A. Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic approach that provides healing for traumatic experiences. 

Everyday, we have many experiences that our brain stores into our short term memory and theoretically, during sleep, our brain processes these short term memories into our long term memories, fragmenting the memory into shorter bits - keeping what’s important and tossing out what’s not. However, when we experience traumatic and/or negative experiences, the memory is not processed in the proper way and, in a sense, stuck in our brains. As a result, when we are triggered, we experience negative emotions and behaviors. The process of EMDR allows these memories to be reprocessed properly so that the experience is desensitized and has less charge in our daily lives. 

EMDR was developed by Francine Shapiro PhD in 1987 and is now a regularly practiced evidence-based therapy designed to help individuals heal from traumatic experiences.

A. I was initially trained in EMDR Basic Training in 2010 with Phil Manfield, PhD and became a Certified EMDR Therapist in 2021. I then joined Personal Transformation Institute (PTI) in 2022 to learn PTI’s Somatic and Attachment Focused (SAFE) EMDR approach and became an EMDRIA Approved EMDR Consultant in 2024.

Additionally, I’ve taken a number of trainings over the years including: 

Basic, SAFE EMDR (Personal Transformation Institute), Attachment Focused - EMDR, AF-EMDR Addiction, RTEP/GTEP EMDR, EGO State EMDR, EMDR for Sexual Abuse Survivors, DeTur EMDR (for Addiction), EMDR for Children, EMDR for OCD, Flash EMDR, Four Blinks

A. Brainspotting, which was taken from EMDR and was developed by David Grand PhD in 2003, approaches trauma processing from the theory that where we look is where the trauma is stored.

A. I have worked closely with Pie Frey, PsyD in becoming an Brainspotting Consultant and have taken the following courses: Phase I, II, III, IV, Bodyspotting, Addiction (Crocodile Set Up)

A. An intensive session is a session that runs longer than a regular 50 minute session and is focused on using EMDR or Brainspotting to work through specific traumatic topics.

A. Yes, I provide a 15 minute phone consultation where I can provide general information about the way I work and where you can share briefly about what’s going on and what you’re seeking.

A. I don’t accept insurance, but I do accept Modern Health (individuals and couples) and BHS Online (individuals only) EAPs. I can, however, provide an insurance reimbursement statement (superbill) for possible insurance reimbursement. I do not accept Kaiser, Blue Shield/Blue Cross, Aetna, United Healthcare, etc.

A. I am currently not accepting new Lyra Health clients.

A. No.

A. I have a designated number of sliding scale slots, which are currently full.

A. My cancellation policy is 48 hours. I ask that clients cancel or reschedule appointments at least 48 hours in advance or there is a full session fee.

A. It could be one of the following reasons: You did not set up your Ivy Pay account, your intake paperwork was not completed in the required time frame provided or I did not hear back from you after multiple attempts after the initial appointment was made. Upon scheduling the first appointment, I ask that clients place a credit card on file via a mobile program called Ivy Pay to secure the appointment. I can hold an appointment without a credit card on file for 24 hours and then the appointment will be automatically cancelled.

A. Please complete all initial intake documentation at least 48 hours of the scheduled appointment as I do need to review your information. If the appointment schedule is less than 48 hours away, I will provide a date/time for completion.

A. No.

A. According to California state law, therapists must meet with clients for at minimum 30 days for on going psychotherapy before an ESA letter can be written. As a result, I do not provide ESA letters for new clients.

A. I am unable to extend leaves of absence if I did not write the initial request or for new clients.

A. Unfortunately, crisis intervention is difficult to provide in a private practice setting, so I do not provide crisis intervention. If you are having a mental health or medical crisis, please go to the nearest emergency department or call 911. You can also call the crisis hotline at 988.