
575 Jefferson Street Napa, CA 94559
It’s a Spanish-style house across from Fuller Park, one building south of Stockton Street. There are two doors into the building. Enter through the door on the right. Inside, you’ll find a comfortable waiting area. You can have a seat in one of the green chairs or on the comfortable couch, and I will welcome you in at our meeting time.
Do you offer remote sessions?
If you are not local or prefer to meet from the comfort of your home, we can meet via my secure online private practice portal.
Remote sessions are generally as effective as in-person sessions but might not be the best option for individuals in crisis or people with certain diagnoses.
Where do I park?
There’s plenty of parking in front of the office or around Fuller Park, so don’t worry about parking.
If you arrive early, feel free to take a lap around the park. It’s a half mile and takes about 9-10 minutes.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Please submit an appointment request. It takes just a couple of minutes, and this information will help speed up the intake process. Please click here to request an appointment.
How do I cancel an appointment?
All cancellations and reschedules require 24 hours’ notice to avoid a fee.
If you opt-in for appointment reminders, those are sent out automatically 48 hours in advance. This is a courtesy reminder to reach out if you need to cancel. Simply text or email me, and let me know you need to reschedule. We can find another time to meet.
Are you available after hours?
As a small private practice, I am not able to provide after-hour or crisis care. If you are experiencing a mental or physical emergency, please call 911 or 988 or head to your local emergency room for immediate care.
Once you are stabilized, please reach out and let me know where you are and what you are going through, so I can help coordinate care with the new team. If you are admitted to a crisis center or hospital, please sign a Release of Information with the facility, so I can speak with their staff. Also, please provide a copy of your discharge summary to resume therapy with me once you are discharged.
What forms do I need to fill out?
Before our first session, I will send you a link to my online private practice portal to access the necessary forms to begin therapy.
These online forms include your basic contact info, insurance (if using) and payment information, questionnaires to get to know you, your history, and what brings you to therapy. It also contains consent forms for treatment, including practice policy acknowledgments or other brief assessments if needed.
Forms usually take about 20-30 minutes, so find a comfy spot and tell me about yourself. We will review these forms in our first session. They may seem excessive, but the more I know, the more I can understand and help you make meaningful change.
What can I expect during my first session? Do I need to bring anything?
Ideally, you will have completed the intake paperwork that I will send to you in advance of our session through my online practice portal.
If you are not able to complete the necessary paperwork in advance, we will cover that in our first session.
I hope you leave our first session feeling renewed, optimistic, and ready to use new tools to make a change in your life.
Is therapy confidential?
What’s the difference between talking to a therapist vs. my best friend?
Having a good friend or relative to talk to about life issues is a wonderful thing! I know how much I enjoy sharing life with my friends and family and relying on them for feedback and self-checks on certain issues.
However, licensed mental health clinicians have specialized training in providing nonjudgmental, confidential therapeutic support based on sound, researched, and tested theories and techniques to help you address specific issues in a safe, systematic way. Therapists provide their focused and undivided attention along with unbiased support to help you find solutions and learn new skills to reach your goals for a happier, healthier life.
Do you assign “homework”?
We only spend about an hour per week together, so much of the progress you will make will be determined by the time you spend outside of therapy working toward your goals.
I will help you meet your goals through various activities, including journaling, working on your hierarchy, practicing mindfulness, working on communicating with others, investing time in self-care, etc.
How long will therapy take?
Therapy is a highly individualized experience, so the length of time to achieve your goals will vary, depending on the effort and motivation you bring to the work.
Some clients experience shifts in just a few sessions, whereas others may need months or years of psychotherapy.
We will plan for termination (the end of therapy) together as you approach the completion of your goals.
Please note that our therapeutic relationship is strictly voluntary at all times. You have the right to end treatment at any time. If you are thinking about ending therapy, I encourage you to discuss it with me.
Are you LGBTQIA-friendly?
I consider myself an ally to the queer community.
My faith is an important part of who I am, and it informs my belief in the inherent dignity and worth of every person.
I am committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and affirming space where individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities feel welcomed and respected.
Does anyone cry in front of you?
Absolutely. That’s why I provide plenty of Kleenex!
Crying is therapeutic. In fact, studies show that crying reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol. So, when you cry, you are reducing stress. You never have to apologize for crying. There is healing in tears.