THERAPY & COACHING

What is a somatic Approach?

Somatic practices are founded on the belief that the body (through sensation, movement, and awareness), holds an inherent wisdom. By cultivating a sense of safety within our bodies, somatics can provide another channel for transformation & healing . As a somatically-oriented practitioner, I believe that one of the most empowering paths to resilience is to incorporate and even allow our wise body to lead the way. Somatic approaches help turn down the intellectual mind so that there is space for the felt sense of experience to emerge. The more we connect with our bodies, the more familiarity, trust, and safely is built — and overtime, coming into our bodies can feel like coming home.

What is the difference between Psychotherapy and Coaching?

Coaching can be helpful for working on, or through, a specific issue. It is different than therapy as it is more solution-focused, directive, and goal specific. I do not diagnose or treat any mental health disorders when coaching.

Therapy offers and an opportunity to address the causes and effects of mental health struggles with the expressed purpose of healing past wounds and improving current symptoms. Diagnosis and /or treatment of mental health disorders can be included in this process.

**If you are experiencing a crisis, having thoughts of self-harm, or are struggling with severe and persistent mental illness, my coaching and private practice are not appropriate or effective levels of care. Please click here for more support.

What do I need to do before my first session?

Once we’ve connected, you will receive an email providing a link to my practice’s portal. Follow the prompts in setting up your account; you will be asked to read and sign practice policies, informed consent, and update your HIPAA compliant account with your pertinent information.

This email will also contain a reminder of your appointment time and my office address and/or link to your virtual session.

What is the duration and frequency of sessions?

Sessions are 50 minutes and are typically conducted weekly.

Multi-weekly or Bi-monthly sessions are available based on a combination of availability and an assessment of the effectiveness of that frequency for an individual’s needs.

How long will I need therapy or coaching?

Therapy generally does not have a set time frame of completion. Success/referral/ending of treatment is assessed based on open communication between client and therapist.

Coaching can be implemented with a more fixed timeframe. Prior to starting, coach and client can discuss and agree upon a specific number of sessions or parties can agree to remain open to continued assessment of a client’s progress and further needs.

Do you offer in-person & virtual sessions?

Yes, I offer both in-person and virtual sessions. In-office sessions are available in my Pasadena , CA office. Walking sessions in the surrounding area are available depending on availability/scheduling. Online therapy sessions are available for those living in California and Virginia.

How much do sessions cost?

1:1 Therapy or Coaching : $200

Couples Therapy or Coaching: $220

Sliding Scale options are available depending on need and availability

Do you take insurance?

I am an out-of network provider meaning I do not take insurance. I can offer you a monthly superbill which you can provide to your insurance provider to seek reimbursement. Reimbursement rates will depend on your plan/provider.

METAPHYSICAL FITNESS

What is Metaphysical Fitness?

Metaphysical Fitness is a program that uses fitness training as the medium to build a more resilient body AND explore and hone a more athletic mind. When we use the appropriate amount of challenge to the body, it offers us enough physical stimulus where we can make contact with our psychological and emotional responses to stress. Identifying these responses allow us to offer new ways of engaging with ourselves in the process and over time train our self to be more sturdy and kind to us as we effort for any goal.

What does a session look like?

A 1:1 session is 60 minutes and starts with setting a physical and psycho-emotional intention. Once set, we use that intention as a touchstone throughout the physical training. My job is to keep you on track with the physical form and effort while keeping you connected with your embodied self. Between sets/reps/splits we explore your experiences with the movements and what you notice they bring up. At the end of session we cool down and integrate what we just engaged with (body/mind/spirit).

Classes follow a similar overall format: 60 minutes of intention, workout, & cool-down/integration. But classes are typically a floor-based/minimal equipment fusion of yoga, pilates, and bodyweight movements designed to challenge the body while inviting you to relate to the physical challenges from a more loving and affirming place within self.

What if I hate the gym?

Firstly, I’ll invite you to question the reasons why you think you hate the gym. But even then, if pumping iron really isn’t for you… its no problem. Any body-affirming movement can be used to explore what’s being activated in the movement.

I am trained in functional fitness; strength & conditioning; yoga; mat pilates, Animal Flow (a comprehensive body weight movement style); and kickboxing for fitness.

Where/how is this offered?

Virtual training and classes are available.

In-person training is available in Northeast Los Angeles and surrounding areas. Please connect with me to find out more information.