What kind of problems can therapy help?

Psychotherapy (also known as talk-therapy) can help to address a number of concerns.

One of the most common reasons people come to therapy is because they're unsatisfied with their relationships. Some people have a difficult time finding and maintaining romantic relationships. Others have no problems getting into or staying in romantic relationships, but find their relationships are empty, turbulent or otherwise unpleasant. Others are unhappy with the relationships they have with their parents, their siblings, their own children, their boss, their roommates, their friends and/or their coworkers.

When people come to therapy for help with relationships, they often feel desperate. They've tried everything they can imagine to improve their relationships, but nothing has worked.

Psychotherapy can help clients learn more about their role in the relationship, thereby casting new light on the situation. Understanding how you contribute to the dynamic of a relationship puts you in a better position to change the dynamic.

Psychotherapy also has tremendous success in helping people with mood disorders like depression, anxiety and bipolar (mania and depression). People with feelings of loneliness, emptiness, and low self-worth can also be greatly helped in therapy.
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How do I pick a therapist? How do I know what type of therapy is right for me?

Although different schools of therapy like to argue over which type of therapy is best, there is increasing evidence that the quality of the therapeutic relationship is more important than the therapist's theoretical orientation or treatment modality.

I believe that it's best to schedule an appointment with a therapist and meet face-to-face before making a decision. During the meeting, the therapist will be able to assess whether she thinks she can help, and you'll be able to determine whether this is a person with whom you'll feel comfortable talking.

Finding the right therapist can be expensive. Therapy fees in the Bay Area range between $50-$250 per session. Some people get lucky and love the first therapist they see. Others meet with 6, 8 or more therapists before they find one who's right for them.

Because finding a good therapeutic fit is so important, I offer the first session without charge to potential clients. My goal in offering the reduced rate is to make the process of finding the right therapist more affordable. If you are considering therapy with me, I encourage you to schedule an introductory meeting so that we can get a better sense of one another.
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How long does therapy last?

That depends. Some types of therapy are very short–twelve sessions or less. In other types of therapy, such as psychoanalysis, it's not uncommon for a treatment to last nine years or more.

I practice open-ended therapy, which means that there is no pre-imposed time limit on our work together. The length of the therapy is determined by the nature of your problem. The therapy begins when you are ready and ends when you and I agree that our work together is done.
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How often will I need to meet with you?

I see clients between one to three times a week. Less than once a week makes it difficult for both myself and the patient to follow the line of work from session to session. Once a week is sufficient for many clients, but others find that they get more benefit by attending several times a week. Some clients may come two or three times a week because they feel that they need the extra support. Others come two or three times a week because they are able to quickly process and make use of the material from each session and are eager to do more work.
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Is what I say to you confidential?

I am bound by laws and professional ethics to keep what you say to me in confidence, with a few exceptions. For example, if during the course of our work together, I learn that you or someone else might be seriously harmed, I'm required by law to report whatever information is necessary to see that the person in danger is kept safe. In order for the information to be reportable, I must be very certain that some harm is imminent. If a client told me that he sometimes thinks about suicide but has no serious intentions, I could not break confidentiality. However, if a client tells me he intends to commit suicide tonight, that he has a gun and bullets and that nothing I or anyone else can say will stop him, I'm required by law to break confidentiality to ensure the client's safety. I'm also required to break confidentiality if I learn that a child or an elderly or disabled person is being abused. In cases where confidentiality must be broken, only the information necessary to ensure the safety of the endangered person is shared; details about the client and the treatment remain confidential.

Additionally, I sometimes consult with other mental health professionals such for the purpose of gaining greater insight into the client's case. These mental health professionals are bound by the same laws and ethics as I, and must keep whatever they hear confidential. Additionally, I do not share any information that might reveal your identity. I do not disclose details such as your name, your exact age, your job, or anything else that would make you easily identifiable to someone who knows you.
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