Q: What are the differences between types of licensed psychotherapists?
The state of California licenses several types of psychotherapists:
- Psychiatrists have earned an M.D. and have gone on to specialize in psychiatry. Because they are MDs, they can prescribe medication for various psychological problems such as depression and anxiety. Some, but not all, are trained in psychotherapeutic methodologies. Clinical Psychologists are trained in clinical psychology and have earned a doctorate.
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) are trained in clinical psychology and have completed a Masters Degree and have passed written and oral exams for licensure.
- Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) are Psychiatric Social Workers who are trained in clinical psychology, have completed a Masters Degree, and have passed written and oral exams for licensure.
- Psychiatric Nurse (RN) are nurses who have obtained a nursing degree and who have specialized in psychiatry. All licensed professionals adhere to and are bound by certain ethical and legal standards to safeguard the confidentiality and safety of their clients.
Q: So how do I go about choosing the right therapist?
The general rule of thumb I offer to new clients is threefold:
- look for someone you feel comfortable with
- look for someone who has training and expertise in the areas you want to work within (it’s OK to ask prospective therapists about their training)
- look for someone who fits your style; e.g. do you want someone who listens a lot or someone who is more interactive; are you interested in working short term or long term; are you wanting a more “here and now” approach or do you want to sort through childhood issues?
Q: What is your approach?
I have been trained in a number of therapies including Psychoanalytic, Transpersonal, and Somatic. While I draw upon all of them in my work, my current approach is most influenced by the transpersonal approach of Psychosynthesis and the somatic approach of Hakomi Mindful Somatic Psychotherapy.
Q: What is somatic psychotherapy?"
Traditional psychotherapy pays attention almost exclusively to thoughts, emotions and behaviors. In somatic psychotherapies, we also pay attention to sensations, emotions and felt experiences in the body. Hakomi Mindful Somatic Psychotherapy is not massage; may be as simple as bringing attention and awareness to a felt sensation, or it might entail “taking over” some internal holding or stress in order to explore what lies underneath. A central goal of therapy is to facilitate communication among parts and to bring attention to those parts that are lost, hidden or isolated. Somatic psychotherapy can provide an added dimension to psychotherapy by opening you up to information that is often overlooked. With the cooperation of the conscious mind, it can often provide a deeper and more efficient channel to work directly with the unconscious mind thereby facilitating self-discovery and change.
Q: How long is each session?
Sessions generally last 50 minutes. Occasionally we may schedule a longer session if need arises.
Q: What are your fees?
My fee is $200/50 minutes. I do not take insurance but will provide you with a statement to submit to your insurance company. Please be sure to check with them about their policy of reimbursement for out of network providers.
Q: Do you take insurance?
I do not take any insurance at this time. However, I can provide you with a statement of charges at the end of each month which you then submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.