FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to commonly asked questions about working with me.
What kinds of therapy do you offer?
I provide psychotherapy to individuals and partners in California and Ireland through secure, online video sessions. I provide individual therapy, relationship and couples therapy (including non-traditional relationships), premarital/pre-commitment counselling, and immersive Relationship Intensives. Relationship Intensives are a private, 4-day retreat format designed for deep work—in the peaceful West of Ireland. All are welcome here, regardless of orientation, identity, or relationship structure.
What can I expect in therapy?
Therapy with me is collaborative, supportive, and human. Whether you’re an individual or a partnership, we’ll work together to:
• Understand what’s keeping you stuck
• Build emotional awareness and healthier patterns
• Clarify your values and goals
• Learn new tools for communication and growth
• Move toward a life or relationship that feels more connected, intentional, and fulfilling
I draw from evidence-based approaches like ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), Gottman Method Couples Therapy, CBT, and mindfulness-based strategies. My work is trauma-informed and culturally sensitive.
Do you work with all types of relationships?
Yes. I work with all kinds of relationships—married, partnered, dating, LGBTQ+, poly, monogamous, and everything in between. What matters most is your desire to grow, heal, and build a stronger connection.
Is therapy only for people in crisis?
Not at all. Therapy is also for people who are doing “fine,” but want to deepen their self- understanding, improve communication, reconnect with their values, or simply feel more alive and aligned. You don’t have to be falling apart to benefit from support. Many clients seek therapy because they want to live or love more fully. Therapy is a place for growth, exploration, and strengthening your relationship with yourself or your partner.
What issues do you work with?
Some of the concerns I support clients with include:
• Anxiety, overthinking, and burnout
• Depression or a sense of disconnection
• Relationship challenges, heartbreak, or betrayal
• Life transitions (career changes, parenthood, loss)
• Trauma and emotional overwhelm
• Self-criticism and feeling stuck
• Communication, trust, or intimacy issues in relationships
• Preparing for a major commitment (wedding, move, baby, cohabitation)
How do online sessions work?
I offer secure, confidential video therapy for clients across California and Ireland. All you need is a stable internet connection and a private space. This flexibility makes it easier to fit therapy into your life—no commute, no added stress.
What are Relationship Intensives?
A Relationship Intensive is a private 4-day therapy retreat in the West of Ireland, designed for couples and partners seeking deep, focused work. Whether you’re in crisis, preparing for
a major decision, or simply want to reconnect, intensives offer:
• Rapid progress (months of therapy in days)
• A peaceful, immersive setting for healing and clarity
• Customized support, including a relationship assessment and toolkit
• Nourishing meals, nature access, and space for reflection
Premarital partners can also book an intensive to prepare for marriage or commitment with depth and intention. A Premarital/Precommitment Intensive is a great item for your Gift Registry! See more about Premarital /Precommitment work [here]. You’ll leave with new tools, deeper insight, and a renewed sense of direction—plus, the peace and beauty of Ireland’s west coast to support your journey.
I’m not sure my partner will want to come. Can we still start?
Yes. Many couples start with one partner reaching out. I can offer guidance on how to invite your partner into the process, and we can talk through any concerns during the free consultation.
How do I know if therapy is right for me?
You don’t need to have a “big problem” to benefit from therapy. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck in old patterns, or simply yearning for more clarity or connection—therapy offers a space to explore your inner world, heal, and grow. If you’re curious, I invite you to schedule a free 30-minute consultation to talk about what you’re hoping for and whether working together feels right. Schedule Now
Where do the Relationship Intensives happen?
The retreats take place in the quiet beauty of the West of Ireland. Set near the tranquil shores of Ireland’s largest lake, our retreat location is designed to foster peace, privacy, and renewal. You’ll stay in a comfortable, self-contained apartment with all the amenities you need to relax between sessions—including a sitting room, kitchen, and private garden spaces. You’ll also enjoy:
• Three delicious, nourishing meals a day, made onsite with locally grown and foraged ingredients
• Access to nature: walking trails, kayaking, cycling, and swimming
• Opportunities for solitude, reflection, and gentle recreation in between deep therapeutic work. This is a retreat for your relationship and your spirit.
Why do you recommend weekly therapy?
Weekly therapy helps build the momentum, safety, and consistency needed for meaningful progress. When therapy happens less often, it’s harder to go deep, and easier to lose the thread of important work.
Therapy is not just about managing symptoms—it’s about transformation. A weekly rhythm supports that.
What are your session fees?
Therapy is a powerful investment in your life and relationships. Learn more about fees, payment options, and insurance here.
What is Premarital / Pre-Commitment Therapy?
This work is for couples and partners ready to deepen their connection and build a strong foundation. It’s not about fixing something broken—it’s about building something durable and strong. This work helps partners prepare for the next chapter with intention, clarity, and skill.
We talk about what matters most:
• Money, career, and family planning
• Trust, fidelity, and relationship expectations
• Communication styles and effectiveness
• Conflict resolution and shared values
• Rituals of connection and navigating differences
You can do this in weekly online sessions or in a Relationship Intensive format if you’re on a timeline.
How do I know if we’re a good fit?
Finding the right therapist matters. That’s why I offer a free 30-minute consultation—a chance to meet, discuss your goals, and see if it feels like the right match. There’s no pressure, just a conversation. Schedule Now
What are your qualifications?
I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Magna Cum Laude, from San Jose State University, and a Master’s in Counselling Psychology from the University of San Francisco. I have over 3,000 hours of supervised clinical work. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California (LMFT #94643) and fully qualified in Ireland.
Over the past decade, I’ve worked with individuals, couples, and families across a wide range of communities in both the U.S. and Ireland. I’m committed to providing the highest standard of care by continually developing my professional skills. In California, LMFTs are required to renew their license every two years by completing extensive continuing education (CE) and assessments. These requirements keep me up to date with current research, clinical practices, and ethical standards—ensuring that the therapy I provide is thoughtful, effective, and evidence-based. Additionally, I have received specialized training or certification in the following modalities:
• Gottman Method Couples Therapy
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Mindfulness-based and trauma-informed methods
• CBT, DBT, and culturally responsive practices
I blend the science of what works with deep respect for the unique human experience of each client.
Do you accept insurance?
I don’t bill insurance directly, but many clients in California use their out-of-network benefits to receive partial reimbursement. I’m happy to provide a superbill you can submit to your provider. This approach helps keep your therapy personal, private, and free from insurance
constraints.
What is your cancellation policy?
Online sessions: Please give at least 48 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule. Late cancellations are charged the full fee unless it’s an emergency.
Retreats: A non-refundable deposit is required. You can reschedule once if cancelled more than 15 days in advance. Less notice means forfeiting the deposit unless we can fill your spot.
How is my privacy protected?
Your confidentiality is foundational to the work we do. I comply with HIPAA (for U.S. clients) and GDPR (for Irish clients), and I use encrypted platforms for secure communication. I will never share your information without your written consent, except in legally mandated
situations.
Can we do therapy every other week?
In most cases, I only offer therapy weekly or more frequently, because that’s what supports real change. Every-other-week therapy often leads to slower progress, missed opportunities for insight, and frustration for both client and therapist. If you’re concerned about affordability or time, I’m happy to explore options—like shorter-
term intensives or working within a specific timeframe.
Is online therapy effective?
Yes—especially when there’s a strong connection between client and therapist. Online therapy offers flexibility and access without sacrificing depth or effectiveness. I use a secure, encrypted platform built for healthcare, ensuring both safety and connection.
What if one of us is unsure about couples therapy?
That’s okay. It’s actually really common. One of my roles is to create a safe, open space where both partners feel heard—without blame, pressure, or judgment. If there’s even a spark of willingness, we can start there.
How do I get started?
You don’t have to have everything figured out to begin. Just reach out. You can schedule your free consultation here or use the contact form to get in touch.