FAQs about therapy in San Jose, CA

Finding a therapist in San Jose, CA can feel like a monumental task. You find many different therapists when you do a google search, but how do you know who is the right one for you? And when you find a few you think you might like, you have so many questions to ask. I hope this list of FAQ’s will help you find the right therapist in San Jose, CA!

FAQs about therapy in San Jose, CA

Question #1: Do you have therapy experience working with the issues I am looking for help with?

In my therapy sessions in San Jose, CA I focus on helping individuals in the areas of anxiety and trauma, regardless of its source. I have additional training and tools beyond talk therapy that help my clients experience relief and find hope for living without anxiety or past memories dominating their day. Many of my clients don’t want another therapist who just rehashes their history and pain. Within the first few sessions my hope is that you will experience more lightness in your body and in mind so that the crippling anxiety loosens its grip.  

Question #2: How long do counseling sessions typically last?

Counseling Sessions are 50 minutes long.

Question #3: How much do therapy sessions cost?

My 50 minute therapy sessions are $225. I am an out of network provider which means after your payment, I can provide a superbill for you to get reimbursement from your insurance company. Most PPOs will reimburse for therapy sessions, you just need to call to check your plan for out of network provider coverage.

Question #4: You talk about a brain based therapy on your website.  What is it and would it help me?

I am so glad you asked!   As an anxiety and trauma specialist, I use a brain based therapy called Brainspotting because it will help you focus on the part of your brain that carries your anxiety (and all your emotions) as well as your negative experiences.  There's a lot more to therapy than just talking and in Brainspotting sessions, you can talk as much or as little as you want.   In Brainspotting, you are able to process and relate to the trauma differently because you are getting access to the deepest part of your brain where your trauma can get stuck. What I love about Brainspotting is that you are in charge.  Your brain knows exactly what you need to heal and we move at your pace.  We don't need to rehash your trauma for you to find healing from it.  We can use Brainspotting in conjunction with other modalities or solely on its own. It's really what feels best for you. 

Questions #5: What happens during the first counseling session? 

Once you decide we are a good fit, I will email you some forms which will help me to get to know you better.  During your first session, we will talk about why you are coming to therapy and also decide on some goals for our time together.  Sometimes it's hard to know what your goals are so we talk about what you might want more or less of in your life. We will use the forms to come up with a plan for you to find healing and live a more free and meaningful life. 

Question #6: What happens in the second counseling session?

In the second counseling session, we will start by deciding what issue you want to work on that day.  As we talk about your issue, I will help you learn to notice how this issue shows up in your body. Using that body sensation, we will identify a “brainspot”, which is a focal point for your eyes.  As you hold that brainspot, you will notice your thoughts, feelings, and body sensations shift as you begin to process your trauma.  I am here to guide and support you during your journey.  You can talk as much or as little as you want.  At the end of the session, we will wrap up by checking in about what you experienced and what you will take away from the session. What I love about Brainspotting is that you are in charge.  Your brain knows exactly what you need to find healing and we move at your pace. 

Question #7: How often and how long will I need to come to counseling?

I ask people to commit to coming to sessions every week for 4-6 months.  This allows me to get to know you and work at a steady and efficient pace to help you reach your goals.   Evidence-based research studies generally show an association between weekly therapy sessions and positive outcomes for clients. This is especially important in the first stage of therapy, when we are  getting started and beginning to get to the core of things.   We will re-evaluate every quarter to see where you are in meeting your goals.  When you have met many or all of your goals, we will discuss bi-weekly meetings or graduation. 

Question #8: How can therapy help me?

I believe that therapy can actually heal your brain.  Wouldn't it be great to have a brain that doesn’t go down the same old trauma pathways and get stuck? Because I use a brain based therapy, we are going right to the deepest layer of your brain and your brain knows exactly what it needs to do to heal.  You will feel lighter and freer and better able to handle your life in healthier, more satisfying and meaningful ways!

Question #9: Are therapy sessions covered by my insurance?

I am considered an out of network provider which means that I am not contracted with any insurance companies.  l do offer a Superbill, the paperwork needed for you to submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement.

Question #10: Do you have evening and weekend therapy appointments available? 

No, but if that is a need you have, I am really well connected in the San Jose, CA community and can help you with a referral so you can get the help you are longing for!

Question #11: How do you track my progress over the course of our counseling sessions?

In my practice, I really care that this is a big investment of your time and money.  I will email you some forms with assessments that can be filled out before our first session so that I can know some things about you before we even begin.  That gives me an idea of what your goals and hopes are for therapy.  We check in every quarter to see where you have reached your goals and where you still need to continue working.

Question #12: Where do counseling sessions take place? 

In-person sessions take place at 913 Willow Street, Suite 201, SJ 95125.  Telehealth sessions are also available if you live in California.  

Question #13: Who do you work with in your counseling office? 

I work with all adults 18 years and older.

Question #14: What if counseling isn't working? 

One of my highest values is the relationship we will build together.  If you are not making progress or feel like therapy is not working, we will talk together about what can be done differently so that you can achieve your goals.  If after that, you feel like therapy is still not working, we can talk about some referrals.  

I hope this helps you find the right therapist in San Jose, CA. If you are still feeling stuck, feel free to contact me at (408) 535-0163 for a free 15-minute phone consultation. I’d be happy to hear about what you are looking for and help direct you to the right person. If you are looking for help with anxiety and trauma, you can read more about how I can help here.