Frequently Asked Questions

*Sessions are typically conducted online or via phone. I do have limited availability for in-person sessions in Santa Cruz and am available for paid travel.

*Please initiate a conversation with me if finances are a challenge for you, I am available to talk about the possibilities for sliding scale options.

How does your free starter consultation work?

I offer a free 25 minute introductory phone call for anyone considering this work. If you know what your goals or challenges are, we can have a conversation to see if we might be a good match. If you are not sure where to start, we can see if we can gain clarity around possible goals during this call. If you are a couple, we can set up a call for all three of us to chat, set up a zoom call if you are in different locations, or I can offer two separate 20 minute phone calls with each of you if that is preferred. If you are wanting support as a triad or group, I am available for a single call.

If you are in urgent need, please refer to the list of resources for direct support on the relational trauma page.

What is the difference between therapy, counseling and coaching?

Traditional western therapy is often founded in a diagnostics and analytical perspectives. This is for billing insurance purposes and it is related the therapy's roots in pathology, or disease orientation. Therapy often has a focus on the past and is rooted in 'top-down' psychology. While I do therapy-like work, I am not a licensed therapist. Licensing often serves a purpose for the practitioner operating under a board of supervisors and exists for insurance reasons as well. Counseling is a more general term that may or may not include licensing. I am a registered counselor and medical provider through my enhanced social work experience. I can provide a superbill which may or may not be reimbursed by your insurance. I maintain an active relationship with licensed supervisors and mental health care mentors for my on-going support and to stay in ethical right relationship with my work.

Relational health frameworks are founded in a ‘bottom up’ therapy approach.  Relational therapy can be incorporated into coaching, counseling or traditional therapy depending on the practitioner's scope of practice. This means we are focusing on observation of strengths and building internal acceptance as a foundation for change. Sex coaching can also include ‘relational therapy practices’ which refers to a two-way human interaction, verbal and energetic, that is often out not allowed in therapists’ offices. *relational therapy practices will only be considered if it is appropriate for the client’s goals and within their boundaries, this may not be an option if we are focusing on the acute trauma reprocessing via the Somatic Experiencing modality. For more information on the foundations of my practice please go to the Tools and Services page.

What is Psychedelic Preparation & Integration?

For those who are exploring altered-states, I offer support in preparing and integrating these experiences. Preparation can be extremely helpful and is advised especially if you are new to psychedelics or have had challenging experiences in the past. The purpose of preparation is to optimize the positive benefits from a psychedelic experience and to minimize the chances of otherwise avoidable challenges. Preparation can include and is not limited to exploring any fears or anxieties around the upcoming experience, becoming familiarized with somatic resourcing in the body, and supporting realistic expectations. Integration is support on the back end of an altered-state of consciousness experience. Integration can help bridge the gaps between the boundary dissolving experiences that are psychedelics and our day to day lives. Integration can help with recent or past experiences. All work done around psychedelics and altered-state experiences are for the purpose of harm reduction and education.

What should I expect in a session? One of the reasons the somatic modalities work so well is because they are designed to mimic our organic processes outside of the office; with a primary difference being that we are slowing everything down. We are bringing compassionate self-awareness into our perspective in whatever way suits your natural tendencies. While we are always staying within the professional agreed upon boundaries, we can relationally explore emotions, thoughts, and touch as they come up naturally.

How Many Sessions Do You Recommend? There is no recommendation for the amount of sessions due to the unique nature of each individual and their specific goals. I do recommend that new clients book weekly or bi-weekly to support the relationship establishment and to gain momentum towards their goals (frequency for sessions can always be re-considered). There is no obligation to continue sessions with me once you have begun.

Can I record the session? If you would like the sessions recorded for your reference, that can be arranged. I request on-record consent by all parties for the recording and agreement around the intention for private use only.

What is Your Cancellation Policy? I request that you inform me at least 24 hours in advance for any cancellations.