After a Child’s Medical Journey
A large part of my work is with parents after a child’s extensive medical journey. When a child’s illness is what brings you in, the work is with you, the parent.
Am I a Fit?
Finding a therapist is hard, and by the time you get here you're probably already tired of looking. Most sites will only tell you what the person happens to be good at.
The office is in West Los Angeles, on the border of Santa Monica, near Centinela and Santa Monica Boulevard. Talk sessions also happen by video, anywhere in California.
So here is what I do, what I don't do, and who else might help if I'm not the right person for it.
What I Work With
Creative Professionals
Creative professionals, and the people close to them. Often what brings them to my office is the crisis of the week, but ultimately relief often comes from the deeper work, and from finally being able to share how difficult being the rock really is.
Trauma
I work with trauma, whether it's a single event or something that built up over years. I utilize EMDR, Brainspotting, inner child work and mind-body work. It's really based on what the situation in the moment calls for.
Anxiety
The mind that won't stop and the body that won't settle. We look at where and why it learned to do what it does, and try to find some relief from that frenetic energy.
Couples
The dynamic underneath the argument, rather than only the argument itself. I work with LVVR, Gottman and attachment-based methods. Couples therapy →
Grief & Life Transitions
Loss that isn't only about death: a marriage, a career, or the version of yourself you had expected to be by now. Also the distance between where you are and where you suspect you could be.
I work with individuals and couples in Los Angeles, and by video anywhere in California. EMDR itself is in person only.
What I Don't Do
I do not prescribe medication or do psychological testing. I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, so for medication you would see a psychiatrist, and for testing a psychologist. If either comes up while we are working together, I will help you find the right person.
Some situations need more support than weekly therapy can offer. This includes addiction when it is the main issue, an active eating disorder, or times when someone needs daily support between sessions. In those cases, a program designed for that level of care is the better fit, and I am glad to help you find one.
I do not provide court-ordered services, such as custody evaluations, mandated treatment or reports for a judge.
I also do not see couples when there is ongoing violence in the relationship, because couples therapy is not safe in that situation. The resources page lists places that can help.
I don't take insurance. I do provide a superbill each month, which you can submit to your insurer for out-of-network reimbursement. Whether your plan pays anything back is up to your plan. If you need in-network care, your plan's own directory is the place to start.
Where else to look
If you need it right now
Call or text 988 at any time, free. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. Both are available 24 hours a day.
If it's OCD
OCD usually needs a specific treatment called exposure and response prevention, and general talk therapy can make it worse. NOCD offers that treatment. Ask them which insurance they take.
If cost is the problem
El Centro de Amistad, in Canoga Park and San Fernando. Ask them which insurance they take.
If it's a group you want
Cancer Support Community runs free groups for patients and families. 12step.org, CoDA and SMART Recovery list local recovery meetings.
Getting Started
Book or call
You can book through the client portal, or call me first if you would prefer to talk before scheduling. Most people come to me through a referral from a past client or another therapist.
Call or text
(310) 692-4114